Eastern Cape creatives, media personalities, former housemates and supporters of Big Brother Mzansi season five runner-up Uyanda Hlangabezo are set to gather in his hometown of Ngcobo to officially welcome him back.
Before joining the house, the 24-year-old graduated at Nelson Mandela University and now teaches in Gqeberha.
Hlangabezo, born in Goso village, described his journey as challenging. He had previously tried and failed twice to enter the show.
He failed to win the show but won the hearts of many supporters.
When he came second to Akhonamathemba “Sweet Guluva” Mbele, his fans started raising money for him to match the R2m prize money of the competition. This has risen to about R300,000.
“As much as it came as a surprise especially to my grandmother, my journey has been a bit challenging as it is something I’ve been wanting.
“I auditioned for the third time, and that is when they took me in.
“Honey Badger”, as referred to by his supporters, described his character in the house as someone who had the ability to stand on his own, while adapting to different characters.
“When I got to the house, I was someone who was not afraid to stand up for himself and protect himself from any kind of abuse or disrespect.
“As someone who always surrounded himself with positive energies, the BBM journey was challenging as I had to jell with people from different backgrounds,” he said.
He said his competitiveness pushed him to become a runner-up.
“I have managed to build relationships in the house as even now there are housemates that I am still in contact with, such as Sweet Guluva, Nsuku, Abobo and Siphesihle.
“Seeing the love and impact outside is something that is beautiful to witness and overwhelming at the same time, because we were in the house not knowing what was happening in the outside world,” he said.
“So to come out and receive the amount of love that we receive from the public still amazes ... that is something I will be forever grateful for, as there are many housemates that wish for that.”
The “pedagogical practitioner” believes that authenticity is the shortest way to people’s hearts.
“I believe what made people fall in love with me was being genuine and authentic because some people go into that house with strategies but I just went there and was myself.”
Hlangabezo sent a huge shoutout to his supporters, especially in the education field.
“I would like to send appreciation to my “Honey Badgers”, the amount of support that they showed me is incredible.
“Mostly, I would like to be specific about the education sector, the love I have received from schools in Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape at large.
“Some schools allow their pupils to attend school with their cellphones, I want to say I see and recognise what they did for me.”
On what lies in the future, he said he planned to go back to acting.
“There is a lot that is on my plate right now, but going forward I am planning on going back to acting because that is what I used to do in varsity.
“Hosting events, being an MC, especially in the school sector, event promoter and mainly brand ambassador.”
The homecoming event will be on Saturday.
One of the guests of honour is season four contestant Liema Pantsi.
The Qonce-born star confirmed his appearance.
“He supported me while I was in the house, and that shows how much we love each other as people from the Eastern Cape.
“I cannot wait to see his dreams and desires come to fruition, and that his family is proud of him.
“Even though he did not take the money, he is our winner.”
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.