Dube is proud of his 'Big Brother Mzansi' journey after getting a second chance.
Image: Instagram
In “Big Brother Mzansi: Umlilo”, Mpendulo Dube failed to bag enough votes to get into the "Big Brother" house. And the decision left him brokenhearted.
But fate has favoured the hopeful as, thanks to the recent twist in the reality show, he has been voted into “Big Brother Mzansi: Bazozwa" house for season 6. This time around, the viewers had his back.
However, while he was voted out on Sunday, he treasured his experience in the house.
Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle” about finally entering the house, he said it felt different this time because it was not just his dream anymore. It was a moment made possible by the fans who voted him in after he missed out on season five.
Walking through the front doors was emotional for the 22-year-old, who describes it as one of the biggest highlights of his entire experience. For Dube, the moment symbolised belonging.
“I was not the only one who believed I could be on the show; other people believed it and actually wanted to be on the show. One of the biggest highlights was walking through those doors,” he said.
Being one of the youngest people in the house came with its challenges, where he would sometimes be undermined by other housemates; however, Dube said he refused to let age define how he showed up. Instead of holding back, he chose to speak up and respectfully stand his ground.
“I didn’t focus on my age. I wanted people to see that even though I’m young, I’m mature enough and smart enough to be here,” he explained.
The environment inside the house also revealed something new about himself. While he always knew he was a dreamer and a go-getter, the experience taught him to act on those dreams.
One of the moments that tested his confidence came during his Head of House (HOH) week. Dube changed a long-standing rule in the kitchen, deciding that everyone should wash their own plates instead of the same people carrying the load.
Not everyone agreed with the change, and some housemates pushed back. Instead of reacting, Dube chose to remain calm and let things play out. “The next day, the same people who were rebellious were washing their plates,” he said.
Before entering the house, Dube’s goal was to get in and prove himself. Once inside, his focus shifted to growth and connection.
“My personal goal was to come out a better person, smarter, stronger mentally and physically and also have more connections with more people that I feel like have the same drive and passion as me,” he said.
Looking back, Dube said he has no regrets about how he played the game, but if there’s one thing he would change, it would be to go back in for another week.
He also added that he was himself throughout the game. “I was myself the whole time. The people who received me, received me. I’m proud of how I showed up.”