The award-winning radio presenter from Parkrand, Mike Venter (21) was recently voted out of Survivor SA: Island of Secrets.
The Advertiser caught up with him to learn more about his experience on the reality TV programme.
Q: You were a contestant on Survivor SA. What was it like?
A: Survivor was an indescribably tough experience. The isolation, exposure to harsh elements and hunger are all brutal realities. Beyond that, it’s the world’s most intricate game of strategy, physical exertion and emotional manipulation. I will always have an unwavering respect for Survivor.
Q: What was your most memorable experience?
A: Seeing my dad on the island after 35 days in the game was an experience I’ll never forget. I’ll always remember how surreal the first night of Survivor felt. I lay on bamboo, without a roof or blanket, with a million nearby mosquitoes and a storm rumbling in the distance. Besides winning immunity and the wonderful reward challenges, I’ll also remember the general hilarity of spending time with a hugely diverse group of people.
Q: Did you learn anything by being part of the programme?
A: I learnt that I am far more capable of enduring difficulty than I believed myself to be and that I need to enjoy the experience of life more than I have, as I have all the necessary skills to survive. I also learnt to appreciate the value of a light bulb. To have light without needing to make a fire is a luxury I’ll always appreciate.
Q: Can you tell us what the most challenging part of the show was?
A: It’s hard to narrow it down as the difficulty of Survivor is the intersection of experiences. The hunger, exhaustion, isolation, social dynamics, challenge demands, exposure to extreme weather, and homesickness all combine to make it super rough.
Q: Did you expect to come this far in the game?
A: Not really. I knew I had the game-play to compete, but I wasn’t sure I had the inner mettle to survive for over a month with minimal resources.
Q: You were the youngest contestant on Survivor SA: Island of Secrets. Do you think this gave other contestants an advantage over you?
A: Definitely. While I never prioritised challenges, as I feel that they are of secondary importance in overall Survivor strategies, some of the older cast seemed to handle the physical demands better than my body did. I am also quite naive and trusting, so the emotional intelligence and life experience of some of my fellow cast gave them a definite advantage.
Q: How did you get along with the other contestants?
A: Like in any social setting, some people appeal to you, others don’t. I built some outstanding bonds with the likes of Mmaba and Geoff and was fortunate to engage with wonderfully interesting people all the way through.
Q: You were recently voted out of Survivor SA: Island of Secrets. Did you feel a sense of betrayal?
A: Momentarily. I was disappointed that I had been betrayed but quickly remembered that it is the nature of Survivor. Betrayal is an inevitable part of the experience.
Q: Can you predict who the winner of this season will be?
A: We’ll have to wait and see!
Q: Would you do it again?
A: If I were to play again I’d hope to be older, with more life experience. There are inherent disadvantages to playing Survivor at 21, so I’d love the challenge in a few years from now.
Q: The well-known Nico Panagio is the presenter of Survivor SA. What was it like working with him?
A: Nico, and the entire Survivor production team, are world-class. They ensure the Survivor experience is authentic.
Q: Do you feel a little bit like a celebrity now?
A: Yes! I need to make sure I always look my best because there are bound to be photo opportunities every time I leave the house.
Q: Could you give us five interesting facts about yourself?
A: I travel between Boksburg and Durban every week, as I work at East Coast Radio on the weekend and study at Wits during the week.
My one-year-old niece, Layla, started saying my name this week.
I love milkshakes more than anything else in the world.
I have lived in the same street in Parkrand all my life.
I was the deputy head boy at Jeppe High School for Boys and got six distinctions in matric.
