The popular reality TV show Survivor has captivated audiences and challenged survival buffs over the last 23 years. TuksRes recently featured their own version of the competition over six days, from 26 April to 1 May. A total of 24 UP residence students contended for the title of sole survivor at Intundla Game Lodge and Bush Spa.
As in the TV show, the castaways were divided into three teams (Whanau, Ignis, Morehu), who took part in various challenges and voted out members until a merge took place on Day Four. The ten remaining survivors merged into a tribe called Ratanga.
Lanché van Tonder, the TuksRes manager of residence management and student life, explained that the event is more than a competition. “TuksRes Survivor addresses the aspect of personal growth and emotional intelligence among young adults […] that requires contestants to reflect on their personal strengths and weaknesses, their relationships with others, and their values and priorities,” stated Van Tonder.
Dieter Volker (from Tuks Ekhaya), Reneev Govender (TuksVillage), and Connor Versfeld (Varsity Lodge) made it to the final tribal council. Govender walked away as the winner of TuksRes Survivor, receiving four of the seven votes. Volker (Tuks Ekhaya) received the remaining three votes to take the runner-up position.
Not only did Govender win the title of TuksRes Survivor 2023 but also a cash prize of R12 000. “Winning TuksRes Survivor is absolutely surreal,” said Govender. “It was a life changing and absolutely unforgettable experience. It pushes you to your limit and shows you that you can handle a lot more than you think.”
Van Tonder explained that an even bigger and better version of TuksRes Survivor will take place in 2024. “We will be catering for an even broader community, [with] higher prize money and a breathtaking venue,” said Van Tonder.
The entire show was live-streamed and is still available on the @SurvivorTuksRes YouTube channel.