The players of Die Brug Season 2 revealed – and the game is already on!
Season 2 of kykNET’s International Emmy-nominated Die Brug has kicked off with more drama, more jeopardy and more jaw-dropping twists than ever before.
In episode 1 (Thursday, 8 May at 8pm), viewers were thrown headfirst into chaos, where the game started – not with a welcome, but with a puzzle. The players had to crack the code of a combination lock just to get inside the Hout Huis. What awaited them inside was even more unexpected: a messy and disordered house that was far from ready for habitation.
Their first mission as a team? Get the Hout Huis into living order. But just as they began settling in, another curveball was thrown: the group was forced to choose a leader based purely on first impressions – and make the gut-wrenching decision to eliminate one of their own, all within mere hours of meeting.
And just when they thought the surprises were over, the biggest twist of all arrived. The episode ended with a mysterious stranger named Hirome walking into the game. Who is he? Why is he there? And what will his arrival mean for the remaining players?
The tension is high, the stakes are even higher and the journey to the R1 million grand prize has only just begun.
Each player brings something unique to the game — but will it be enough to build the bridge and claim the prize? With the action already at fever pitch, let’s take a look at this season’s seven daring players who have stepped up to face the ultimate test of trust, teamwork and betrayal.
Meet the first group of players:
Melissa Klein (37) – Budget manager from Pretoria, Gauteng
Melissa is a dynamic woman with a soft heart and a strong backbone. She’s a married mother of two sons and lives with a deep calling to uplift others. Her life is a testimony of perseverance, faith and a fiery passion for service. She works as a budget manager in the Department of Defence under the 2 Signal Regiment MOD Signal Unit, but her influence extends far beyond as the founder of a community organisation, a mentor to young women and a voice of hope on social media. Raised in a home where discipline and service were highly valued, she served in the military for over 13 years. She moves comfortably in a world of uniforms and authority but remains true to herself with grace, firmness and a sense of humour. Her story is not without pain – especially the fractured relationship with her biological father, which she hopes to mend. Die Brug is not just a competition for her; it’s a journey of self-discovery, healing and a chance to show others what’s possible when you live with faith and honesty. Melissa is not here to be background noise – she’s here to grow, transform, and leave a legacy of love, truth and strength.
Hannes Roodt (33) – Entrepreneur from Benoni, Gauteng
Hannes is the man who can – and will. An extrovert with high energy, he’s motivated, a go-getter and an active man who values his freedom as an entrepreneur. He’s married with three young children and deeply loves his wife. They may appear to be the perfect family, but they’ve had to work hard and seek guidance to maintain their unity. Family is hard work, but worth it. Hannes knows how to think strategically and execute ideas that benefit those around him. He believes he’s a strong leader and doesn’t mind manipulating people to get what he wants. He can talk too much, be overly friendly and is deeply affected if people don’t like him. People see him as the glue that brings others together, and he’s good at reading people and categorising them. Hannes wants to do Die Brug to prove that everyone deserves to live authentically and that you can rise above if you’re willing to consider others’ perspectives too.
Hanri Ehlers (39) – Lawyer and farmer from Delmas, Mpumalanga
Hanri returned to the family farm in Delmas after a successful career as a restaurateur, game ranger and lawyer in Botswana. She now manages the Bonsmara cattle herd and feed factory. She knows what it means to start over – she’s done it several times. Delmas may not offer much, but Hanri is now an avid lawn bowler and president of the local club. A natural leader, she always puts others before herself. Hanri isn’t afraid to play the game, and people should be cautious around her. She adapts easily to any environment. Her strong personality draws people in, and her calm demeanor leads others to expect her to make decisions. In 2020, she faced a major health crisis that changed her life forever. It was a blessing in disguise, and while she misses her life in the Kalahari, she’s grateful to be back on the farm. Hanri is ready to embrace the challenges of Die Brug and is participating to make sure she enjoys every single moment.
Hilana Marais (43) – Art teacher from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Hilana is a versatile woman with a deep love for nature and extraordinary things. She’s up before dawn, grabbing her surfboard to ride the waves at Jeffreys Bay. During the day, she’s an art teacher who enjoys mountain biking and camping in the wilderness. Nature is where she finds peace and strength. Full of zest for life, she sometimes feels trapped and longs for her own space and inner connection. As a loner, she’s used to doing things on her own and wonders how she’ll fit in with a group of strangers. Still, she’s up for the challenge. Hilana is seeking change and opportunities to open new doors in her future, as well as a balance between darkness and light. She wants to win Die Brug and believes she’s competitive enough to make her dreams come true. Knowing that the competition takes place in her driving force – nature – gives her strength.
Jaco Davel (43) – Maintenance technician from East London, Eastern Cape
Jaco is a man of integrity and character. He enjoys fishing, woodworking and a simple life. He’s married with a son and a daughter. He knows hard work and is always ready to lend a hand. He believes you get what you want in life through hard work. His biggest wish is to be financially secure and see his family happy. Physically large and strong, Jaco has a loving character. He’s a good man, a good father, and his word is his bond. There’s pain in his past he wishes he could change, but now he moves forward with gratitude. Jaco needs the experience Die Brug offers in his life right now. He’s the kind of man who would give his last piece of bread to someone else, but now it’s time to focus on the task that could enrich him and his family – and he knows Die Brug can do that.
Luwellen Marx (53) – Construction manager from Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Luwellen works as a construction manager. In his free time, he’s an avid CrossFitter and school rugby coach. He’s physically strong, active and a man with a plan. People see him as helpful and someone who always puts others before himself. He believes he’ll be an asset to the team because he knows how to work hard and how to build a bridge. Luwellen is a married man, but he struggles to trust people. He’s honest, sincere and takes life and caring for his family seriously. He can be loud when in the mood, but he’s actually humble. Sometimes he feels alone, unloved and full of fear and worry – and that’s when he turns to exercise. “Healthy body, healthy mind,” he believes. Luwellen is determined to win. He’s sacrificed a lot to participate and plans to bring the treasure chest home to his family.
Wilhrisca Brits (30) – International model and motorsport journalist from Polokwane, Limpopo
Wilhrisca is a model who has walked the runways of New York and has now settled back in Polokwane. She’s not afraid to speak her mind or put someone in their place. Don’t think for a second she’s just a pretty face. She has a technical background in vehicle mechanics, loves cars, runs her own YouTube channel (Drive Diva SA) and started, managed and sold a modelling school. She’s a single mother to a little boy she would give the world for. Her childhood wasn’t easy, and her father raised her to never need a man in her life. Wilhrisca is strong, she can bite, and she will. Life has made her tough, and she prefers it that way. She wants to win Die Brug, not because she needs the money, but because she loves the idea of being on television and hopes it will lead to more opportunities.
Die Brug is produced by Red Pepper Pictures and broadcasts on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) on Thursdays at 8pm as well as live-streamed on DStv Stream and is available on DStv Catch Up after broadcast.
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