Big Brother Mzansi S4 S'ya Mosha - FAQs

IS20 Markets: SA, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe

DStv packages: DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, (and Family in IS20 markets)

 

Contents	Page Number
Big Brother Mzansi format at a glance	2
General FAQ’s	3 – 5
Reputation Management key messages and FAQ’s	6 – 11
Voting & Rewards	12-20

 

Big Brother Mzansi format at a glance

The highly anticipated new season of Big Brother Mzansi Season 4 (BBMzansiS4) will be the hottest yet as it returns for its fourth iteration. This season is all about disruption, challenging perceptions and boldly breaking free from the norm. From the unexpected bright visual treatments that are exhilarating, to the most unpredictable group of housemates yet, the Big Brother Mzansi S4 looks set to be a feast for your senses.

In addition to the 24-hour channel BBMzansi Extra channel and daily shows on Mzansi Magic DStv channel 161, viewers can also expect Friday Game Nights live on the BBMzansi channel (198), Saturday Night Parties hosted with Channel O featuring the hottest DJs and, of course, the twists and turns of Sunday night evictions.

BBMzansi General FAQ’s

• When will BBMzansi launch?

BBMzansi will launch on Sunday, 21 January 2024 at 6pm CAT on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161).

• How long will BBMzansi be on air?

BBMzansi will be on air from 21 January 2024 – 31 March 2024

• Where can I watch BBMzansi? Who will have access to the channel?

The BBMzansi channel will be available on all DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, and Family packages. Daily Shows, Evictions, and the Finale, all happening on Mzansi Magic channel 161 and the 24-hour channel on 198. Viewers can watch BBMzansi from multiple devices: TV, laptop, tablet or cell phone using the DStv Stream.

• What channels and platforms and at what time will BBMzansi be available?

BBMzansi Episode	TX Day	Dates	TX Time	Channel
Premiere	Sunday	21 Jan	6pm-8pm	161
Finale	Sunday	31 March	6pm-8pm	161
BBM Channel	Monday - Sunday	21 Jan – 31 March	24-hrs	BBMzansi Channel 198
Daily Show (Pre-packaged)	Tuesday - Friday	23 Jan – 29 Mar	10pm	161
Eviction Shows	Sunday	28 Jan – 24 Mar	6pm-7pm	161
Head of House Challenges	Monday	22 Jan – 25 Mar	6pm-7:30pm	BBMzansi Channel 198
Nominations	Monday	31 Jan – 28 Mar	8pm-9pm	BBMzansi Channel 198
Saturday Night Parties	Saturday	27 Jan – 30 Mar Apr	9pm-11pm	BBMzansi Channel & Channel O
Friday Night Games	Friday	26 Jan – 29 Mar	7pm-9pm	BBMzansi Channel 198

• On which packages will BBMzansi be available on?

The full season of BBMzansi will be available on Channel 198 on DStv Premium, Compact Plus,  Compact, and Family packages. Highlights will also be available on DStv Access.

• How many hours a day will the BBMzansi channel broadcast?

BBMzansi pop-up channel 198 will broadcast 24-hours a day, with Mzansi Magic channel 161 broadcasting the Premiere, Evictions, Saturday Party Nights, and the Finale.

• What should I do if I want to watch BBMzansi?

                To watch BBMzansi, you have to be a DStv customer with an active subscription. If you’re not, please visit the DStv website or contact your nearest MultiChoice office or branch to subscribe.

• Will BBMzansi be available on DStv Catch Up?

Yes, BBMzansi will be available on DStv Catch Up for your enjoyment at your leisure.

• How can I plan my viewing?
• Your decoder has an 8-day TV Guide (press TV GUIDE) and extensive search options (press SEARCH), including Movies A-Z, Live Sport and even a word search.
• On your decoder, go to channel 100 to watch a video loop of this month’s highlights.
• If you are using a DStv Explora, press the CATCH-UP button and you’ll see recommendations and information on new shows, returning shows and also what’s hot at the moment.
• Visit our website for news, recommendations and more.
• Our DStv Now app also has a TV Guide and search options making it easy for you to find something to watch.
• Lastly, for more information on this 4th season of Big Brother Mzansi, fans can visit tv/bigbrother Follow the official Big Brother Mzansi handle on Instagram @bigbromzansi, Twitter / X: @BBMzansi and Facebook: Big Brother Mzansi

Reputation Management key messages – internal use only

As a responsible broadcaster, Big Brother Mzansi always has the care and well-being of its housemates as a top priority.

• Strict protocols are in place for the production team as well as the housemates for their duration in the Big Brother house.

