Tribes of ordinary South Africans from all walks of life battled it out to outwit, outplay and outlast each other in Survivor SA: Return of the Outcasts.
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Despite their efforts, it was Greenstone resident Dino Paulo’s strategic game that put him a cut above the rest and saw him outplay the other 19 castaways.
Dino, a self-confessed lover of the game, admits that it’s been a lifelong ambition to walk away with the title which slipped through his fingers in season eight.
“Playing the game was a dream come true and an experience I am truly grateful for,” said the former St Benedict’s College old boy.
As a competitive person, Dino plays to win. However, he went into this season determined to enjoy himself and meet epic people.
“I didn’t want to become obsessed with the result and miss out on the life lessons along the way,” said Dino.
“In the end, I got far more out of the entire experience than I imagined possible.”
Although an incredible adventure with multiple highs, plenty of personal growth and great rewards, it was not without its challenges.
During the 39 days of intense game play on the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast, Dino lost 14kg and notched up some impressive scars.
Easily likeable and described as warm, sincere and a free spirit, Dino said he had to strip himself down over 39 days and rebuild himself again.
“The experience didn’t change me intrinsically, but helped me tap into my self-confidence which had become buried over time.”
Dino said to win he had to learn to put himself first and put aside all self-doubt.
Playing smart, remaining determined, digging deep and fighting tooth and nail were equally important, as having empathy, being adaptable, courageous and building social capital.
“This experience has reminded me that it doesn’t matter what phase of life you are in, it’s ok to dream and chase those goals.”
“I wanted this for me it was a dream that was forged when I was just 11 years old. He said Survivor reignited a fire motivating him to chase his dreams no matter the size.
While at St Benedict’s Dino featured strongly in the drama department and was a strong contender on the sports field.
When asked what he would say to his younger self, and St Benedict’s learners, Dino said, “Always be kind to others and yourself. You don’t have to be in the ‘A’ team or at the top of your class to have achieved something.
“Be patient and keep working towards your goals and success will follow.”
Expanding on this Dino explained how his initial attempts to be on the show were declined.
He first auditioned in 2013 and was rejected repeatedly.
But he never gave up and it’s this tenacity that he says he first learnt at school.
Dino said at primary school he only ever made C and D teams, it was only in high school that he excelled.
“I went on to play provincial hockey and row in national championships. Bennies taught me that you have to be patient, make sacrifices and put yourself out there and success will follow.”
College principal, Dave Jeffrey, says, St Benedict’s produces well-rounded boys who accomplish great things.
He said the entire Bennies community could not be prouder of Dino’s achievement.
“Past learners are great ambassadors for the school and Dino is one such an old boy.
“It’s true to say that the success we observe in Dino, could very likely be the success that our current learners will go on to experience and this is our wish for them.”
A Bennies boy through and through, Dino maintained his ties with the school and after matriculating, returned to coach rowing, hockey and soccer.
His victory has since made him a superhero for the many learners who look up to him and have followed his Survivor journey.
Dino, who is getting married in October, says the R2m prize money will go a long way toward setting up their future.
His winnings will also go toward some friends and family who are struggling financially.
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