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MOLOKO “Loko” Makhafula, a 22-year-old freelance artist manager, hopes to win this season of Big Brother Mzansi 2014, as this would be a great boost to building herself as a brand in the entertainment industry.

If she wins, it also means she will get the big price: a R1 million cheque all the contestants are gunning for.

Makhafula, who grew up in Norkem Park, studied IT at the University of Pretoria but now works in the entertainment industry as an artist manager for up and coming young artists.

“Even though she studied IT after completing her matric at Potchestroom Girls High, Loko has always been fond of the arts. She is a creative person and she has always had a passion for the arts and dance and being an entertainer,” her father, Jeffrey Makhafula, said.

It is indeed this burning desire to be part of South Africa’s entertainment industry that Loko made the decision to join Big Brother Mzansi. She wanted to have better opportunities to feature in the local entertainment industry through being a recognisable face and name, especially for when she goes for auditions for acting or dancing.

“As an entertainer you need to be a brand and that is what Loko wanted to achieve with Big Brother Mzansi. This is her opportunity to build her brand and be recognised for her talents,” Makhafula said.

The young woman is well on her way to achieving her dreams and has even had a small part as an extra on the hot local TV soapie, Rhythm City. She also worked as a dancer at Sprite Uncontinabe Talent Search with international Hip Hop artist Talib Kweli.

Although Loko grew up in a strict family, her older sister, Mahlaku, believes their parents’ stern attitude nurtured Loko into the head strong and hard working woman she is today.

“Our parents are very strict, especially our mother, who is teacher at Tembisa High School. But we were also brought up to believe in ourselves and to take pride in who we are as individuals, “says Mahlaku.

The family is also very close and supportive of each member’s dreams and achievements, and Loko’s family has been following and recording every episode of Big Brother Mzansi since she joined the house in January.

This is why they are reaching out to the community in Norkem Park and other parts of Kempton Park to vote for Loko, as winning this competition would mean a great deal for her career as an aspiring presenter and entertainer.

The big finale of Big Brother Mzansi is on Sunday as the winner will be announced. Loko, who was safe from elimination last week, is really relying on people’s votes.

“It would mean the world for her to win and it would really boost her career in the entertainment industry. Not only that, but also put her a step closer in becoming a young business owner, which is one of her goals in life,” her father said.

Her mother, Bella Makhafula, believes the journey on Big Brother Mzansi has not only been a race for the money for her daughter, but also a learning experience.

“Being on the show has made Moloko a stronger and better person. She is slowly learning to deal with her imperfections in the house and excelling in her strengths.

“One thing is for sure though, after being on the show she is now one of Kempton Park’s big celebrities, so I’m sure she’ll be happy to get back to her new found fame,” Bella says.

To vote for Moloko, people can sms “Vote Loko” to 34626. Alternatively, people can vote on the Big Brother Mzansi website or via WeChat and Whatsapp.