The Big Brother Mzansi house has once again found itself in hot water following transphobic remarks made towards housemate and trans woman Ilano Sky, sparking widespread outrage both inside and outside the house.
The controversy began after housemate Thandeka was accused of making a dismissive comment about Ilano’s womanhood. In a clip circulating on X, fellow housemate The Don reveals that he heard Thandeka say that “Ilano has only been a woman for two minutes.”
The situation escalated when another housemate, Ramona, allegedly repeated similar sentiments, stating that Ilano is a man and should therefore use the men’s section when the house bell rings.
Nelisiwe calls out transphobia in the house
Nelisiwe later confronted the comments head-on, calling out the behaviour during a heated exchange in the house.
“Guys, we can be rude and all that, but what we will not do is be transphobic, homophobic and all the phobics in this house,” Nelisiwe said. “How dare Ramona say when the bell rings Ilano must go to the men’s section because you’ve only been a woman for two years. You don’t do that.”
Social media backlash and petition gains traction
Since the incident aired, social media has been ablaze with reactions. While many viewers have condemned the remarks and rallied behind Ilano, there has also been a disturbing wave of comments online incorrectly referring to Ilano as a man.
These comments are not only factually wrong but deeply transphobic, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and erasing Ilano’s identity as a woman. Advocacy groups and viewers have stressed that such language contributes to real-world discrimination and violence against trans people.
The backlash has also resulted in a petition calling for Thandeka’s eviction from the house, which has reportedly garnered over 13,000 signatures at the time of writing.
Trans voices demand accountability
Well-known transgender media personality Dominic Zaca weighed in on social media, expressing both solidarity with Ilano and frustration with the show’s handling of the situation.
“Ilano Sky, you are the first. They will attack you, but your presence has done more than you can imagine,” Zaca wrote. “Big Brother Mzansi, fix it! Your discrimination, which you allow, has been in our faces for far too long. Women are so comfortable with homophobia and transphobia they don’t even realise the benefits of gay rights and how intertwined we are.”
Fellow trans media personality Yaya Mavundla also criticised the channel and production company, questioning the intent behind the show.
“We need channels to have shows that are meaningful and intentional,” Mavundla told MambaOnline. “What do people gain from watching Big Brother Mzansi besides watching people fight & drama? We need a portion of edutainment. The things we see on TV need to have intention as to why they are there, and transphobia, violence and hate can’t be classified as entertainment.
“You can’t tell me you will have a trans person in the house and allow that person to be ill-treated. There is no intention of protecting Ilano as someone coming from a marginalised community.”
Mavundla further pointed out that Ramona felt emboldened to repeat the comment because no immediate action was taken after Thandeka’s initial remark.
“It’s sad that both the channel and production have not said anything. Big Brother heard Thandeka and Ramona say it. They were supposed to deal with it at the same time. That’s why they say Big Brother is always watching.”
Thandeka responds as calls for action grow
In a subsequent diary session, Thandeka defended herself, offering her version of events.
“So, I made a comment about Ilano because she kept making jabs,” Thandeka said. “I said, ‘It’s that oestrogen, and it’s driving her crazy.’ I said that in terms of being a woman. We PMS, we fluctuate. Sometimes we’re irritable, sometimes we feel a certain way. Maybe she hasn’t found a way to control it.
“She tried to make it a homophobic comment that was said last night, not now, because she was looking for something. Whatever they brought my way, I took it, stood my ground, and it ended like that. Later, she came to me asking, ‘Where do you enter the fact that I am trans?’ and I just said, ‘Get away from me.’ I wasn’t willing to engage.”
As calls grow louder for accountability and intervention, many viewers are now questioning Big Brother Mzansi’s duty of care towards contestants from marginalised communities, and whether the show will take meaningful action to address discrimination within the house.
MambaOnline reached out to Big Brother Mzansi for comment regarding the incident. A representative for the show said they were unable to comment at this time and advised viewers to continue watching the show to see what reaction, if any, Big Brother would have and what steps would be taken in response to the incident.
15 Responses
They both need to be disqualified
Thandeka and Ramona must leave the show , This is insane and they are not obeying the rules
They are so wrong for doing such a thing to Gadlaza, they really need to be disqualified
I am not happy wha thandika she must go Big brother
Honestly speaking I don’t care whether Thandeka said it or Ramona both of them are bullies and they shouldn’t have said that because they don’t know the pain Ilano went through to discover her true self it very heartbreaking seeing other women promoting transphobio instead of empowering one another as ladies. At this point it doesn’t matter who said it both of them needs to be disqualified the fact that they both didn’t participate in the wager tasks that means there’s more coming.
I’m signing this petition because transphobic behavior should have real consequences. Ilano deserves the same respect and protection as anyone else. Actions that target someone’s identity create harm and don’t belong in a fair environment. For that reason, I support Ramona and Thandeka being disqualified. This is about accountability and making it clear that discrimination is not acceptable.
Bigbrother must send both home because what they said is wrong its transphopic
And if big brother dont it will be wrong thank you.
Big brother must send them home they are very transphopic Ramona always goes in people’s space and Thandeka is mean
Thandeka claim to be bullied but is the one who bullied others .first day first night she was up with Didi about her skin ..ther is no one who want to have acne on her or his face .she called them morons ….so many things abusive and bullying words. Discrimatory and what so ever …
big brother thandeka and Ramona must be disqualified,they are bullies
Why Thandeka and Ramona are still in the house? They were supposed to be home already, Big brother is waiting for more damage, pains and more to the house,the world is watching.
As far as Thandeka is concerned she was supposed to be disciplined long time u do not know what big brother wants to see more..
She has the audacity to say Ramona she will not take punishment individually
What message is these bullying tactics sending out to
People,young or matured.
She is not there to play a game she’s there to insult people they must cry and think less of themselves.
Set the example to society big brother we are watching as scholars
Thandeka must leave big brother’s house
I think Thandeka must live the house so that she can go & learn respect at home,look now how she bad influence Ramona,she has now completely change
Where can I sign the petition please? This bully needs to go home!! It’s been a long time coming, unless Big brother is protecting her for some reason. Ramona needs to go too.