Buckle up for Season 2 of kykNET’s International Emmy-nominated Die Brug, where the drama, jeopardy, and shocking twists have been cranked up to unprecedented levels.
Episode 1 plunged viewers straight into turmoil. Forget a warm welcome – the game ignites with a challenging puzzle, forcing players to crack a combination lock just to enter the disheveled Hout Huis. But the chaos continues inside, as they discover a house in complete disarray, far from habitable. Their initial team mission: restore order to the Hout Huis. Yet, before they can truly settle, a major curveball arrives. Based solely on first impressions, the group faces the agonizing task of choosing a leader and eliminating a player within hours of their first meeting. And the surprises don’t end there.
The episode culminates in the dramatic entrance of a mysterious stranger named Hirome, leaving viewers reeling with questions: Who is he? What is his purpose? And how will his arrival shatter the dynamics of the remaining players? The tension is palpable, the stakes are sky-high, and the million-rand prize is already a hard-fought goal. Seven daring individuals, each with unique strengths, have entered the fray. Will their individual contributions be enough to build the bridge and claim victory in this ultimate test of trust, teamwork, and betrayal? The gripping action has only just begun.
Melissa Klein (37) – Budget manager from Pretoria, Gauteng
Melissa embodies strength and compassion. A dedicated mother of two and wife, her life’s purpose is to uplift others, a calling evident in her perseverance, unwavering faith, and passionate service. As a budget manager within the Department of Defence’s 2 Signal Regiment MOD Signal Unit, her influence is significant, yet it expands even further through her community organization, mentorship of young women, and inspiring social media presence. Grounded in a childhood that valued discipline and service, her 13+ years in the military have shaped her ability to navigate the world with grace, firmness, and a ready laugh. While her journey includes the pain of a strained relationship with her father, which she hopes to heal, Die Brug represents more than a competition for Melissa. It’s a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and an opportunity to demonstrate the power of living with faith and authenticity. Far from being a passive participant, Melissa is committed to growth, transformation, and leaving a legacy defined by love, truth, and resilience.
Hannes Roodt (33) – Entrepreneur from Benoni, Gauteng
A high-energy extrovert and driven entrepreneur, Hannes is a man of action, valuing his independence and known for his “can-do” attitude. Deeply devoted to his wife and their three young children, he understands that their seemingly perfect family is the result of dedicated effort and guidance. Hannes possesses strategic thinking and a knack for executing ideas that benefit his community. While he sees himself as a strong leader, he admits to using manipulation to achieve his goals. His talkative and overly friendly nature masks a deep sensitivity to others’ opinions. Often seen as the unifying force in social settings, Hannes has a keen ability to read and categorize people. For Hannes, Die Brug is a platform to champion authentic living and demonstrate the power of considering diverse perspectives in overcoming challenges.
Hanri Ehlers (39) – Lawyer and farmer from Delmas, Mpumalanga
After a diverse and successful career spanning the restaurant industry, game ranging, and law in Botswana, Hanri returned to her family farm in Delmas, where she now manages the Bonsmara cattle herd and feed factory. A testament to her resilience, she’s no stranger to reinvention, having started over multiple times. While Delmas might seem quiet, Hanri has embraced it, becoming an enthusiastic lawn bowler and president of the local club. A natural leader with a selfless approach, she readily adapts to any situation, a quality that makes her a formidable player. Her strong personality is magnetic, and her calm presence inspires confidence in her decision-making. A significant health crisis in 2020 served as a life-altering turning point, a blessing in disguise that brought her back to the farm she now appreciates, even while missing her Kalahari life. Hanri approaches Die Brug with a readiness to embrace its challenges, determined to savor every moment.
Hilana Marais (43) – Art teacher from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Driven by a deep love for nature and the extraordinary, Hilana’s days often begin before sunrise, carving through the waves at Jeffreys Bay on her surfboard. By day, she channels her creativity as an art teacher, finding further solace and strength in mountain biking and wilderness camping. While her zest for life is undeniable, Hilana sometimes feels a sense of confinement, yearning for her own space and a deeper inner connection. Accustomed to solitude, she approaches the group dynamic of Die Brug with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Yet, embracing change and seeking new horizons, along with a balance between introspection and outward engagement, fuels her participation. Hilana aims to win, confident in her competitive spirit, and draws strength from the competition’s natural setting, her ultimate source of peace.
Jaco Davel (43) – Maintenance technician from East London, Eastern Cape
Jaco is a man defined by his integrity and strong character, finding contentment in fishing, woodworking, and a simple life shared with his wife, son, and daughter. A firm believer in hard work and always ready to assist others, Jaco’s greatest aspiration is the financial security and happiness of his family. Despite his imposing physical presence, he possesses a deeply loving nature, embodying the qualities of a good man and father whose word is absolute. While past hurts linger, Jaco chooses to move forward with gratitude. Recognizing a current need for the transformative experience Die Brug offers, this inherently selfless man, who would readily give his last to another, now understands it’s time to focus on an opportunity that could significantly benefit him and his loved ones – a potential he sees in Die Brug.
Luwellen Marx (53) – Construction manager from Mossel Bay, Western Cape
Luwellen is a driven construction manager who channels his energy into CrossFit and coaching school rugby in his free time. Physically strong, active, and always with a plan, he’s known for his helpful nature and selfless dedication to others. Luwellen believes his work ethic and bridge-building skills will make him a valuable team member. A married man who deeply values his family, he nonetheless struggles with trust. His honesty and sincerity underscore his serious approach to life and caring for his loved ones. Though capable of boisterous enthusiasm, Luwellen is fundamentally humble. Beneath his capable exterior, he sometimes grapples with feelings of loneliness, being unloved, and persistent worries, finding solace and mental clarity in exercise – a belief in the power of a healthy body for a healthy mind that fuels his determination to win. Having made significant sacrifices to participate in Die Brug, Luwellen is single-mindedly focused on bringing the treasure chest home for his family.
Wilhrisca Brits (30) – International model and motorsport journalist from Polokwane, Limpopo
Wilhrisca is far more than just a model who graced the runways of New York before returning to Polokwane. Fiercely independent and unafraid to assert herself, she backs up her striking presence with a technical background in vehicle mechanics. A true car enthusiast, she runs her own YouTube channel, Drive Diva SA, and has proven her business acumen by establishing, managing, and selling a modelling school. As a devoted single mother, her son is her world. Shaped by a challenging childhood and raised to be self-reliant, Wilhrisca is strong-willed and not to be underestimated. Life has forged her toughness, a quality she embraces. Her motivation for winning Die Brug isn’t financial necessity, but rather the allure of television exposure and the potential for future opportunities it represents.