Survivor SA – Contestants announced!
It’s starting next week Wed – start placing your bets!!! The secret is out! M-Net has revealed the names of the 16 contestants who will be experiencing hell in paradise in Survivor South Africa: Malaysia.
These 16 headstrong Survivors were whisked off to an island in the South China Sea in May this year where they had to do whatever was necessary to endure the harsh elements and outsmart their tribe mates. The current Survivor series was shot over a period of 27 days and starts on M-Net on Wednesday, August 22 at 20:00. There will also be a repeat on M-Net Series on Fridays at 22:00.
In episode 1, food and fire are high on the Survivors’ priority list right from the start, but they soon find out that the lack of resources is but one of many problems on their deserted island. The contestants come from different walks of life and these larger than life personalities are bound to clash.
Whose torch will be extinguished at tribal council? Will the strongest or weakest Survivors go home first? And what will keep them in the game: physical strength or psychological mind games? Of course, it all depends on the dynamics of the tribe and the only certainty is that no-one is to be trusted.
Meet the Survivors:
Amanda Hoosen
Age: 29
Star sign:Libra
Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg
Occupation: Head of Internal Audit
Background: This confident, bubbly high-flier studied accounting in the USA and lived there for nine years. She has travelled the world, but these days she manages the internal audit team at a large mining company. In her spare time, she enjoys Bikram Yoga (yoga in a heated room). She has also had dance training since the age of five and does ballet, tap, modern and jazz.
Why she could survive in Malaysia: Amanda has already conquered the corporate world – what can stop her now? She won’t compromise her personality to save face, but best of all, she can talk her way in and out of any situation.
Describes herself as ..
“… quite loud, a great debater who thrives on intellectually stimulating conversation”.
Angela Beck
Age: 23
16/11/1983
Star sign: Scorpio
Lives in: Krugersdorp
Occupation: Model Coach
Background: Angela runs four of her own businesses and trains aspiring models. She has won over fifty beauty pageant titles herself, including Miss Tourism International 2003 – held in Malaysia.
Why she could survive in Malaysia: She may be young, sweet and pretty, but don’t underestimate her! She’s also super-motivated, goal-oriented and highly ambitious and always has her ear to the ground.
Describes herself as…
“strong-willed and determined. I keep myself motivated and have been told I motivate others”
Angie Bennett
Age: 30
15/7/1977
Star sign:Cancer
Lives in: Mowbray, Cape Town
Occupation: Boot camp instructor
Background: Super-hot Angie is a SA Muay Thai (full contact martial arts) champion who obtained her honours degree in psychology cum laude.
Why could she survive in Malaysia? This GI Jane is as strong as nails. She’s a smart risk-taker and straight-shooter who’s prepared to walk over anyone.
Describes herself as …
“a very active person with inner strength and resolve who knows how to get what she wants.”
Dyke Higginson
Age: 28
Birth date: 11/6/1979
Star sign: Gemini
Lives in: Marina Beach, KZN
Occupation: Landscaper
Background: Dyke is a sporty, outdoor McGyver type of guy, who is always on the go and never wants an office job. His favourite pastimes are swimming, golf, cycling, hiking, surfing, salt water skin diving and spear fishing. But he also has a creative side – he makes his own jewellery!
Why he could survive in Malaysia: This kamikaze’s hunting and fishing skills make him a good provider and even though he calls a spade a spade, his ingenious solutions are of great value to his tribe members.
Describes himself as …
“someone with a passion for the environment, who speaks four languages and loves learning about other cultures.”
Elsie Smith
Age: 24
Birth date: 18/1/1983
Star sign: Capricorn
Lives in: Sunninghill, Johannesburg
Occupation: Hotel Manager
Background info: Elsie does pole dancing classes for fun, loves her ciggies, shopping, cell phone and friends and hangs out all the best clubs in town! As both of her parents died when she was very young, she was adopted by her mom’s sister. She runs a hotel in Hillbrow, but lives in yuppie Sunninghill.
Why she could Survive in Malaysia: This street-smart city-slicker has learnt plenty of social tricks in the urban jungle, which could just give her the edge in a cut-throat Survivor tribe.
Describes herself as a …
“…party animal. I’m funny, I’m outgoing and believe life is about taking care of yourself.”
Grant Clark
Age: 35
Birth date: 12/5/1972
Star sign: Taurus
Lives in: Tokai, Cape Town
Occupation: Maritime Lawyer
Background: This non-conformist lawyer, who sports some impressive tattoos, taught English in Japan and smuggled Bibles into China. He also played provincial hockey and has a cute baby daughter.
Why would he survive in Malaysia? Grant plays the game as if it’s Monopoly, but never takes things personally. He’s sneaky and devious and has the gift of the gab.
