'Big Brother Mzansi' star Lawredo: why authenticity matters more than strategy in reality TV

Things officially got real in the “Big Brother Mzansi” house when the first eviction took place, reminding both housemates and viewers that the game had truly begun.

When Lawredo walked into the “Big Brother Mzansi” house on January 11, he happened to be the first housemate through the doors of the “Basazozwa” house. 

Just two weeks later, he also became one of the first contestants to exit the house, ending his run earlier than he had planned, but not without making his presence felt.

In an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle”, the aspiring star revealed that "Big Brother" was never just about winning but about showing up as himself, even when that choice did not guarantee safety.

For the 32-year-old model and entrepreneur from Soweto, originally from Mahikeng, the experience was never about rushing into alliances or forcing connections. 

His plan was simple, even if it did not fit the usual “Big Brother” playbook. He wanted to be himself, fully and intentionally.

“It was such a bummer. I feel like I had more to give, but my strategy was to be as authentic as possible,” he shared how he felt about the eviction. 

He added that from the moment he entered the house, he noticed how quickly people jumped into “ships” (relationships) and groups and that was not his style, at least not that soon in the game.

He described himself as a slow burner, someone who prefers to observe first and understand people before making any moves.

“I wanted to observe people first because I’m very intentional,” he said. “I did have an interest in certain people, but I didn’t want to rush anything. I wanted it to marinate.” 

Ironically, the week he planned to start having those deeper conversations is the week he was evicted. He still believes his approach would have been effective if the game had unfolded differently.

“I genuinely believe I had a good relationship with almost everyone in the house. Even the people who thought I isolated myself were comfortable talking to me.”

Looking back, he stands by his performance in the game. For him, showing up honestly mattered more than being switched on for the cameras.

“If I was acting, I would have been on a high note from day one,” he says. “I wanted to give people something real, without trying to perform. I even forgot about the cameras most of the time.”

That mindset did not start in the house. Lawredo says being himself is what got him selected in the first place. 

He admitted that the audition process was intense, but he never tried to tailor his answers to what he thought producers wanted to hear.

“I answered everything honestly, even when I felt it might disadvantage me,” he says. “That’s what got me into the house, so I decided I was not going to change.”

Although this was his first time auditioning for “Big Brother”, Lawredo is not new to the industry. He has spent the past 10 years working as an extra in TV, commercials and music videos, often without recognition.

Entering the “Big Brother Mzansi” competition, his focus was less on the R2 million grand prize and more on visibility.

“That’s why this feels like a win for me,” he said. “Even if I didn’t make it far, I was seen. I was live. That alone is an achievement.”

The experience also forced him to reflect on trust and emotional control. Living under constant pressure made it difficult to always tell who was being genuine and who was acting for the cameras. He added that it taught him restraint, especially in moments where he felt provoked.

“I’m impulsive by nature, but I didn’t really react much in the house,” he added. 

Now that he is out, Lawredo is looking ahead. He hopes the exposure opens doors in acting, presenting, modelling, and fashion, possibly even internationally. 

He is also focused on growing his Gin and Vodka businesses, despite the financial and regulatory challenges that come with the liquor industry.

“Big Brother Mzansi” season 6 continues, with the remaining housemates still competing for viewers’ votes.