It's the final week of “Big Brother Mzansi”, and fans have been going all out to campaign for their favourite housemate. However, one particular fan base has taken its enthusiasm to an unpleasant level and not everyone is happy about it.
Somizi Mhlongo and TikTok creator Jaxx_Amahle have called out the fans for spamming comment sections with pleas to vote for their preferred contestant, Sweet Guluva.
Guluva was a low-key housemate at the beginning of the competition, but he caught the viewers' attention, becoming a fan favourite due to his charm and his relationship with former housemate Ash-ley Ogle.
Their romantic relationship was a source of entertainment for fans, which made him gain attention and admiration from outside the house. After Ashley's departure, Guluva was able to reveal more of his personality, moving away from Ashley’s shadow.
The focus has since shifted to him as a player, earning him votes from both his supporters as well as Ogle’s followers.
However, his fans have been showing support in a way that has rubbed other internet users up the wrong way.
They have been commenting under different posts asking people to vote for Guluva, with complete disregard for the context and importance of the conversations that they are interrupting.
Radio personality Somizi Mhlongo also took to his TikTok page to complain about the spamming, citing that he does not even watch the controversial show yet he has to read about Guluva in the comment section.
He claimed fans are ruining his (Guluva) chances of winning because of their behaviour.
@somg63 ♬ original sound - somizi
TikTok creator Amahle-Imvelo Jaxa, who is fondly known as Jaxx_Amahle, also pleaded with the Guluva supporters, asking them to “read the room”.
“I just have a small request for the community of people who are invested and watch ‘Big Brother’ and that request is that you please read the room.
“Now I understand as much as the next person that you are highly invested and enthusiastic about this show and as the show comes to an end, you feel the responsibility to get your favourite contestant to win and you do so by garnering people to vote for them,” she said.
She added that the supporters disregard the context and importance of the topics they comment on, emphasising that they are losing the plot and are tone-deaf.
“I humbly request that you exercise discernment and you pick the right places to galvanise votes,” she concluded.
@jaxx_amahle To Whom It May Concern
♬ original sound - Jaxx_Amahle
TikTok users also shared their disappointment and opinions on the matter, MissPotgieter commented: “They did this under a post about Yallunder's memorial service.💔”
Yolanda “Yallunder” Nyembezi was a singer-songwriter, who died on March 13 at the age of 30.
Another TikTok user Bless Mudau commented: “Someone was crying about their home situation and life experiences and someone said ‘When you’re done crying wipe your tears and vote for Sweet Guluva’, I was highly disappointed 🙃”
“I don't understand how bombarding a room that doesn't even watch the show helps. Why don't they go and vote? Why do they have to ask us to do it,” asked Naomi.
The spamming has sparked a heated debate on social media, with some defending the fans' enthusiasm and others condemning their tactless approach.
Are fans taking their enthusiasm and show of support too far? Will their enthusiasm be enough to save their favourite?
All will be revealed on the “Big Brother Mzansi” finale, airing on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) on Sunday, March 23.