When the latest season of Big Brother Mzansi premiered in January 2026 under the theme “Bazozwa,” it introduced a new group of housemates. Among them, Ilano Sky soon became a noticeable presence for viewers across South Africa.

At 22, Ilano entered the house as the first openly transgender woman to compete in the programme’s history. Her participation marked a notable moment for the show and added to ongoing conversations about visibility in local entertainment.

Ilano arrived aware of the visibility that came with being the show’s first openly transgender housemate. Before entering the house, she prepared for the scrutiny that accompanies reality television and public attention. In interviews after the season began, she explained that she joined the competition with a sense of purpose, not a calculated strategy.

Ilano Sky – Instagram

Unlike contestants who focus heavily on alliances and gameplay tactics, Ilano chose authenticity. She showed little interest in manipulating storylines or creating a television persona. Her intention was to remain herself, avoiding turning the show into a strategic performance.

This approach contrasted with the confrontational style often associated with reality television. Instead of dominating the house through conflict or carefully planned alliances, Ilano became known for her everyday interactions with fellow housemates.

During her time in the house, she gained recognition for helping with routine tasks. She cooked meals, styled hair, assisted with make-up and supported other contestants during tense moments. These contributions shaped the social atmosphere inside the house.

Ilano Sky – Instagram

In a house built around competition, Ilano’s presence added a different energy to the group dynamic. Her actions were not presented as a strategy to win favour but reflected how she naturally interacted with people.

Ilano chose not to make her gender identity the central storyline of her time on the show. After her eviction, she explained that she never intended for her participation to be defined only by her identity as a transgender woman.

She said her goal was normalisation, not activism. Ilano wanted to compete, socialise and engage with other housemates without being reduced to a single label. In reality television, where minority contestants are sometimes framed mainly through identity narratives, that choice stood out.

Ilano Sky – Instagram

Her time in the house lasted seven weeks and ended just before the competition reached its Top 10 stage. Although she did not reach the final stretch of the game, her presence became one of the most discussed aspects of the season.

Online discussions among South African viewers often referenced her style, humour and openness. At the same time, her participation exposed tensions that still exist around representation on mainstream television. The season also included moments and remarks that some viewers considered insensitive, prompting debate across social media platforms.

Ilano Sky – Instagram

Following her exit, Ilano spoke about plans to build a career in acting, presenting and beauty work. She already had experience in hair styling and make-up, skills she used inside the house while helping fellow contestants prepare for events and diary sessions.

Her appearance on Big Brother Mzansi introduced a different form of representation on one of South Africa’s most watched entertainment platforms. Her time in the house continued to generate conversation after the season.

Ilano did not win the competition, but her participation marked a shift in representation within the show’s history.

South African TikTok creator Moghelingz attended the red carpet premiere of the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, in Birmingham. Known for character-driven comedy skits online, the 23-year-old content creator was among the digital personalities invited to the event celebrating the continuation of the British crime drama.

Born in Standerton, Mpumalanga, Moghelingz, whose real name is Banele Ndaba, gained a large following on TikTok during the pandemic period. His short comedy sketches and everyday social scenarios helped him build a strong online audience.

Moghelingz – Instagram

The premiere marked the launch of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the feature-length continuation of the series created by Steven Knight. The project continues the story of the Shelby crime family, including the character portrayed by Cillian Murphy. The event drew cast members, industry guests and international media attention.

For the occasion, Moghelingz wore a pinstripe suit designed by South African fashion designer Sihle Masango. The tailored look referenced the sharp suits associated with characters in the series, while beadwork details incorporated elements inspired by traditional South African design. The styling also included polished brogues and a toothpick, a visual nod to the style often associated with the series.

His invitation to the premiere reflects the growing inclusion of digital creators at major entertainment events. Film studios and streaming platforms are increasingly engaging social media personalities as part of promotional strategies aimed at online audiences.

Moghelingz – Instagram

Moghelingz first gained broader public recognition after his comedic videos circulated widely on TikTok, where he built a substantial following. In 2022 he received the Content Creator of the Year award at the Clout Africa Awards, acknowledging his contribution to the African digital content space.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is expected to continue the story of the Shelby family following the television series run between 2013 and 2022. The film is scheduled for release on Netflix after its premiere screening.

Fresh off a SAFTA nomination for Best TV Presenter, Zanele Potelwa is back to host Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12. The long-running reality series, which has captivated South African audiences since 2008, will once again see celebrities and contestants facing high-stakes challenges on a luxury island. With surprises, new celebrity participants, and the show’s signature thrills, Zanele is set to guide viewers through what promises to be the most exciting season yet.

Season 12 builds on the show’s established adventure  format although it introduces new elements to intensify the challenges. The series continues to pair South African celebrities with public contestants, placing them in teams that must compete in a series of island-based challenges. These tasks are a combination of physical endurance, teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving. Each episode features competitive games that determine power advantages and eliminations, gradually reducing the number of participants.

Zanele:Instagram

Season 12 will include fresh twists and more unpredictable gameplay mechanics. The new season promises unexpected rules  and surprise moments designed to disrupt alliances and keep contestants on edge.

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The competition remains centered around a new cash reward of R1 million. The winning celebrity and their partner share the prize after modification to the new format. Additional rules are expected in the coming season.

As of the latest announcement, the cast for Season 12 has not been revealed. Producers have confirmed that this will be done close to the premiere. The franchise typically features entertainment, sports, and digital media.

Filming details have not been disclosed, adding to speculation about the new season’s island destination. Previous seasons have taken place in  Zanzibar and Mauritius.

Zanele:Instagram

Speaking about her return, Potelwa described hosting the new season as “a dream come true,” adding that it is set to be the biggest season yet.

“Being back as host for Tropika Island Of Treasure is a dream come true. I am beside myself that I get to come back and host another season. I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is going to be the biggest season yet,” Zanele Potelwa says. 

With new twists and an unrevealed celebrity cast, Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 continues the franchise’s run.