Mzansi holds the power of redemption
Big Brother Mzansi has introduced one of its boldest twists yet. For the first time in the show’s history, seven former housemates have been offered a shot at redemption — but their fate now lies entirely in the hands of viewers.
Dube, Mmeli, Fahima, Sipha Lee, Bravo B, Lerato Modise and Liema — collectively dubbed the “Redeemed 7” — are relying on Mzansi’s votes to grant them a second chance at Biggie’s house and the ultimate prize.
Before casting a vote via the official Mzansi Magic Big Brother platform, it’s worth revisiting the controversies, twists and dramatic moments that cut each of their journeys short. This isn’t just a popularity contest — it’s about whose unfinished business resonates most with South Africa.
Online reaction shows the twist has reopened debate around fairness. Some viewers, as noted in this X post, believe Big Brother is “trying to correct his mistakes”, arguing that several housemates were unfairly evicted. Others insist the move is unfair to new contestants because returning players already command established fan bases (source) .
Ranking the Controversial Exits: From Personal Failures to Production Twists
7. Liema: The strategic cash-out
The controversy:
On Day 57 of Season 4, Liema faced a life-altering decision: take R250,000 and leave immediately, or stay and fight for the grand prize. She chose the money.
Why it ended her dream:
Though not an eviction, her choice ignited fierce debate. Did she lack belief in her chances, or was she simply playing a smarter game?
The redemption pitch:
Since leaving the house, Liema has built a successful international DJ career. Her return would finally answer the lingering “what if?” — and test whether global success has translated into competitive confidence.
Viewer Sentiment:
Some viewers support Liema’s return, arguing she was content and decisive rather than fearful. Others object strongly, saying her large fan base gives her an unfair advantage and could predetermine the outcome.
6. Sipha Lee: Casualty of Alliance Politics
The Controversy:
A strong competitor in Season 5, Sipha Lee’s downfall was his association with the polarising Bandana Boys alliance. Accused by viewers of bullying tactics, the group quickly became public enemy number one, leading to Sipha Lee’s eviction on Day 28.
Why it Ended His Dream:
His exit blurred the line between individual gameplay and collective punishment. Post-show reflections — including his decision to step back and prioritise mental health — revealed a far more layered individual than viewers initially saw.
The Redemption Pitch:
Sipha Lee hopes to prove he is more than an alliance label. The question remains: can he rewrite his narrative, or will past perceptions follow him back into the house?
Viewer Sentiment:
Reaction to Sipha Lee remains mixed, with some viewers uncertain whether he would thrive outside group politics, while others remain undecided about his return (source).
5. Dube: The launch night snub
The Controversy:
During Season 5’s brutal premiere, housemates were forced to vote each other into the house. Dube failed to secure enough votes — and never even crossed the threshold.
Why it Ended His Dream:
He didn’t lose a challenge or a public vote — he was excluded before the game began. No alliances, no screen time, no chance to compete. His exit remains one of the harshest in Big Brother Mzansi history.
The Redemption Pitch:
Dube’s appeal is simple: he never received a first chance. As a creative content creator, he now asks for the opportunity to build a real legacy inside the house.
Viewer Sentiment:
Viewer backing for Dube is among the strongest. Fans argue he was robbed of the Big Brother experience, with others insisting this is finally “his moment to shine”.
4. Fahima: The disposable disrupter
The Controversy:
Introduced in Season 4 as a “Disrupter”, Fahima’s role was designed to cause chaos — with a predetermined expiry date. After 22 days, the public voted to retain another disrupter, resulting in her automatic eviction.
Why it ended her dream:
Her entire stay was temporary by design. Forming genuine alliances was nearly impossible when everyone knew her presence came with an end date.
The redemption pitch:
This time, Fahima wants to play the real game — no twists, no gimmicks, just strategy, personality and a fair shot at the crown.
Viewer Sentiment:
While some viewers oppose her return outright, others argue she was set up by the format itself and never competed on equal footing with permanent housemates.
