Culture Craze
Jojo BBMzansi Opens Up: Surviving Scandal, Backlash, and Finding Strength
From reality TV fame to public scrutiny
Karabo “Jojo” Sejojo captured South Africa’s attention as a finalist on Big Brother Mzansi. But when the Russian Start Program scandal erupted, her career and her mental health were thrown into turmoil. Speaking on the Engineer Your Life podcast, Jojo admitted the backlash almost drove her to take her own life. For a young woman at the start of her career, the wave of criticism felt impossible to escape.
The cost of public backlash
When her TikTok account was banned and thousands of negative comments piled up, Jojo believed her career was finished before it had properly begun. She described the constant judgement as unbearable, and the scandal soon became more than a professional setback. It cut deep into her sense of self.
Many assumed she only cared about followers and fame. In reality, Jojo said it was about something much bigger: her identity, her dignity, and whether she had the strength to withstand a public storm that seemed relentless.
Finding strength at home
At her lowest point, Jojo returned to her parents’ home. It was there, surrounded by love and guidance, that she found stability again. She credits her family with saving her life and making sure she held on when everything else felt lost.
Her journey since then has been marked by resilience. Despite the humiliation and despair, she celebrated graduating and, in July 2025, bought her first home. These milestones proved that her story was not defined by scandal but by survival.
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Why her story matters
Jojo’s honesty has sparked important conversations about mental health, especially in a country where stigma often silences people. Fans online praised her courage, saying her openness gave them hope in their own battles. By speaking publicly about her darkest moments, she showed that public figures are as human and vulnerable as anyone else.
A reminder of resilience
The Russian program scandal could have ended Jojo’s journey. Instead, it became a turning point. She almost gave up, but her family’s support and her own perseverance helped her find a way forward.
Her story is not just about recovering from backlash. It is about showing that resilience is possible, that survival can lead to growth, and that even when the noise of criticism feels overwhelming, there can still be light at the end of it.
Also read: Enhle Mbali faces backlash after ‘k-word hare’ apology falls flat
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: Instagram/@karabo_sejojo
