Emerging from the ‘Big Brother Mzansi’ house, an overwhelming wave of applause and cheers greeted the season 5 champion, Akhonamathemba ‘Sweet Guluva’ Mbele.
The 23-year-old soccer player and barber from KwaZulu-Natal stood momentarily stunned, his eyes wide with astonishment.
He had entered the house with the simple hope of being himself, unaware of his profound impact on viewers nationwide.
“I wasn’t aware I was this popular until I came out of the house last night,” he confessed to The Sowetan.
“There was no stage in the competition where I had a strategy. I just wanted to be myself with the hopes that people would like me.”
As he stepped onto the stage, the reality of his newfound fame began to sink in. Fans chanted his name, their faces alight with admiration.
Sweet Guluva’s boy-next-door charm and genuine demeanor had resonated with many.
He said Hawu Hawu and slept through out the whole season??
SWEETMILLION
#BBMzansi#SweetGuluvaX2million #SweetGuluva pic.twitter.com/gynHVe9T0x
— Slungile Mbatha (@SlungileMbatha1) March 24, 2025
Reflecting on his time in the house, he admitted, “The difficult part of being in the house for so many weeks is having to speak English 24/7. I found it a little challenging but with time, everything was smooth sailing.”
With the R2 million prize in hand, Sweet Guluva’s thoughts turned to the future. “I plan to multiply the money. I just don’t know how yet but it will be in the property industry. I want to make more money to take care of my family and my loved ones,” he told the publication.
As he navigates the whirlwind of post-show life, Sweet Guluva remains grounded, his heart full of gratitude.
Our Millionaire #SweetGuluvaX2M #BBMzansi pic.twitter.com/y2Db6sclEx
— Boymomlife ? (@Mis_Parker2) March 24, 2025
The boy who had entered the ‘Big Brother’ house with modest hopes had emerged not only as a winner but as a beloved figure in the hearts of many South Africans.
Words: Fame Frenzy
