Sweet Guluva, whose real name is Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane, is a South African television personality, actor, singer, and influencer who rose to fame as the winner of Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 in 2025. He has since expanded into acting, music, and brand ambassadorships, leveraging his charismatic personality.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Akhonamathemba Mbele-Zwane |
| Date of birth | October 22, 2001 |
| Place of birth | Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Province of Origin | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Partner | None (previously Ashley Ogle) |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Actor, singer, TV personality, influencer, former barber |
| Net worth | ~R3.7M+ (2025 est.) |
Early Life and Education
Sweet Guluva was born on October 22, 2001, in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to a Zulu family and raised primarily by his mother alongside his late sister.
He later moved to Cape Town, where he pursued studies in media-related fields, attending the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. His upbringing emphasized values like kindness and respect, shaping his bubbly, open-minded persona.
Career
Prior to reality TV, Sweet Guluva worked as a barber while aspiring to act and sing. He entered Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 as a student and barber, becoming a fan favorite through his charisma, humor, and relatability, ultimately winning with the highest vote percentage in the show’s history at 53.48%.
During the show, he earned additional prizes like R27,500 from Lotto Star Friday Night Arena Games and Robertsons Master Braai challenge.
Post-victory, he became Mzansi Magic’s 2025 brand ambassador alongside top 5 finalists and secured sponsorships with Dove, MTN, Lotto Star, All Gold, and Konke Kuhamba Kahle Clothing. He debuted in music with DJ Zinhle on “Sweet Guluva” and entered acting with BET Africa’s Black Gold as Tofolux Mthethwa.
By late 2025, he expanded into comedy series like Malume noMshana and continued growing as a sought-after public figure in entertainment.
Personal Life
Sweet Guluva was in a relationship with fellow Big Brother Mzansi Season 5 housemate Ashley Ogle, which began on the show but ended by September 2025; no children are reported. He maintains close family ties, crediting his mother, an actress, for nurturing his outgoing nature. No current partner is publicly confirmed as of early 2026.
Net Worth
Estimates place Sweet Guluva’s net worth above R3.7 million (about $200,000 USD) as of 2025, driven by his R2 million prize, brand deals, endorsements, and entertainment ventures. Exact figures remain undisclosed, with growth from music and acting roles.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Big Brother Mzansi S5 | Contestant | Winner |
| 2025–present | Black Gold | Tofolux Mthethwa | Starring, Season 1 |
Discography
Sweet Guluva has featured on tracks like “Sweet Guluva” (with DJ Zinhle, NDLOH JNR, and Nokwazi Dlamini, released June 6, 2025) and “Ngqi” (with Sir Trill). Other appearances include “Ntekenteke” (lead with Halo Yagami), “Hebe,” and “Mastande.” No solo albums yet; tracks are non-album singles.
Awards and Recognition
In 2025, he was honored as GQ South Africa’s Best Dressed Reader. Nominations include South African Social Media Awards for Best Social Media Newcomer. His Big Brother win marks his primary accolade.
