Mandla Hlatshwayo – who won the first season of Big Brother Mzansi (BBMzansi) in 2014 – has opened up about his regrets and financial struggles.

The reality TV star and businessman, told Zimoja that his social media rant resulted in brands cancelling him.

 

‘BBMZANSI’ SEASON 1 WINNER MANDLA HLATSHWAYO OPENS UP
Following his BBMzansi win, Mandla bagged a reality TV show titled Mandla and Lex with his partner and mother of his two children, Lexi Van – real name Brumilda van Niekerk. He is became a presenter on the Mzansi Wethu music show Please Call Me. However, Mandela’s life changed for the worst after his social media tirade.

“I regret having the rant because it squandered my brand.

“I was not fully aware of how big my brand was and that ruined everything for me. Some of my fans left and I lost work,” Mandla said.LOSING HIS HOUSE
When Mandla won BBMzansi he also bought a house and renovated his mother’s house.

“I have heard stories of people misspending their winnings but I feel I was responsible with my money. I was not out every night. I renovated my mom’s home and bought myself a home,” he says.

He, unfortunately, had to sell his house in during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“I had no choice. I could not afford to keep the house anymore. That is one of my biggest regrets, getting rid of my home.

“I bought that home with my winnings and managed to keep it even in hard times, but due to the pandemic, I felt I needed to let it go. I downgraded and just focused on staying alive,” Mandla explained.The former reality TV star said he is now trying to make ends meet and would love to go back to presenting.

“That is something I was really good at then and I would do that again for sure