Since winning the Big Brother Mzansi competition in 2022, Michelle Mavundla – who is popularly known as Mphowabadimo – has made her mark in the entertainment industry.
She spoke to TRUELOVE about the different ways her life has changed since being in the spotlight.
“My life since being outside of the Big Brother Mzansi house has been very interesting and different. I’ve grown as a person and as a brand. It has been challenging to get used to the life of fame and has been an adjustment,” the 27-year-old says.
“My life has changed a lot since winning the competition and I literally don’t have time to spare. I’m always busy working and it’s funny because after Big Brother I thought I’d just go home and rest, but I do the opposite. I’m so glad that the industry has been so welcoming to me because I was worried that people would think that I’m just the winner of Big Brother, not knowing that I plan to work as hard as someone that is unknown. But my life has honestly changed for the better and my family and my son are living comfortably, and for that, I’m very grateful to my ancestors and God,” she continues.
As she has been finding her feet in the industry, Mphowabadimo tells us about her relationship with fellow reality star Themba Mabaso, popularly known as Thembabroly.
She shares how they initially tried to keep their relationship private when it started and why they decided to finally make it public.
“Shortly after the show ended, Themba and I got into a relationship and we both took a business decision to make things private so that we could protect our brands. But it’s so hard to love quietly,” she says.
READ MORE | BBMzansi winner Mphowabadimo on breaking stereotypes about sangomas in the Big Brother house
“We decided to make our relationship public because it was getting harder to keep it a secret because people would see us together and when we both do interviews, we’d always get asked about each other. Now, our relationship is much nicer because there’s no longer any hiding when we go out for lunch or when we decide to take a walk. We couldn’t do those things and it affected the relationship and we also just got tired of the secrecy,” she explains.
On what attracted her to the tattoo artist-turned-musician, Mpho says she and Themba get each other, and he has been consistent in character from the day they met.
“Themba is so humble and supportive. He’s got so much love and respect and has been consistent in his character since inside the house. Even though we are both from very different worlds, we understand each other so much and I love that he sees me through his spiritual eyes,” she says.
“After the house, we had a normal conversation and I discovered how funny and good-spirited he is. Inside the house we supported each other and became each other’s strength. I also think it’s better to be with him because dating outside the industry is tricky but our energies align so well together,” she continues.
READ MORE| Nale shares how she avoided romantic relationships in the Big Brother House
Staying true to herself as a growing brand
While she is enjoying the spotlight that has come with winning the competition, the rising star admits that she is still trying to find herself within the entertainment industry.
“It hasn’t even been five months since I won the show but so much has been happening. DSTV has given me so many platforms and I plan to utilise them all. I’m not invested in fame but rather in longevity. I love money and I don’t mind working for it. I’m involved in a lot and have interests in business and in farming. I’m also a board member of an NGO and while I’m still trying to find my feet in the industry, I plan to use all the opportunities that come but to also stay true to myself,” she reveals.
As much as her new life has caused her to have a hectic schedule, the traditional healer says that she is still trying to strike a balance between her life in media as well her spiritual life.
“Balancing my spiritual work has been tricky but I’ve consulted with my ancestors and they’ve given me an allowance to take a bit of a break. I refer to it as a dlozi hiatus and they will notify me of when to resume with work. I will take a break and go on a spiritual retreat soon but people must not think that I’ve stopped with my duties as a sangoma. Some things are private and sacred but I will share what is necessary,” she says.
One way she continues to fulfill her spiritual obligations is through her YouTube channel that has over 60 000 subscribers.
“This channel started in 2019 as an instruction from my ancestors and it continues to grow. The channel is about my life as a young healer but my ancestors also use it to teach people about African spirituality. For now the content is focused on my life after Big Brother but after my hiatus, I’ll resume teaching about African spirituality,” she promises.
For now though, Mpho has a lot in store for her fans and encourages them to keep themselves glued to her social media platforms.
Don't miss our top stories, sign up to the TRUELOVE newsletter now!
