For nearly three months, Siphesihle “Mshini” Lekwadu faced a unique challenge—speaking English non-stop despite it not being her mother tongue. The Big Brother Umlilo housemate from Zola, Soweto, recently evicted from the reality show, opened up about her experience and how she adapted to the demands of the competition.
The Challenge of Speaking English for Months
Mshini admitted that communicating in English every day was one of the most difficult aspects of being in the Big Brother house.
“If you think you know English, go to Big Brother,” she joked during an interview with the show’s host, Smash Africa. “That’s where you’ll speak it for a long time. I’ve never spoken English for this long.”
Despite the language barrier, she persevered and even found creative ways to keep up.
Inventing Words to Get By
In moments when she struggled to find the right words, Mshini said she improvised by making up her own. Surprisingly, other housemates started using her invented words without realizing it.
“I remember there are English words that I created on my own, and people didn’t notice,” she said. “I’d say a word, and they would ask me what it meant. I’d explain, and they would end up using the words.”
Her quick thinking and humorous approach helped her navigate conversations in the house, even when her vocabulary failed her.
Forgetting Simple Words
Mshini revealed that at times, her mind would completely go blank, making it difficult to recall even the simplest English words.
“Sometimes, your vocabulary runs away,” she admitted. “You forget even the smallest things, like what a bottle is called.”
This added to the pressure of the competition, where housemates were expected to express themselves clearly in English at all times.
“Go Back to School” – Facing Judgments in the House
Throughout her time in the Big Brother Umlilo house, Mshini said some housemates made her feel like she wasn’t educated enough.
“I was told in the house that I must earn a degree,” she revealed.
This criticism has made her consider going back to school to further her studies.
“Now I need to go back to school, learn, and study because I was told I didn’t study,” she said. “In that house, if you are weak, you are dead.”
The intense environment pushed her to grow, and she is now more determined than ever to work on her education and self-improvement.
From Zola to the Spotlight
Although she didn’t win the competition, Mshini is proud of how far she has come. She described her journey as a “zero to hero” moment.
“I’m from Zola, and it’s like going from zero to hero,” she said excitedly. “People are asking to take pictures of me and even kiss my hand.”
The experience of being in the Big Brother Umlilo house has changed her life in ways she never imagined.
A Dream Come True
For Mshini, being on the show was a life-changing experience.
She said she was often in disbelief when she heard her name mentioned in the house.
“Every time I heard my name, I was in awe,” she said. “I kept reminding myself that I was actually in the house and doing something significant.”
Her time in Big Brother Umlilo may be over, but her journey is just beginning. Now, she looks forward to exploring new opportunities, furthering her education, and embracing her growing fame.
