The Big Brother South Africa: Bazozwa season held its finale yesterday, announcing Liema Pantsi as the winner.
Liema, a 24-year-old singer, hails from Qonce (King William’s Town) in the Eastern Cape. In the sixth season of the reality TV show, she beat runner-up Thandeka Tshabalala based on fan votes. It was a remarkably dramatic win for Liema, as her journey came full circle through a series of impressive comebacks.
The Comebacks
In 2024, Liema appeared in the S’yamosha season but left the game early for R250,000, instead of staying to compete for the R2 million grand prize. On that fateful day, she was in the “Fate Room,” a twist where housemates must make high-stakes decisions. Liema was given two options: stay in the game and fight for the grand prize, or take R250,000 and leave the show immediately. 
She chose the latter, which shocked fans and made headlines. While some called it a smart move, many viewed it as a missed chance at the grand prize. Liema later revealed that the decision wasn’t as straightforward as people thought.
According to News24, she explained that she misunderstood the rules; she believed pressing the buzzer would start a decision process, but it instead automatically locked in her choice to take the money.
Liema also added that once she realized she had a strong fan base rooting for her, she believed she could have won. However, she expressed no regrets and decided to invest the money into her music career and skincare business.
SEE ALSO: ‘Please Wear Black’ BBNaija Star Angel Smith Confirms Wedding To Female Partner
The Bazozwa Twist
At one point in the Bazozwa season, Liema Pantsi was actually evicted from the house, seemingly ending her chances at the grand prize. The game’s dynamics and voting patterns worked against her that week, and her eviction came as a surprise to many viewers who saw her as a strong contender.
However, in a dramatic twist, fans were given the power to decide which of the evicted housemates deserved another shot. Liema was voted back in.
It is safe to say her temporary eviction gave her a clearer understanding of how she was perceived by the public. It allowed her to adjust her strategy and relationships, leading her to play a smarter, more intentional game by maintaining visibility, relatability, and strong alliances.
Liema Pantsi eventually emerged as the winner of Big Brother South Africa 2026, completing a dramatic journey from early exit and mid-season eviction to ultimate victory.
About The Author
Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News
