Choosing Survivor SA champions

Corne Krige’s tribe: Selatan

PR Manager Gena Alkana. Image: survivorsa.dstv.com

1. Call me optimistic, but I believe you should never underestimate the strengths of the “girl next door”. This is why 29-year-old Gena Alkana makes it to the top of my list. Alkana is the kind of girl you want to be friends with, and this could see her forming strong alliances early in the game. With her down-to-earth personality, she could easily go unnoticed for the first couple of weeks, thus buying herself time. Alkana says if she could have one wish, she would ask to bring love to orphans. With her great personality and big heart, she is one to watch.

Wedding planner Zavion Kotze is smart, strong and sociable.

2. Second favourite has to be the go-getter from the men’s camp. Zavion Kotze hits the stereotypical image of an out-and-proud gay wedding planner for six. He has been the SA Student Decathlon Champion for the past four years and trained for the Sharks Rugby Academy under-21 side, and was also the head boy at Kearnsey College. While his need to please everyone around him might put him at a disadvantage in the game, his charming personality may see him walk away with the prize.

Human resources director Moyra Makina should be competitive.

3. When you’re stuck on a deserted island with 19 strangers, your best chance of survival is people skills – and 34-year-old Moyra Makina is well armed. As a human resources director, she is an expert when it comes to diplomacy, emotional intelligence, mediation and negotiation. She’s also an avid runner who has completed the Two Oceans marathon. As with Alkana, Makina is the underdog when compared to the contestants who are more outspoken and physical.

Mark Fish’s tribe: Utara

1. If Survivor was all about physical strength, I would put all my money on Solly Mathiba. This 32-year-old sports manager grew up in Hillbrow, studied at RAU, managed gym franchises in Johannesburg and is now the sports manager of a country club in the Northern Cape. Mathiba’s physical strength makes him an threat, but if his manages to use his strength to win rewards for his tribe, he could position himself as a valued member.

Solly Mathiba has an intimidating physical presence. Pictures: Supplied.

2. Self-employed events planner Buhle Madlala is a strong-willed Zulu-speaking mother who won’t stand for anything fake. This 35-year-old ran a certified project management business that was involved in the 2010 Soccer World Cup. She is the all-round contestant: book smart, street smart and physically fit.

3. Shane Hattingh lost 20kg in the last eight months, worked in Afghanistan and hiked rocky mountains. His amibition and need to succeed make him a strong competitior, but if he isn’t careful his confidence could send him home.

Shane Hattingh. Image survivorsa.dstv.com