Ashley Ogle Speaks Up about her breakup with the Big Brother Mzansi Star Sweet Guluva. Image credit: Mzansi Magic.
Ashley Ogle Speaks Out on Breakup with Sweet Guluva and Fan Fundraiser Fallout
(The Post News) – Former Big Brother Mzansi housemate Ashley Ogle has broken her silence on her split from fellow contestant Sweet Guluva (real name Akhonamathemba Mbele), revealing intimate details about their relationship, the emotional fallout, and the unexpected pressure she faced from fans after leaving the show.
Appearing on the YouTube series Drink or Tell The Truth, hosted by popular media personality Lasizwe Dambuza, Ogle opened up for the first time since the end of the show, reflecting on her time in the house, her experience post-eviction, and the intense public scrutiny that followed.
Ogle and Guluva quickly became one of the most beloved and talked-about couples during their time on Big Brother Mzansi. Their on-screen chemistry captivated viewers, and fans rooted for their romance to continue beyond the confines of the house. But their relationship faced its first serious challenge when Ogle was suddenly evicted during a surprise Monday night twist leaving Guluva visibly distraught and many fans shocked by the turn of events.
Despite the emotional bond they shared on screen, Ogle revealed that their connection didn’t survive in the real world. She said they tried to make it work after the show ended, but ultimately, it was Guluva who decided to end the relationship.
“Sweet Guluva broke up with me. I didn’t walk away from the relationship,” Ogle stated honestly. “I had no choice but to accept it and move on.”
When Dambuza asked why the relationship ended, Ogle admitted she never received a clear or convincing explanation from Mbele. She suggested that the man she fell for inside the Big Brother house and the man she encountered outside were not the same person.
“I fell in love with Sweet Guluva the version of him I saw in the house. I still love him and like him. But I don’t particularly like Akhonamathemba,” she confessed.
“Sweet Guluva cared about me. He showed affection, he showed interest. But Akhonamathemba didn’t seem to see us as a couple. He didn’t plan a future with Ashley Ogle.”
Ogle went on to explain that she believed the breakup was emotionally one-sided, and the persona Guluva presented on television did not match the behavior of Mbele outside the show.
“His explanation didn’t make much sense. Honestly, I don’t even remember what he said it felt invalid and didn’t sit right with me,” she said.
“It just felt like Sweet Guluva had plans for us, but Akhonamathemba didn’t.”
Ogle’s openness resonated with many viewers, particularly those who had followed her journey closely. She spoke with calm vulnerability, not to assign blame, but to make sense of a relationship that, for many fans, felt so real and promising.
Alongside the emotional toll of the breakup, Ogle also addressed another unexpected chapter in her post-Big Brother journey: the GoFundMe campaign launched by fans after her early eviction. The campaign, created by loyal supporters, aimed to raise funds for Ogle as a gesture of appreciation, hoping to provide her with some compensation after she lost the opportunity to compete for the R2 million grand prize.
Supporters across South Africa and beyond contributed generously, sending not only money but also messages of encouragement and admiration. However, what began as a heartfelt show of support soon took a turn that left Ogle feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable.
She explained that some donors began to impose expectations on her, attempting to dictate how she should present herself, behave, and live her life post-show.
“At first, I appreciated the support. It meant a lot to know people believed in me,” she said.
“But then it started to feel like I was being controlled. People were telling me what to wear, what to say, even how to act and I don’t like that.”
Ogle didn’t hold back when describing the frustration she felt. As someone who values her independence, she found the situation stifling.
“I finally said, ‘If you’re going to control me like this, then take your money back.’ I don’t need people telling me who to be,” she said with conviction.
“I’m my own person. I don’t need to be managed by strangers on the internet.”
In response to the growing pressure, Ogle decided to return the money raised through the campaign. She clarified that the funds were sent back and divided among the original contributors.
“I didn’t want to feel indebted to anyone. I didn’t want to be someone else’s project,” she explained.
Throughout the interview, Ogle came across as grounded and self-aware, acknowledging both the highs and lows of her Big Brother journey. From finding love in an unexpected place to navigating the complexities of fame and fan expectations, she has emerged with a deeper understanding of herself and what she wants from her future.
Despite the heartbreak and the controversy, she remains open-hearted and even admitted that she still has feelings for Guluva.
“I’m still in love with him. That hasn’t changed,” she said softly. “But I’ve also learned that love alone isn’t enough.”
As she looks ahead, Ashley Ogle seems focused on reclaiming her own narrative and building a life beyond reality TV on her own terms.
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