The events of the past week have once again placed Big Brother Africa in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons with some saying that it should be the last time the show is aired.
The violence in the house is allegedly getting out of hand.
Big Brother Revolution recently underwent heavy criticism from the majority of viewers when a male housemate and a female got into what looked like a physical fight, bringing about issues of the show promoting Gender Based Violence.
This past week, Lerato of South Africa was involved in a physical brawl with Hannington of Uganda.
Organisations dealing with women’s issues are having a field day complaining about how the show promotes unacceptable behaviour while some say that the male housemate, otherwise known as Hannington, should be disqualified from the house.
Big Brother appears to have not wanted to evict Hannington; they appear to have acted under pressure from viewers because although the violent incident took place on Tuesday, they only evicted him on Friday.
Some viewers say the man should have been thrown out on the spot on Tuesday.
Hannington was then given two hours to pack up his things and leave the House.
“Hannington, as you have repeatedly stated, your behaviour on Tuesday evening was unacceptable. At any time during the incident, you could have voluntarily walked away. Big Brother believes that the apologies you have made subsequently are both heartfelt and genuine. However, everyone must take responsibility for their actions, and bear the consequences. After very careful consideration and consultation, Big Brother has decided that you have been disqualified from the game, and you have been evicted,” said Big Brother, addressing the housemates.
This brought about mixed reactions from viewers with some saying that Hannington shouldn’t leave the house because he was provoked and he was fighting in self defense, while others are commending Big Brother for the action because they said that Gender-based violence is getting out of hand and it was time that people stood up against it.
Keabonye Ntsabane, Co-ordinator of Gender Links Botswana, said that she personally did not know the reason for the fight, but what she does know is that regardless of whether the person has been provoked or not, people should learn to control their tempers. She said that it goes against everything that Gender Rights organisations stand for when a well broadcast and well-watched show like Big Brother lets people get away with violence live on television.
She said that this kind of behaviour reflects badly not only on Multichoice but on Africa as a continent.
“It is through shows likethis that other people pick up what they think is acceptable behaviour,” said Ntsabane.
Meanwhile, Kaone, Botswana’s very own representative in the House, was threatened by Nigerian housemate Uti and Namibia’s Meryl who boldly told him to “sleep with one eye open”.
