The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) native stole the hearts of Mzansi when he entered the Big Brother Mzansi Season 6 competition earlier this year. His bold personality and uncanny elimination predictions quickly made him a fan favourite, earning him a loyal following.

Although he didn’t win, King Wanda is running his own race. Now, fresh off graduating from MANCOSA with an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and earning six distinctions across eight modules, he opens up to BabyYumYum about bagging another qualification and about fatherhood. He also talks about the house everyone is buzzing about, which he proudly shared on social media.

You’ve recently graduated from MANCOSA; can you take us through your academic journey, including the qualifications you’ve earned and what this latest achievement means to you?

I obtained a National Diploma in Public Administration ten years ago and recently advanced my studies with an Advanced Diploma in the same field. Out of the eight modules, I achieved distinctions in six, which made the accomplishment especially meaningful.

How important was it for you to pursue another qualification while balancing fatherhood, work and your rising popularity?

I felt like last year was the perfect time to do it. My parents had been pushing me to further my studies, so when I finally did, I kept it a secret from them until I finished. They were ecstatic.

It was challenging to balance everything. That whole year came with the excitement and anxiety of knowing I was going to be a dad soon, while also going through the three-month Big Brother Mzansi Season 6 audition process. Exams, assignments, doctors’ appointments, scans, a full-time job, studio sessions, auditions and trying to maintain a social life were all difficult to juggle, but if there is a will, there is always a way.

Social media was buzzing after you showed off a beautiful home, with many people assuming you bought it. Did you expect that reaction?

I never said I bought a house. I simply moved into a bigger apartment to accommodate my daughter. I also have an unfinished project in KwaNongoma, KZN, so my hands are full right now. I was taught growing up that you should first build or restore where you come from before moving on to create your own.

I am currently based in Mpumalanga due to my professional commitments. The plan is to relocate to Johannesburg one day for my music career, so buying a home in Mpumalanga would not make sense because that would be a permanent move for me. There are plans to buy a home in the foreseeable future, just not in Mpumalanga. When I compare the rent I pay to a bond, buying would make more sense. The only question is where.

You previously spoke about returning to your 9-to-5 immediately after the show because your daughter depends on you. Has fame changed your financial situation in any meaningful way yet?

Besides the generous gifts I received from supporters during my homecoming in KZN, I have not earned any direct income from fame, nor did I expect to. As a musician, I believe any financial opportunities linked to public recognition should come through my music career, which I am currently focused on building.

I am also grateful to have a stable job that I truly value. I currently serve as the acting deputy manager in my department, a role that allows me to support my daughter and family financially while also investing in my music career.

ALSO READ: ‘I Want a Soccer Team’: ‘Big Brother Mzansi’s’ King Wanda on More Kids and His Job

Life after the ‘Big Brother Mzansi’ house can come with unexpected challenges. What has been the most difficult adjustment for you since leaving the show?

The negative comments on social media can be intense, although not as overwhelming as I initially expected. The biggest adjustment for me has been becoming well-known simply for being myself. I had always imagined that recognition would come after establishing a successful music career, with people connecting to me primarily through my music rather than my personality alone.

At the same time, I receive a great deal of support and encouraging messages from people every day and that reassurance continues to keep me motivated and grounded.

You previously shared with BabyYumYum that everything you do is now centred around your daughter. How has fatherhood shaped the kind of man you aspire to be, both publicly and privately?

My daughter is my greatest source of motivation. At times, I feel as though I could be doing more, but she will always remain my priority. When I receive my salary, her needs come before anything else and I appreciate the responsibility that comes with providing for her. I would not say fatherhood changed me entirely, but it has helped me grow into a better version of myself. It has also strengthened my faith and deepened my prayer life.

We have seen some former Big Brother Mzansi housemates receive cars, money and luxury gifts from fans after the show, but you seem focused on building your own success. Why has it been important for you to work for what you have rather than rely on the hype that comes with fame?

I have always been independent from a young age, and my parents have admired that about me. Growing up, I took R2 to school every day, and when there were school trips, I would save those coins to pay for myself instead of asking my parents. I have also been working in government since the age of 21. I genuinely enjoy working hard for what I have.

Through my sister, my supporters wanted to do something special for my birthday, but I politely declined. They had already done so much for me by campaigning and voting to get me into the Top 10. They also organised a homecoming celebration for me, which I did not have to pay for, and that made me feel uncomfortable.

All I ask from my supporters is that they stream and download my music when it is released, as that was one of the main reasons I entered Big Brother Mzansi.

Many reality TV stars struggle to maintain their identity once the cameras stop rolling, yet you appear grounded and disciplined. How are you protecting your authenticity while navigating fame and the pressures of social media attention?

I do not know how to be anyone other than myself. My friends often joke about going out with me now because I make time to greet, speak to and take pictures with everyone who asks. I feel a sense of responsibility to show appreciation to the people who supported me during the show.

I would never want to lose my sense of humour or humility, because they are a big part of who I am. They are also what many people relate to, and I believe it is important to remain authentic regardless of fame or public attention.

Some friendships formed inside the Big Brother house do not always survive in the real world. Have you experienced any disappointments with former housemates since leaving the show?

I have always believed that once someone becomes my friend, they remain my friend for life, and I stayed true to that even after Big Brother Mzansi. I genuinely value the relationships I formed in the house. Spending eight weeks together naturally created strong bonds and meaningful connections.

I have always enjoyed meeting people and building friendships, and many of the relationships I formed during the show have become even stronger outside the house. The only downside is that Ramona lives far away, and I often miss her presence when we all spend time together.

Since leaving the house, fans have become increasingly curious about your love life. Has fame made dating and relationships more complicated for you?

I am currently single and that is a deliberate choice. I already have a great deal of responsibility and focus on my life now, and I believe adding a relationship would be difficult to balance. Relationships require time, energy and commitment.

I believe in love and when the timing is right, it will happen naturally. My mother recently expressed concern about my lack of a love life, but I explained to her that, for now, my priorities are my music career and my daughter. Being single is not unfamiliar to me. I have gone long periods without being in a relationship, and during those times, I have chosen to remain celibate as well.

You often speak about wanting to build a better future for your daughter. Beyond the fame and music, what kind of legacy would you like King Wanda to leave behind one day?

Never give up. There is no expiry date on a dream. My dream of being on television started almost 18 years ago. During that time, I went from audition to audition and demo to demo, but I kept going and never gave up. Today I am a local celebrity of sorts and this is only the beginning.

You have shown fans both your soft side as a father and your ambitious side as a hustler. Which version of King Wanda do you feel is most misunderstood by the public?

When I entered Big Brother, my main goal was to use the platform to build my music and acting career. That was the focus from the beginning. So, when people compare me to other housemates who get sponsorships, apartments, iPhones, or brand deals, it confuses me.

There is also a narrative that I do not want certain housemates to succeed, which is not true. I applaud all of them because we entered the house with different goals. I genuinely want all 23 of us to win. There is no reason for comparisons.

Looking at your journey from municipal employee to reality TV star, graduate and musician, do you feel any pressure to prove yourself constantly?

Honestly, I feel as though I have accomplished enough for now and I need a break as I am exhausted. My parents and family are extremely proud of me, and that has always been my goal.

I feel fulfilled at this point, and the desire to prove anything further right now would not feel necessary. The only remaining focus for me is the launch of my music career, which I approach with some nervousness, especially knowing that some people hope it fails.