South Africa is a melting pot, boasting an array of languages, official and unofficial. So, it is no surprise that on Big Brother Mzansi, housemates communicate in different languages and dialects. However, in the season to come, housemates will be encouraged to stick to English. Former YoTV presenter Sipho Ngwenya, better known to the world as Psyfo, shares the reasons why.
On X (formerly Twitter), entertainment commentator Phil Mphela shared a snippet of a video of a Big Brother Mzansi press conference where Psyfo, Multichoice’s Content Operations Senior Manager, explains the need for English on the show.
“We’re an English channel. Even though we’re a black mass, it is English at the end of the day. Most of the content on our channel has to be translated to English. And, because it’s a live channel, we don’t have subtitles. That’s basically the main reason why,” noted Psyfo.
He added that Big Brother is an international format and that the South African version of the show is licensed. “So, the format rights holders want us to constantly have English because they need to intervene at any point when something is happening that is potentially a risk towards their brand.
“If you say something in vernac, and you have to translate it to English but now you’re losing the context, it can become a bit of a mess. So, I do understand the frustration you might have in terms of wanting to express yourself and now you feel like you’re limited having to talk in English.”
The former Generations star also stated that the above is a problem experienced all over the world. “It’s not just new to South Africa,” adding, “I think it’s going to change, fortunately, but I obviously want our own formats that will allow us to do whatever we want to do that are just as great as Big Brother.”
For those asking about speaking vernac on Big Brother.
Here is what Sipho Ngwenya , Multichoice’s Content Operations Senior Manager, had to say about why housemates have to speak more English on the show.
Isilungu / Sekgowa is important for the licensed format. #BBMzansi pic.twitter.com/hRFDX25HNz
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 12, 2023
Also see: Big Brother Mzansi set to return