Reputation Management FAQ’s

Auditions and Casting: 

• How were the final housemates selected?

Entries received were screened for eligibility and suitability following which successful applications were screened further. The final shortlist was selected with one-on-one screenings where our standard psych evaluations and interviews were conducted in a controlled and sanitized environment where social distancing was observed.

• With auditions having been done online and an absence of physical verification, how did you ensure the quality of housemates matches or even surpasses that of previous seasons?

The same rules apply for any type of Big Brother audition, and our selectors applied the same experience from the previous seasons. We will always follow the same guidelines in terms of selecting housemates based on character and personality amongst other things.  There is still an element of physical auditions through the one-on-one process as this is part of the shortlisting process.

• Does MultiChoice understand the cultural and social context around what our viewers want to see in African markets?

We are a proudly African company and represent the African continent in all its diversity through our presence across the region. We embrace and celebrate the diversity of varied nationalities, traditions, cultures and religions from across the continent and beyond.

This is demonstrated through our multinational staff complement, our multicultural supply chain, as well as the local and international content that we showcase on the DStv platform.

Moral concerns:

MultiChoice offers a variety of entertainment options, and our platforms are tailored for diverse audiences. Our viewers are of many cultures, languages, religious interests, and age groups.

Offering choice is inherent in our brand promise, and content is at the core of what we do.

With over 200 channels on the platform to choose from, we provide the ultimate destination for the best in local and international entertainment - from nail-biting sporting action and up-to-the-minute news as well as leading series, movies, documentaries, and children’s entertainment.

We understand customer preferences and put the power in the hands of our customers by enabling them to take control of their viewing tailored to their needs.

MultiChoice continuously focuses on developing the right mix of content and value propositions which cater to people from different walks of life with different viewing needs.

• Are the housemates sent for psychological and medical assessments before entering the house?

 Housemates undergo a variety of assessments with professional doctors before entering the Big Brother house.

• The nature of some of the content on the channel is against my beliefs and values. How can I avoid seeing this content on the platform?

We put the power in the hands of our customers by enabling them take control of their own viewing. DStv viewers can easily avoid unwanted content by simply activating the relevant parental control functions to block selected shows or entire channels.

Our DStv offering also includes nearly 200 other channels to choose from, offering a good mix of local and international content across all genres including general entertainment, sports, kids, religious, novellas, documentaries, news, and lifestyle.

• Some of the content is offensive to my culture and values. Why would MultiChoice air these shows?

MultiChoice broadcasts a variety of content that caters for diverse audiences across 50 countries on the continent. Our viewers are of many cultures, languages, religious interests and age groups. We always try to balance content demands with respect for different cultures and values.

The channel seeks to explore controversial social issues and to provoke debate on these issues. MultiChoice is not involved in the creation or packaging of this channel and the views expressed do not reflect the social, religious, or political opinions of MultiChoice or its employees.

Ultimately, the decision to view this channel is completely in the hands of our customers. We offer technology which enables them to take control of their viewing and tailor DStv to their needs:

• The interactive TV schedules available online and via the electronic programming guide (EPG) on the DStv decoder enable our customers to get up-to-date programming information with a synopsis and age rating given to each programme (e.g., PG13) as well as the relevant SNVL (Sex, Nudity, Violence, Language) notification.
• Customers have the power to limit or block the viewing of unwanted content by activating the parental control function and channel blocking capabilities on their DStv Explora or DStv Now.

 

• How does the parental control function work?

MultiChoice follows an internationally recognised standard for age-restricted ratings on programming.  All channels on the DStv are rated and guides viewers accordingly through an age restriction, e.g., PG 13, 16, 18 as well as the relevant SNVL (Sex, Nudity, Violence, Language) notification.

The DStv decoder has the ability to block out different levels of content according to their PG rating, enabling parents to physically control what their children see and what they don’t see.  The process is as follows:

• On your DStv remote control for Explora decoder, press the DStv Button to open SETTINGS.
• Scroll to Parental Control and press it.
• A password box appears. Enter the default PIN 1234. If, however, you are already using another 4-digit PIN on your DStv Explora, then input it.
• Follow the easy step-by-step instructions to apply the blocking level of your choice.
• Selecting Family or PG13 will block an event rated 16 and above. Select Accept these settings. Press `Exit’ to go back to normal viewing.

 

• How can I block the channel?
  • Follow steps 1 – 4 above.
  • In order to block an entire channel, select Parental Control and then the ‘Global Blocking’ option.
  • Select the channel you wish to block.

