Sis Tamara says goodbye to the Big Brother Mzansi House

After 64 Days in the Big Brother Mzansi Season 3 House and plenty of plotting between the Housemates, 3 contestants were eliminated at the 9th and penultimate Sunday live eviction ceremony.

Among the trio, who all missed a spot in the Top 5, was film student Ukho Samela, better known as Sis Tamara.

As the gender non-conforming Sis Tamara explains, she entered Big Brother Mzansi to represent the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender and Queer (LBGTQIA+) community in a positive light – and she did just that.

“The R2 million cash prize was announced after I had entered the competition, so it was never about the money,” says Sis Tamara, before adding, “I’d like to see more queer people tell their own stories and control their own narratives on TV and by entering Big Brother Mzansi, I did just that. I stood for a cause, and I showed viewers that there’s more to queer people than their [sexualities]. I won challenges, created good friendships and I completed all the tasks to the best of my ability. In essence, I played a good game, and I couldn’t be any happier with my Big Brother Mzansi journey,” adds the 25-year-old film student.

Besides her eccentric outfits, and surviving multiple evictions, Sis Tamara will be remembered for her sultry dance moves during the Saturday Night parties. Below, Sis Tamara discusses the bonds she created in Biggie’s House and how she re-discovered herself.

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Sis Tamara’s Biggie’s House Rules

What was your strategy for winning Big Brother Mzansi?

“I still struggle with answering this question because I didn’t enter the House with a clear strategy, but over time I was forced to devise some sort of tactic to stay in the game. Initially, I thought that I would get into the House, be myself and that would carry me through. However, that isn’t the nature of the game as Big Brother Mzansi requires a person to plot with other Housemates. As the competition developed, I was less emotional and more logical.”

Were there any fears or reservations when you entered Big Brother Mzansi?

“As a queer person, I was expecting backlash and I thought that viewers wouldn’t support me. Before coming to the House, I’d experienced homophobia and to some degree, I anticipated [criticism from viewers] but I was embraced and viewers across the country welcomed me into their homes with open arms.”

What do you think viewers will learn about the queer community from your time in Biggie’s House?

“Everyone’s journey is different – the queer community is diverse, and so are our stories. In the House I learnt that I don’t have to fit into a box. I just have to be unapologetically me and have fun while being myself.”

Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself?

“I faced my fears. Being in the Big Brother Mzansi House constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone. There would be times when doubt would creep in, especially in week 5, when there were a few contestants, and the tasks were getting increasingly hard. I also realised that there was room [within me] for self-acceptance, self-love, and self-appreciation.”

We’re a week away from the finale. Who are you rooting for?

“There are people that I have my eye on: Tulz and Mphowabadimo. Firstly, Tulz and I forged a brotherhood. It was easy to be around him, and I like that he is hungry to win. As for Mphowabadimo, she and I didn’t start off on the right foot [and we had a few clashes along the way]. While we were in the House, we started chatting and I found myself drawn to her personality and story. Like me, Mpho stands for a bigger purpose: she is a traditional healer, and she represents a marginalised community. There’s pressure that comes with being the voice of a certain group and Mpho is doing a great job at representing traditional healers.”

What’s next for you?

“I’m going to complete my film degree and once that’s done and out of the way, I’d like to start working with brands that align with who I am.”

When and where to watch

• Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) airs the daily shows on Tuesdays to Fridays at 22:00
• Highlights on Saturdays at 21:30
• Shower Hour on Tuesdays to Fridays at 10:30
• Saturday Night Parties at 21:00
• Live eviction shows on Sundays at 18:00.
• Meanwhile, the action continues non-stop on the 24-hour Channel Big Brother Mzansi Pop-up Channel (DStv Channel 198).

See you on the official #BBMzansi socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBmzansi

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BBMzansi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbromzansi/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bigbrothermzansi

Watch Big Brother Mzansi Season 3, Sundays on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) at 18:00 and on Catch Up, and daily on Big Brother Mzansi Pop-up Channel (DStv Channel 198).

Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161) and the Big Brother Mzansi Pop-up Channel (DStv Channel 198) are available exclusively on the DStv Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact packages. To upgrade your existing package, click here. Or if you'd like to Get DStv, find a service that suits your needs here.