Describes himself as …
“nothing to look at, sweet as sugar, but not to be trusted one bit.”
Hein Vosloo
Age: 47
Birth date: 2/7/1960
Star sign: Cancer
Lives in: Manzengwenya, KZN
Occupation: Rural developer
Background: Hein is a former military man and adventurer, and has done all the things other people only read about in books or see on TV. He has been in the African bush without resources countless times, and as a result, he knows astounding survival techniques, like how to make fire in seven different ways. Despite his gypsy tendencies, he’s been married to his wife for more than 20 years. They are currently building a cultural centre in a rural area, where he is also writing a book about astronomy.
Why would he survive in Malaysia? His incredible bush knowledge is an asset to any tribe. He is also good with people and is a strategic player. And he is as strong as an ox!
Describe himself as …
“well-travelled, well-educated when it comes to the outdoors and a person with a passion for life and new adventures, but who hates work.”
Irshaad Ally
Age: 29
Birth date: 1/3/1978
Star sign: Pisces
Lives in: Maitland, Cape Town
Occupation: Graphic Designer
Background: Irshaad had a rough youth: he grew up on the Cape Flats, never finished school, got involved with the wrong people, did hard drugs and got arrested. But then he re-invented his life and worked his way up from a runner at an ad agency to a graphic designer. He has completed the Argus (after one day’s training) and jumps off 20m cliffs for fun.
Why could he survive in Malaysia: This action man has survived against all odds in real life. He trusts his gut and is afraid of nothing.
Describes himself as …
“the personification of the saying ‘persevere and you will achieve.”
Lisa Atkinson
Birth date: 21/10/1985
Star sign: Libra
Age: 21
Living in: Durban/Stellenbosch
Occupation: Student
Background info: This bratty Matie, who is doing a BA in International Studies, is the youngest Survivor SA tribe member and the biggest Survivor fan in the history of the show. Rest assured, she knows the game and will use this to her advantage!
Why could she Survive in Malaysia: Lisa is cocky, single-minded and tough and is used to getting her own way. She will make friends with the girls and charm the men.
Describes herself as …
“confident with personality – the kind of person who you either hate or love. I’m brutally honest, sometimes too honest, as I’ll tell people to their face what I think of them.”
Lorette Mostert
Age: 36 (on 22 Aug when show starts; birthday just before 1st show)
Birth date: 21/8/1971
Star sign: Leo
Lives in: Middelburg
Occupation: Policewoman
Background: Lorette was chosen to go to Malaysia by the viewing public. She’s the winner of the Survivor Viewer’s Choice competition for which ten leading publications selected candidates. She represented the Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport. This loving mom of two, and superintendent in the South African Police Service, has completed the Comrades and boasts black belts in judo and karate.
Why she could survive in Malaysia? She is a hard worker who plays the game with determination and integrity. She also knows many practical survival skills.
Describes herself as …
“an average girl on appearance, but looks definitely are deceiving”.
Mandla Mbau
Age: 36
Birth date: 14/9/1970
Star sign: Virgo
Lives in: Glen Marais, Jhb
Occupation: Marketing Manager
Background info: From humble beginnings, born in Soweto, this proud rock of a man worked hard to get a good education and job. He studied Environmental Science and has just finished a four year assignment in Lagos.
Why could he survive in Malaysia? Mandla is a man of credibility who gets things done. This Camel Man, who comes from a close-knit family, is a natural leader. He is tough – physically and mentally.
Describes himself as …
“industrious and energetic; calm under pressure; good team player with strong values, yet open-minded.”
Nichal Ramchander
Age: 25
Birth date: 5/3/1982
Star sign: Pisces
Lives in: Phoenix, Durban
Occupation: Strongman Competitor
Background info: Nichal, who handles sales and marketing for an interior design company, has competed in a number of weight lifting competitions and is training to be a power lifter. He also loves super-bikes and drag races – anything that gets the blood pumping.
Why could he survive in Malaysia? He’s strong and a bit of an oddball, which makes him very likeable. He doesn’t tolerate sissies and has his eye on the money.
Describes himself as: “a fun guy who lives everyday as it comes.”
Nicola Windt
Age: 37
Birth date: 12/6/1970
Star sign: Gemini
Lives in: Harding, KZN
Occupation: Dairy farmer
Background info: Supermom Nicola has raised seven kids (four of her own) and runs her own diary farm. Despite her small frame, she has a powerful, sculptured body and she boasts Natal colours in polocrosse.
Why could she survive in Malaysia? She’s superfit, energetic and caring and not afraid to do her bit around camp.
Describes herself as …“a team player who loves to lead.”
