BREAKING. Big Brother Mzansi coming to Mzansi Magic from January 2014 as South Africans get a chance again to live in a camera house.

Big Brother Mzansi produced by Endemol South Africa for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) channel is coming to viewers in January 2014 as the reality format is given another South African season by the pay-TV broadcaster.

With Big Brother Africa The Chase currently taking place as the latest pan-African season of the show in which Africans from across the continent are under 24 hour camera surveillance in Johannesburg, South Africa, M-Net has commissioned another version of the show for South Africa, saying a Big Brother season for the Mzansi Magic channel is "a logical next step".

South African viewers got their first taste of Big Brother in 2001, after the show transitioned to a continental Africa version set in Johannesburg with contestants from across Africa.

"The multiple requests over the years for another local version of this supernova show, together with the overwhelming viewer response to Big Brother Africa, signaled that it will be a surefire hit in our market," says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net's director of local interest channels.

"Adding Big Brother to our varied, increasing portfolio of general entertainment productions - ranging from telenovelas, soaps, lifestyle shows, comedies to reality and drama - consolidates Mzansi Magic's commitment to bringing the biggest and the best local shows to our viewers."

"The format is perfectly aligned to our vision which is to produce the most compelling content for audiences when they want it and where they want it," says Yolisa Phahle.

Big Brother The Chase shown on AfricaMagic across DStv in Africa and used as a driver for DStv pay-TV growth across Africa, has already lured just under 1 million unique website visitors since it started two weeks ago with 1,5 million online video views and 30 million page views online. The show has received over 1 million messages from viewers to the TV show.

"We are extremely proud of all the Big Brother editions," says Sivan Pillay, Endemol SA managing director. "The brand just keeps on growing and each season has had its own charm. We value our longstanding relationship with M-Net as a company and look forward to collaborating with another channel in its family of brands."

No specifics such as the presenter, the prize, the theme or what South Africans would be allowed to enter has been announced.

Big Brother Africa The Chase to be streamed live for free on the internet across Africa from 26 May.

The 8th season of Big Brother Africa entitled Big Brother Africa The Chase will be streamed live on the internet for free across Africa from Sunday 26 May at 19:00 when the Endemol South Africa produced reality show launches for a new season of 91 days.

Besides being broadcast on channels 197 and 198 on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV platform viewers across Africa will be able to watch the show through live streaming, requiring only a computer and an internet connection.

Packaged content from Big Brother Africa The Chase will also be shown on the AfricaMagic, AfricaMagic Entertainment and AfricaMagic World channels on DStv with IK Osakioduwa once again be the presenter.

Big Brother Africa The Chase will launch with Nigerian, Kenyan and South African artists performing on Sunday evening 26 May when 28 new contestants from 50 African countries enter the camera house in Johannesburg.

Big Brother Africa's 8th season subtitled 'The Chase'; will start on 26 May on DStv channels 197 and 198 with IK Osakiodukwa back as host.

The 8th season of the continental reality show Big Brother Africa starting on 26 May on Big Brother Africa channels 197 and 198 on DStv will be subtitled "The Chase".

IK Osakioduwa will once again be the presenter of the AfricaMagic reality show produced by Endemol South Africa and which will start on 26 May for 91 days and a 24 hour daily video feed as 28 contestants from 14 African countries - called "housemates" - are voted out.

"Endemol is excited to present another season of Big Brother in Africa," says Sivan Pillay, managing director of Endemol South Africa in a statement. "Another vintage season lies in store with fresh new twists and surprises and ultimately great reality entertainment."

"Big Brother Africa remains at the forefront of our plans," says Biola Alabi, M-Net Africa managing director, in the statement. "We want to give audiences and loyal fans of the show a truly unforgettable viewing experience once again."

"This season audiences can expect a show encompassing suspence, emotions, drama, fun, excitement and quite possibly, as we have seen in previous seasons, a little romance."