Code of Conduct:

• What is the course of action should there be an instance of physical violence among the Housemates?

All threatening or violent behaviour or evidence of non-consensual sexual advances will be immediately referred to the Clinical Psychologist, Executive Producer, Series Producer and Mzansi Magic/MultiChoice Consultant.

• On what grounds will Mzansi Magic consider disqualifying a Housemate?

Some of the examples of unacceptable behaviour are detailed in the rule book for the Housemates in their contract with Big Brother, and include:

• Any romantic or sexual advances which are not desired or returned by the subject, for example if the subject is too heavily under the influence of alcohol to consent.
• Alcohol Abuse
• Bullying, aggressive behaviour or language towards other Housemate or production staff.
• Any form of violence on any Housemate or production staff.
• Any use of racist or homophobic language,
• Any consumption of illegal or non-prescribed drugs, including steroids and legal highs.

Any such behaviour may result in removal of the contestant(s) involved from the Big Brother house. Producers will be prepared to act robustly.

Q: What level of control does Production have on the activity in the house?

A: Production has control of activities that happen in the house as cameras are monitored 24/7. Housemates also adhere to strict House Rules whilst participating on the show.

Duty-of-care:

Q: Is a psychologist available at the beck and call of the housemates?

A: Housemates are offered, at any given time, access to professional care.

Voting

Q:  How do I vote for my favourite housemate on Big Brother Mzansi?

A:  You may vote by Mobile site, Website, and the MyDStv App only.

• Website / Mobile site - You may vote for your favourite housemate via the Mzansi Magic website or mobile site on tv/bigbrother
• MyDStv App - You may vote for your favourite housemate via the MyDStv App if you are an active subscriber in South Africa with eligible rewards levels only.

Q:  When will voting open and close?

A: Voting will open every Monday night after the nomination show at 21:30 and will close on Thursdays at 22:00 . However, this is different in week 7,8 & 9. Viewers should stay tuned for voting updates.

Q: How many times can I vote on each platform?

A: One can vote 100 times on Mobile site and Website. If you are a DStv subscriber customer in South Africa with eligible rewards levels and have the MyDStv App, you can vote based on your rewards level, below are eligible rewards levels:

 

Rewards Level	MyDStv (Active subscribers only)
Premium Starter	250
Premium Rising Star	500
Premium Super Star	1000
Premium Legend	2000
Compact Plus Starter	250
Compact Plus Rising Star	500
Compact Plus Super Star	1000
Compact Plus Legend	2000
Compact Starter	250
Compact Rising Star	500
Compact Super Star	1000
Compact Legend	2000
Family Starter	250
Family Rising Star	500
Family Super Star	1000
Family Legend	2000
Access Starter	250
Access Rising Star	500
Access Super Star	1000
Access Legend	2000
EasyView Starter	250

 

Q: In which countries is tiered voting available in?

A: South Africa

Q: Can I vote on MyDStv App if my subscription has been deactivated?

A: No, you must activate your subscription and be on an eligible rewards level to be able to receive additional votes to vote for your favourite housemate(s). 

Q: I have more than one package with DStv, can I vote with all of my packages?

A: If you have a single mobile number which is linked to multiple packages, then the highest available package is the one you will be able to vote with i.e., if you have both Compact and Premium packages, the highest package available is Premium, therefore the Premium package will be assigned votes to.  

Q: I want to vote with both of my DStv packages, what can I do?

A: You can register each smartcard number/ package on the vote page on the Mzansi Magic vote page mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother separately with a unique mobile number, which can be verified via OTP.

Q: I have registered on the website, mobile site or MyDStv App, but I haven’t received an OTP SMS, what can I do?

A:  If you are not receiving OTP messages, your phone number could be on DND (Do Not Disturb) list, which means you will no longer receive notification from any of your services that sends notification SMS using third-party SMS services. You will need to unsubscribe from the DND by contacting your telecommunication provider.

Q: How many times can I vote for one housemate?

A: One can vote 100 times on Mobile site and Website. If you are an active DStv subscriber with an eligible rewards level and have the MyDStv App, you can vote based on your rewards level.

Q: Can I vote for multiple housemates?

A: You can vote for anyone you like each week and are allowed to use your votes per platform per week as you wish.

Q: Which platforms are free?

A: Voting is free (Data costs apply) on the website, mobile site and on the My DStv App.

Q: Will I get a notification when my vote has been received?

A: On the website, mobile site and on the My DStv App, you will see a little countdown from 100 to one which indicates that your vote has been received.

Q: How do you ensure that voting is fair?

