Big Brother contestant Thando ‘Acacia’ Mati (30) bid farewell to housemates after the second eviction night.
Following last week’s shock eviction of two housemates Mvelo Ntuli and Rethabile “Dinkybliss” Potsane, this week’s Big Brother Mzansi saw Acacia eliminated from the competition, a relief for the remaining housemates.
Speaking to host Lawrence Maleka at the eviction ceremony, Acacia said she was sad but excited to see her daughter again.
“It’s been very hard to shut out that part of my life.”
About her time in the house and her image as more of a boys’ girl, she says, “I tried to steer clear from the ladies and be more with the gents, and I guess that was also just a problem.”
Speaking to Drum, Acacia says she is looking forward to seeing her daughter.
“I’ve really missed her so much, but I am sad to have left the house,” she says.
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The Soweto-born contestant addressed her flirting with fellow Housemate B.U and realising she wasn’t the only lady in the house he had eyes for but was also eyeing Venus.
“I was really mad about it, but I felt better once I addressed it because I’m that girl.”
Acacia tells Drum she wouldn’t mind seeing Venus leave the house next.
“The betrayal for me was not nice. I considered her a friend.”
Acacia says one of the reasons she assumes she wasn’t a favourite was because she is a straight talker.
“People are not used to honesty and straight talk. I think it made the uncomfortably.” If she were to do anything differently, she would tone down on being confrontational.
“I would definitely tone down addressing issues as some people struggle with honesty,” she adds.
Acacia says she wouldn’t mind seeing Themba walk off with the prize if she's not taking it.
“He was a really cool person. We vibed, had good conversations and he was generally a nice person and the one I relate to the most in the house.”
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Being evicted from the house is not the worst challenge she has overcome.
At 18 years old Acacia discovered a lump in one of her breasts and has had two breast surgeries which have taught her endurance and appreciating life.
In a post on social media, Acacia shared her experience with almost having breast cancer.
“Having had two breast surgeries at a young age, one in 2009 and last one in 2012 due to the formation of breast lumps. I am genuinely happy that in my case the lumps were not cancerous aka non-malignant,” she says.
“I was blessed from what my breast surgeon Prof Carol Benn from the Breast Care Center at Milpark Hospital stated. During my admission to the hospital, I got to witness women with breast cancer, and I honestly don't wish it on anyone. Unfortunately, I can never breastfeed as I have silicone implants now; however I'm fortunate for being alive after excruciating surgeries,” she says.
In the future, Acacia wishes to open a cancer awareness centre or a clinic to teach young women about breast cancer, health sharing her story.
“There is so much information to share about breast cancer and I am glad I was able to share my story on Big Brother, even for a few weeks,” she says.
Big Brother Mzansi is broadcast live 24/7 on DStv Channel 198. The daily highlights show is broadcast on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161), Tuesdays to Fridays at 22h30. Sunday eviction shows are broadcast on Mzansi Magic at 18h00.
