Viewers called for intervention after housemate Thandeka was seen washing her face and gargling in the communal kitchen sink, raising hygiene concerns in the Big Brother Mzansi house.
By Bulelwa Hoala
Big Brother Mzansi host Smash Afrika finally confronted housemate Thandeka over her unhygienic use of the communal kitchen sink in the Big Brother Mzansi: Bazozwa house.
This follows an outcry from viewers on social media over the past week, who called on Big Brother to intervene after Thandeka was seen washing her face in the kitchen sink over a pile of unwashed dishes.
That’s not all. Thandeka has also been witnessed steaming her face using a pot that is meant for cooking, as well as gargling and rinsing her mouth in the very same kitchen sink.
During Sunday night’s live show, housemates voiced their concerns about Thandeka’s behaviour and the potential health risks it poses in the house.
Thandeka defended herself with her whole chest and, in a separate conversation with Mmeli, insisted that her use of the kitchen sink was not unhygienic. She referenced her time living in Italy as justification.
“So-and-so says, ‘Is this how things are done in Italy?’ Yes! That’s why I even say people wash babies in the sink, because there’s not an issue. It’s not like people have never seen content, or people washing wigs in their sinks,” she said.
Mmeli nodded in agreement, adding: “No, I’ve seen people washing their babies in their sinks in America.”
Ha Se Mo Europe Mo
While it may be common in countries like the United States for people to use the kitchen sink to wash pets, soak clothes, wash shoes, and even wash their hair, things are different in South Africa.
Here, the kitchen sink is primarily used for food preparation and washing dishes. It is a respected space that is sanitised and kept clean at all times. Even leaving dirty dishes piled up for too long is frowned upon due to the flies it attracts and the potential for cockroach infestations.
Using the kitchen sink for anything other than food preparation and washing dishes increases the risk of cross-contamination. This is when harmful bacteria move from one surface to another. This can result in foodborne illnesses, including food poisoning.
The kitchen sink is already a breeding ground for bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Staphylococcus, as it is where raw food particles often mix with moisture.
Washing pets, dirty clothes, or hair in the kitchen sink adds even more risk:
Pets: No matter how groomed they look, pets carry traces of fecal matter, parasites (like hookworms), and fungal infections that can easily transfer to your food surfaces.
Hair: Shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, which are not suitable for human consumption.
Laundry: Harsh detergents can leave a chemical film on the basin that clings to your pots, pans, and utensils even after rinsing.
In a communal environment like the Big Brother house, one person’s “International” habit could quickly become everyone’s health hazard.
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