A: All voting is verified by the auditing firm Deloitte. Please also have a look at the Terms and Conditions for voting, as published on mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother

Q: Will all votes on all platforms be eligible for winning the viewer’s prizes?

A: These are to be communicated during the show. Please visit mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother for all the details.

How to vote on Big Brother Mzansi S4

• Voting takes place on
  • Mobile Site
  • Website
  • MyDStv app (DStv subscribers)
• Voting on the MyDStv is open to active subscribers in South Africa with eligible rewards levels only.
• To vote on the website, mobile site and the app, the audience will register with their name, surname, year of birth, gender, location, and cell phone number before or during the voting round.

Registering on the Big Brother Mzansi website:

• You can register to vote on the Mzansi Magic website– mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, location and cell phone in the international format e.g., +27731234567 and your preferred password.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote.
• Select your favourite Housemate.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Voting on the Big Brother Mzansi website if you’re a registered voter:

• You may vote for your favourite housemate via the Mzansi Magic website–mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Login and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g. +27731234567.
• Enter your chosen password.
• Select your favourite housemate.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• Votes on the website are limited to 100 votes per user.
• Website votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Registering on the Big Brother Mzansi mobile site:

• You can register to vote on the Mzansi Magic mobile site– mzansimagic.tv/bigbrother
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, location, cell phone number in the international format e.g., +27731234567 and your preferred password.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote after the show.
• Mobile site votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Voting on the Big Brother Mzansi mobile site if you’re a registered voter:

• You may vote for your favourite housemate via the Mzansi Magic mobile site– tv/bigbrother 
• Click on the Vote menu item.
• Click on Login and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g., +27731234567.
• Enter your chosen password.
• Select your favourite housemate.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• Votes on the mobile site are limited to 100 votes per user.
• Mobile site votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

How to vote via the MyDStv (DStv subscribers with eligible rewards levels only):

• Get additional votes with the MyDStv App.
• **Additional votes are awarded based on your rewards level
• Download the MyDStv App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
• Log into the app by entering your email or mobile number and password.
• Once you’ve logged into your MyDStv app, look for the “Rewards” menu item on the bottom menu.
• Select your available Rewards and click on the Big Brother Mzansi Card
• You must be an active MyDStv subscriber on one of the eligible rewards levels to receive your additional votes.
• Click on “Vote Now” and follow the instructions to cast your vote.

Registering on the MyDStv (DStv subscribers with eligible rewards levels only):

• You can register to vote by clicking on the “Rewards” menu item on the bottom menu.
• Select your available Rewards and click on the Big Brother Mzansi Card
• Click on Register and enter your name, surname, year of birth, gender, location, and cell phone number in the international format e.g., +234731234567, confirm your smartcard number and your preferred password.
• You will receive an OTP (One Time Pin) via SMS.
• Enter your OTP.
• Once registered, you will be able to vote.
• MyDStv App votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

Voting on the MyDStv App if you’re a registered voter (DStv subscribers with eligible packages only):

• You may vote for your favourite housemate by clicking on the “Rewards” menu item on the bottom menu.
• Select your available Rewards and click on the Big Brother Mzansi Card
• Confirm your customer number and enter your cell phone number in the international format e.g., +27731234567.
• Enter your chosen password.
• Select your favourite housemate.
• Enter your number of votes and cast your vote by clicking VOTE.
• MyDStv app votes are allocated based on your Rewards levels (active DStv subscribers in South Africa with eligible Rewards levels only) **
• MyDStv App votes are free.
• Data costs apply.

VOTING LIMITS & COST
Each user may cast 100 votes per voting platform per vote round i.e.:

• Web – 100 votes
• Mobi – 100 votes
• Network data costs will apply for the use of the internet on web and mobile.
• Terms and conditions apply.
• MyDStv app– votes are allocated based on your Rewards Level (active DStv subscribers in South Africa with eligible packages only)**

**Vote limits based on DStv Rewards Levels

Packages	MyDStv (Active subscribers only)
Premium Starter	250
Premium Rising Star	500
Premium Super Star	1000
Premium Legend	2000
Compact Plus Starter	250
Compact Plus Rising Star	500
Compact Plus Super Star	1000
Compact Plus Legend	2000
Compact Starter	250
Compact Rising Star	500
Compact Super Star	1000
Compact Legend	2000
Family Starter	250
Family Rising Star	500
Family Super Star	1000
Family Legend	2000
Access Starter	250
Access Rising Star	500
Access Super Star	1000
Access Legend	2000
EasyView Starter	250