Yay - Thursday's second episode of kykNET's Die Brug took a welcome turn when it was revealed that self-professed schmodel Wilhrisca isn't a goner as we were led to believe.
House 1 contestants
didn't make a mistake whacking her
in the premiere because a villain-with-a-grudge is better entertainment than a villain without one and now she's House 2's problem.
The introduction of a second house - the Noord Huis - was cool and makes the season notably different from the first with two competing Bruuuuuuugs at play.
At first we were a bit "meh" when we realised that the second house was going to do an exact repeat of what the first house did last week but it turned out to be interesting in its own way, despite the fact that neither were as messy as the contestants made out. Puhlease - a quick pick up and dust and it was fine.
That was bigged up and contrived but the close-ups on the contestants weren't and the second episode had the same sense of honesty as the first when it came to their monologues about themselves.
An honesty that Lelani
should have stuck with when it came to her reasoning for her ruthless elimination of Hirome. She should have given them and us an explanation as to why she turned on him as she did.
We presume it was because she didn't want to vote out any of the girls and saw Johan and Tiaan as being more hands-on and suited to building the bridge because of their professions but she should have clarified why - especially to Hirome.
You'll see why from his profile below. His story's heartbreaking! - he must have suffered such a painful sense of rejection by his father.
These are the profiles for the seven who were introduced in the second house and, once again, we presume they wrote them themselves based on their tone:
Anesca Latsky
Age: 35
Occupation: Financial Manager
From: Centurion, Gauteng
Anesca is a tigress. Her voice roars - and she knows she intimidates people, but she promises she has a soft heart.
She’s incredibly proud to be the mother of two daughters and wants to raise strong women.
Anesca realizes Die Brug is an opportunity that could change her life, especially now that she’s at a crossroads, and she wants to prove to herself that she’s capable of so much more.
She loves a good time, laughing and chatting – she also trains hard and competes in CrossFit competitions.
She can’t help but want to lead and isn’t afraid of the spotlight.
She’s in a management position at work but admits she’s quite undisciplined and often makes mistakes - though she always takes responsibility.
She believes everyone deserves to win, but for her, there’s no other option than to win Die Brug.
Hirome Shigeaki
Age: 27
Occupation: Occupational Therapist
From: Secunda,
Hirome loves nature and lives close to his faith.
His biological father is Japanese, and his mother was a Coloured woman. When he was five, his mother passed away, and his father’s new wife didn’t want to raise another woman’s child.
He ended up in the foster care system until his English teacher and her husband adopted him in Grade 10 - a moment that changed his life forever and gave him hope again.
Hirome has been through more than most people will ever understand. After so many setbacks, he became cynical, but he still holds on to a simple, powerful truth: “Your past doesn’t define your future, you don’t have to look like your past, and your circumstances don’t define who you are - your choices do”.
His extraordinary life experience has prepared him for the challenges of Die Brug.
For Hirome, participating isn’t just about winning - it’s about honouring his inner child, acknowledging his pain and victories and proving to himself that he is worthy and capable.
Being chosen to cross Die Brug would leave a lasting positive mark on his life story.
Johan Steyn
Age: 55
Occupation: Rock Mechanic
From: Secunda, Mpumalanga
Johan is a people person. He’s friendly, enjoys listening, and loves the company of people of all ages.
He’s comfortable in leadership roles and working in teams. He’s married with a son and daughter who have already left home.
Johan believes that as long as people don’t get too deep, things don’t have to be uncomfortable.
He’s very proud of his people skills and enjoys planning and problem-solving.
He also garms bees part-time - something he’d love to do full-time.
He wants to win Die Brug so he can share the prize money with everyone, because he understands the value of teamwork.
Lelani Loots
Age: 39
Occupation: Fitness Instructor
From: Centurion, Gauteng
Lelani is a tall, strong woman who lives an active lifestyle. She enjoys the pleasures of life with her husband of the past eight years and they love exploring the world.
They have no children and plan to keep it that way - she says they have their hands full with their two mischievous dogs.
Nothing is too much or too little for her. When she sets her mind to something, Lelani goes all in. She doesn’t give up and teaches other women the same in her bootcamps.
As an instructor and confidant, Lelani always focuses on others, so she wants to use Die Brug to focus solely on herself and will do anything - good or bad - to make sure she comes out on top.
She believes Die Brug can offer her that: the chance to get to know herself and overcome her insecurities.
For her, it’s not just about the prize money - though she obviously wants to win - but about the experience.
Rechaux Browne
Age: 43
Occupation: Business Owner
From: Strand, Western Cape
Rechaux is a mother of eight, with children ranging from 10 months to 24 years old.
Participating in Die Brug is completely out of her comfort zone. She doesn’t like camping or being in nature and knows she’ll have to adapt quickly. However, she knows how to negotiate and communicate and usually gets people to dance to her tune.
She believes she has a good heart but admits she can be difficult.
She knows how to put herself in others’ shoes, which makes her a strong player and gives her the ability to win people over.
For her, honesty is the most important thing. Her 21-year-old daughter was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a disease that nearly cost her her life.
Her children are her biggest motivation, and it’s for them that she will stay strong.
Rechaux wants to win Die Brug for her daughter and give her the best, because life offers no guarantees.
Roscoe Pekeur
Age: 39
Occupation: Boxing Promoter
From: Montagu, Western Cape
"Roscoe Rumble" is the angel everyone wants to meet.
He’ll do anything and everything for people and helps the underprivileged in his community. But some people don’t like him because he’s straightforward and knows how to stand up for himself.
He went through a personal tragedy that felt like death and led him down a dark path.
Faith saved him - and he’s now been sober for 11 years.
Roscoe is at a crossroads in his life and doesn’t know what the next step is. He’s preparing for change but doesn’t know what it will look like and hopes Die Brug will help him find it.
Tiaan van Niekerk
Age: 35
Occupation: Farmer
From: Middelburg, Mpumalanga
Tiaan lives alone on a farm in Middelburg where he grows maize and soybeans.
He enjoys hunting weekends, socialising and meeting new people. Tiaan likes simplicity and routine but never misses a social opportunity.
On a typical day, he rides through the fields on his quad bike or swims in the farm dam.
He has a deep love for hunting and often escapes to the bush for weekends.
He has ideas that some might find strange and is quick to raise his hand to lead. He wants to challenge the familiar and comfortable routine of his life and Die Brug gives him the chance to do just that.
If you missed the profiles of the first seven, please tap here:
Die Brug 2 contestants and why they whacked the wrong person