3. Mmeli: Doomed by a Forced Pairing
The Controversy:
On Big Brother Titans, Mmeli was locked into the infamous “Jemeli” pairing with Jenni O. Their explosive dynamic dominated his storyline, leading to his eviction as the fifth housemate.
Why it Ended His Dream:
Mmeli’s individual identity was swallowed by the pairing. Viewers never fully saw his solo charisma — something he has since channelled into a growing modelling career.
The Redemption Pitch:
Unshackled from forced dynamics, Mmeli now seeks to show the street-smart, authentic version of himself that never had room to breathe.
Viewer Sentiment:
Supporters say Mmeli left early because he was paired with the wrong partner, while critics argue that his international exposure on Titans gave him an advantage most new players lack.
2. Lerato Modise: Betrayed by the Wheel of Fate
The controversy:
After surviving 50 days in Season 4, Lerato Modise’s future came down to chance in the infamous Fate Room. One spin of the Wheel landed on “Evicted,” sending her out instantly instead of into the finals.
Why it ended her dream:
Weeks of strong gameplay were erased by sheer luck. For many viewers, it was one of the most unjust exits in Big Brother Mzansi Mzansi history.
The redemption pitch:
Since leaving the house, Lerato has channelled her platform into philanthropy, with NOWinSA previously highlighting her heartwarming work supporting education and dignity for underprivileged schoolchildren. Her return represents a quest for the fair chance she never received.
Viewer Sentiment: Viewer:
Opinion remains divided, but many fans insist Lerato is a strong gamer who was overlooked, arguing her eviction remains one of the most unjust in the franchise.
1. Bravo B: The Self-inflicted Disqualification
The Controversy:
Bravo B’s Season 4 journey ended within a week after he was disqualified for making offensive, non-consensual remarks — a scandal that followed him beyond the house.
Why it Ended His Dream:
This was no twist or strategy failure. The incident sparked a national conversation about accountability, costing him his job and triggering widespread backlash.
The Redemption Pitch:
Bravo B’s is the most complex redemption story of all. He has publicly expressed remorse and claims personal growth. A return would be a public test: has real change occurred, or is this simply a bid for lost relevance?
Viewer Sentiment:
Public opinion is sharply divided. While some viewers oppose his inclusion entirely, others align with those who believe Big Brother Mzansi is attempting to correct past mistakes — as stated noted in this thread entertainment commentator Jabu Macdonald — naming Bravo B among those who deserve a chance to prove personal change.
Your vote, their future: How to decide
As you weigh these stories, consider what kind of redemption matters most:
- The wronged by production: Lerato, Mmeli
- The unseen potential: Dube, Fahima
- The flawed strategists: Liema, Sipha Lee
- The personal reckoning: Bravo B
Mzansi now holds the power to decide which narratives deserve continuation.
How to cast your vote
- Register: Visit the official Mzansi Magic Big Brother website, click Vote, then Register.
- Verify: Enter the OTP sent via SMS.
- Vote: Select your favourite housemate and cast up to 100 free votes on the website or mobile site.
- Additional platforms: Active DStv subscribers can access extra votes via the MyDStv App under the Big Brother Mzansi Redemption banner.
🗓 Voting closes: Thursday, January 8, 2026
📺 Results announced live: Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 18:00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161)
The stakes have never been higher
This redemption twist is more than reality TV — it’s a reflection of second chances and growth. As reigning champion Sweet Guluva proved during his Season 5 victory, success comes from authenticity, strategy and emotional intelligence. His rise — from fan favourite to winner — was unpacked by NOWinSA in this analysis of how he won viewers’ hearts and confirmed when he was crowned the official Season 5 winner after a fierce Top 5 showdown.
Now, the Redeemed 7 must meet that same standard.
Whose unfinished business is most compelling?
Mzansi’s vote will decide.
Stories Shaping South Africa Today.
