Mandla Hlatshwayo, the 2014 Big Brother Mzansi champion and ex-reality TV personality, recently spoke with ZiMoja about his post-victory life.
Mandla Hlatshwayo, the 2014 Big Brother Mzansi champion and ex-reality TV personality, recently spoke with ZiMoja about his post-victory life. He candidly discussed his most significant regrets and the experience of returning to his hometown after selling his house. He expressed his willingness to share his journey, hoping that it will inspire others and pave the way for his return to the entertainment industry.
He is gradually reintegrating himself into the entertainment industry and is set to take on a behind-the-scenes role as an influencer for Big Brother. Following his victory on Big Brother Mzansi in 2014 alongside his partner, Lexi Van (Brumilda van Niekerk), Mandla experienced a positive transformation in his life, expanding his fan base even further. He secured additional opportunities in the reality TV realm and became a presenter on the music show "Please Call Me." However, a social media outburst had a detrimental impact, something Mandla deeply regrets. "I deeply regret that outburst because it tarnished my brand," he laments. "I underestimated the significance of my brand, and it had a detrimental effect on everything. I lost some of my fans, and work opportunities slipped away."
Following his social media outburst, Mandla found himself needing to explore alternative sources of income due to its impact on his financial stability. He entered the fitness industry, a pursuit that held personal significance for him as he was also striving to improve his physical fitness at the time. "It was something I genuinely needed at the moment. I was working on my physique because I had gained weight," he shares. "My fitness journey started there, and I eventually immersed myself in the fitness world. I became a trainer and delved into various aspects of fitness," he elaborates. Alongside his partner, Lexi, the mother of their four-year-old and two-year-old, Mandla embarked on this fitness venture, a journey that was abruptly challenged by the onset of the pandemic, jeopardizing their livelihood.
"After clinching the Big Brother title and prize money, Mandla invested in a new residence and undertook significant renovations on his family's home. Reflecting on his financial choices, he shared, 'While tales of reckless spending abound, I believe I handled my winnings responsibly. I refrained from nightly extravagance and instead directed my resources towards enhancing my mother's house and acquiring a personal residence.'"
"However, the year 2020, amidst the pandemic, compelled Mandla to make a difficult decision. He disclosed, 'I had no alternative but to sell my house and return to my family's abode. It's a decision I deeply regret – parting with the house I acquired with my winnings. I managed to maintain it through tough times, but the pandemic forced me to relinquish it. I downsized and concentrated on survival.'"
"Now, Mandla is diligently striving to make ends meet. Although he ruled out a return to the Big Brother house, he expressed interest in pursuing a career as a TV host, remarking, 'Back then, I was just 24 when I entered the house in 2014. I've evolved significantly since then, and I have no regrets about that period, but I've matured into a different phase of life. I wouldn't mind hosting on television again; it's something I excelled at and would gladly revisit.'"
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