Day 17: Big Brother Mzansi Housemates Share their Thoughts with Biggie in the Diary Sessions Ahead of Sunday’s Eviction.
Ten housemates have been nominated. Dene Jones, Didi, Ilano, King Wanda, Liema, Mashel, Mmeli, Que, Thandeka and Ramona will be facing possible eviction at Sunday’s live show. Leading the diary room sessions for the week leading up to Sunday, Head of House Tumi the Barber was the first to sit down with Big Sister, admitting his day didn’t go as planned. Frustrated by housemates challenging his authority and dragging their feet during tasks, he said wager preparations were chaotic and that personal feelings often got in the way of teamwork. Emotional and reflective, Tumi the Barber explained choosing Ramona over Trixie strategically and acknowledged how the house mirrors experiences from his life outside.
Check out Tumi the Barber’s diary session:
Dene Jones said she was feeling better and learning to step back when annoyed, though clashes with Thandeka left her frustrated. She playfully admitted wanting to kiss Tumi the Barber this week but recognised miscommunications and also reflected on resolving issues with King Wanda. Didi expressed nervous excitement, hoping to avoid nominations, and revealed that she feels Thandeka is constantly coming for her and not listening to what she has to say. She also feels misunderstood by others in the house and clarified that a past crush on Mmeli is over.
Mashel described the week as slower, reflecting on the house as a “marketing agency” pitching ideas. While partly confident, he criticised Tumi for unproductive meetings and noted clique dynamics making the house feel like high school. Bravo B, meanwhile, found the week dull but appreciated the connections he’s made, enjoying being “Untouchable” and emphasising his desire to remain authentic.
Watch Mashel’s diary session:
Ilano opened up about feeling drained by the house’s curiosity into her personal life, particularly around her romantic interests, and expressed distrust towards most housemates. Que reflected on the overwhelming energy in the house, fatigue from challenges, and surviving nominations, while clarifying a kiss with Trixie meant nothing.
Both Thandeka and Mmeli shared candid reflections during their diary sessions. Thandeka described the day as lazy and tense, frustrated by housemates expecting to be coddled and criticised her for not supporting ideas she didn’t agree with. Highlighting the “triangulation” in the house, she withdrew from this week’s wager, noting that others, like Ofentse, were liked more because they could act, while she stays true to herself.
Mmeli, nominated this week, said he wasn’t worried but voiced frustration at the negativity, immaturity, and self-interest he observed in the house. While he appreciates wins like the King Pie challenge, he dislikes relying on others and admitted he sometimes has to play strategically, even if it doesn’t come naturally.

Mmeli | SUPPLIED
Trixie shared with big Sister that she is doing fine, but noted the energy in the house is tense and that housemates are lazy. She explained that the past two days were difficult, feeling stuck at times, but the group eventually understood what needed to be done. Sharing her highest moment this week, she said it’s not being nominated. Trixie added that she has no strategy in the house and appreciates being herself.
Ramona was emotional during her diary session, explaining that a lot is happening in the house. Crying, she told Big Sister that she was surprised to be nominated by the Head of House and wondered if her role in the house is complete. She added that she misses her son and is processing her feelings about being up for eviction.
From discussions about teamwork to failed relationships and friendships, each diary session offered a glimpse into how the housemates are navigating life inside the house.