20-something occupational therapist Hirome Shigeaki turned out to be the star of the 2025 edition of
Die Brug when he won Season 2 by unanimous applause.
His competitors were literally begging him to "Take the money from us pleeeeeease!" - which he did when the winning Suid Huis team chose him to walk the bridge in the season finale.
He won R720,000 and didn't keep it all for himself but divvied it up like so:
-> R40,000 for Johan,
-> R65,000 for Hanri,
-> R70,000 for Jaco,
-> R65,000 for Melissa
-> leaving him with R480,000.
We caught up with him to ask the questions we've had during and after the show:
TVSA: When you were evicted from Noord Huis at the beginning, what were your thoughts and feelings as you left on the boat?
Hirome: I felt devastated - as if the wind had been knocked out of me. I kept thinking, Wow… is this really how my story ends on Die Brug?
In those moments, a thousand questions ran through my mind. I replayed my choices, wondering what I could have done better, what I had missed, and whether I had truly shown my worth.
The sound of the boat’s motor was deafening, not because it was loud, but because it felt like it was carrying me away from unfinished dreams.
My heart was heavy, yet in the middle of all that turmoil, I found myself whispering, “Lord, let Your will be done.” It was my way of surrendering - trusting that even an ending I didn’t choose could be part of a bigger story I couldn’t yet see.
TVSA: If you’d stayed in Noord Huis and they’d won, who would you have voted for to cross the bridge and why? Wilhrisca? 
Hirome: My first choice would be Johan. He is a man of integrity, with a beautiful heart and a calm strength that everyone could feel.
He carried himself like a true leader - not by dominating, but by guiding - and in many ways, he was like a father figure to me in the game. There was a warmth and steadiness about him that created a good atmosphere.
If I had to choose a woman, it would be Anesca - from the very start, we clicked, and our connection was genuine.
And maybe even Wilhrisca, because she brought so much fun to the group, the drama and spicyness, and played a smart individual game.
TVSA: Why did you give Jaco R5,000 more than Melissa and Hanri?
Hirome: When it came time to share the money, I paused for a moment and said a quick prayer, asking God to guide my decision. Ironically, I ended up giving Jaco R70,000 - even though I hadn’t voted for him, I voted for Melissa.
All I can say is that my choice was spirit-led. I could give that amount with a cheerful heart, because I believe the Lord loves a cheerful giver.
Also, Jaco had worked incredibly hard throughout the competition - always willing to pick up the tools, swing the hammer, and get the job done.
I felt peace knowing the extra amount was going to someone who had truly earned it and needs it.
TVSA: What was the most profound life truth that you discovered by being on the show?
Hirome: The biggest truth I discovered is that people reveal their true character when they are tired, hungry and under pressure.
When you’re stripped of comfort and control, the masks fall away - and you see who people really are… and who you really are.
I learned that happiness doesn’t come from abundance, but from gratitude. You can truly be content with the bare minimum - a safe place to sleep, running water and simple food.
I also realised that your worth isn’t measured by how strong, tall, or intelligent you are, but by how willing you are to show up as your authentic self.
And perhaps most importantly, I discovered that you are always stronger than you think - sometimes it just takes the right storm to prove it.
TVSA: What surprised you most about the filming process?
Hirome: Everything was real and authentic - nothing was scripted, and nobody stepped in to help you.
When you watch reality TV competition shows, you always wonder how much is staged, but I can honestly say that on Die Brug, every moment was genuine.
The producers did an incredible job keeping the plot twists and unpredictability alive, which kept us on our toes from start to finish.
For me, being part of the biggest two plot twists of the story made it even more special - first being voted out, then unexpectedly joining the other team, and eventually discovering the existence of the mysterious green tower.
It felt like living inside a book where you never knew what the next chapter would hold.
TVSA: Are you still in touch with your fellow contestants? Who?
Hirome: I am closest and mostly in touch with Hannes - we’ve visited each other frequently after Die Brug.
I’m also still close with Melissa and keep in touch regularly.
I still speak with Wilhrisca, Johan, Jaco, Luwellen and Roscoe. I have the rest of the cast on social media, but we don’t interact often.
Ends
Seasons 2 and 1 of Die Brug are on DStv Catch-Up.