For Philani Koketso Beuzana, better known by fans as Kokii, stepping into the “Big Brother Mzansi Bazozwa” house was more than just a reality TV experience—it was an emotional crucible. The 27-year-old freelance model brought boldness, charm, and tattoos that scream confidence, yet beneath the exterior was a deeply reflective and sensitive person, navigating not only the competition but her own mental health.
Kokii was evicted on Sunday, February 8, becoming the sixth housemate to leave the season. In her candid conversation with Independent Media Lifestyle, she revealed that the house’s gender-based separation twist was one of the hardest challenges she faced.
“I’m a girl’s girl, I don’t want to lie, but I’m more drawn to the men. Not because I want to, like, you know, have relationships with them, but I grew up around boys,” she explained.
Being forced into all-girls or all-boys groups disrupted her natural comfort, unsettling her mind, heart, and body simultaneously. At times, she even considered bending the rules just to be near the boys’ laughter, a small comfort in an environment where emotional pressure ran high.
Read More: Big Brother Mzansi viewers react to housemates caught in bathroom encounter
Facing depression head-on
Beyond social dynamics and strategy, Kokii’s time in the house made her confront a more personal challenge: mental health. She has battled depression since the passing of her grandmother, a loss so profound it led her to voluntarily admit herself into a mental health facility.
“I was smart enough to go to the doctor and say, ‘The way I’m feeling is too much,’” Kokii shared.
Inside the Big Brother house, without privacy or personal space, she had to develop coping mechanisms fast. Blankets became her sanctuary, tears were shed silently, and moments of stillness helped her regulate overwhelming emotions.
“I’m very soft. I cry properly. But in the house, you learn to cry quickly, just in case someone walks in,” she admitted.
Read More: Cia hospitalised after her ‘Big Brother Mzansi’ exit
The unexpected trials of reality TV
Kokii was also taken aback by the intensity of Big Brother punishments. One incident, where food and toilet paper were strewn across the kitchen, left her physically and emotionally drained, especially after a Saturday night party.
“It really got to me to a point where I went outside and crashed out,” she recalled.
Despite these trials, Kokii found moments of clarity and growth. Reflecting on her journey, she shared advice she would give her past self:
“You are talented. You can sing, act, model, dress. Showcase that more. And don’t forget why you applied.”
Leaving stronger and wiser
Although her stay in the Bazozwa house was brief, Kokii walks away with new insights about resilience, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. Her journey reminds viewers that strength and softness can coexist, and that emotional honesty is not weakness—it’s power.
“This experience has taught me to understand myself better, recognise my triggers, and talk myself through hard moments instead of letting them consume me,” she said.
For fans of Big Brother Mzansi, Kokii’s story is a testament to the personal growth reality TV can inspire, and the courage it takes to embrace both your toughness and your tenderness.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@blackmluja}