Nomfundo Vilakazi
Age: 27
Birth date: 3/5/1980
Star sign: Taurus
Lives in Pretoria & Cape Town
Home language: Zulu
Occupation: Chemical engineer
Background info: Nomfundo was one of the first black female chemical engineering students at the University of Pretoria. She also reads the tarot, attends the occasional martial arts and yoga classes, and was a child prodigy.
Why could she survive in Malaysia? This mysterious intellectual is a brilliant problem-solver.
Describes herself as … “someone with many facets to her character, but who doesn’t get flustered easily.”
Rijesh Govender
Age: 30
Birth date: 22/6/1977
Star sign: Cancer
Living in: Lyndhurst, Johannesburg
Occupation: Sales Executive
Background: Rijesh, who grew up in Eshowe, takes great care of his body, spends many hours in the gym, and has done some modelling work. This former Natal high jumper is used to juggling many jobs. From time to time you’ll find him playing bar tender at cool clubs.
Why could he survive in Malaysia? This colourful, sporty guy will crash anything that stands in his path. He really doesn’t care to speak his mind, but is also a charming manipulator.
Describes himself as …“a well-groomed man who turns nasty when someone tramps on his toes.”
Viwe Soga
Age: 23
Birth date: 18/12/1983
Star sign: Sagittarius
Lives in: Melrose, Johannesburg
Occupation: Candidate Attorney
Background: This witty boy next door grew up in Umtata, went to boarding schools in Pietermaritzburg and Grahamstown and studied at UCT and Rhodes. At the 2006 African Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Ethiopia, he was named the 5th Best Orator on the continent.
Why he could win Survivor: Viwe is smart, charming and masterful with words. He also loves cracking jokes and has a dazzling smile – a helpful asset when you want to make friends and influence people.
Describes himself as ..
“a small town South African who is always open to new experiences and situations”.
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The bonus of doing a second Survivor SA is that the production team can learn from the first season’s mistakes and consider all the criticism and praise when revising the program. One thing we’re hoping for is a more INTERESTING range of candidates, with a bit more personality – of course we also need a little bit of eye-candy for those drifting eyes during the sometimes banal conversations. So Mnet make the most of the over 12500 entries please! This time round the public also get to vote for one of the contestants to take part…mhhmmm…..We love Malaysia, this season’s location and can’t wait to see some real island action. Let’s hope we also get to catch up with Vanessa Marawa and find out how her life has been going since the win.
Mnet gives us the update on how it’s going down:
Who will fight, connive, backstab or strategise their way to One Million Rand in exotic Malaysia this year? More than 12 500 wannabe Survivors across South Africa are waiting anxiously for that very important phone call that could mean the start of the adventure of a lifetime.
When entries for M-Net’s Survivor South Africa: Malaysia closed earlier this week (Monday at midnight), this year’s unique selection process moved into top gear. But who decides who the 16 contestants will be? And, what are the odds that you’ll be going to Malaysia if you submitted an entry form?
This year, M-Net added an exciting twist to the selection process that increases all applicants’ chances of being chosen for the hit reality show.
In a worldwide Survivor first, M-Net and Endemol SA, the producers of the local version of Survivor, have altered the selection mechanism to include a public vote. 15 of the 16 contestants will be chosen by the producers, while the 16th contestant will be the winner of the Survivor Viewer’s Choice search, which is being executed in partnership with ten of the country’s leading newspapers and magazines.
Each of these media partners – and their readers – will be selecting their favourite applicant to put forward for the public to vote. The most-favoured candidate will become the 16th contestant for Survivor South Africa: Malaysia.
According to Marie Rosholt, Executive Producer of Survivor South Africa: Malaysia the piles of entry forms are brimming with plenty of strong, feisty contenders who have what it takes to create fireworks on the show. “People went to great lengths to persuade us that they are perfect Survivor material. We’re also pleased that we received a lot more entries from older, more mature people and that the entries represent people from different parts of society.”
Looking at the stats, two thirds of the entries are from males. The percentage of applicants in the 40-59 age group is also higher than last year and the oldest contestants (20 of them) are 77 years old.
Rosholt says the 15 contestants who will be chosen by M-Net and Endemol SA will represent a wide variety of people. “We’re looking for the best candidates representing different age, gender, race, and personality groups. They will be highly competitive, have lots of personality but above all will have the attitude to fight to become the ultimate Survivor.”
The M-Net/Endemol auditions will start next week and the selection committee will be contacting their shortlisted 600 contestants in the next couple of days. “So, if you entered Survivor, stay close to your phone in the next couple of days,” says Rosholt.
The following publications will also be shortlisting their candidates in the next two weeks: City Press, Drum, Huisgenoot, Kaapse Son, Mense, People, Rapport, Son Noord, TV Plus, You.
