It was one of the most shocking moments in Survivor South Africa history and last night, Ting-Ting became the third person booted off the Survivor South Africa: Island of Secrets island in Samoa.
After losing the messiest immunity challenge yet, Ta’alo found themselves heading to tribal council – but not before the game could throw the tribe another curveball. Sa’ula, as winners of the challenge, got to send a Ta’alo Tribe member to the Island of Secrets and chose Tania – the castaway who was on the chopping block. There she was given an alluring option: return for Tribal Council, or switch to another tribe and since she knew her head was on the chopping block, it was a no-brainer for Tania.
This was the start of Ting-Ting’s downward spiral. With her on the chopping block, she struck a deal with alliance member Jacques who promised to play the immunity idol for her and essentially vote out Cobus. However, after Nico Panagio’s discussions ahead of the vote evoked a feeling of paranoia, Jacques played the idol for himself – a move which sent Ting-Ting home and lost him a future advantage in the game since he received not one vote that tribal council.
We caught up with the 25-year-old medical doctor shortly after her elimination:
What was your highlight during your short time on Survivor SA?
My highlight was winning the first Immunity Challenge with my Tribe. It was a moment which solidified our bond and became the start of an exciting journey.
What was the most challenging part of the island?
It was certainly the lack of ablution facilities, which led to one of my tribemates teaching me about the “Aqua-dump”. I’ll leave it at that…
Why do you think your tribe members turned on you when they realized that Tania wasn’t coming back in time for tribal council?
I think I was just an easy target because I tried to keep in the background. But, that move actually caused me to fade out and put me on the chopping block.
You struck an alliance with Jacques quite quickly. What drew you to him?
Jacques and I had a telepathic understanding that we were both nerds from the get go, which really bonded us. And in that bonding, we realised that we can play off each other strengths.
Why do you think he turned on you at the last minute and played the idol for himself – especially when he knew no votes were coming his way?
I believe that Jacques survival instincts kicked in. Having being under the stress of starvation, extreme weather conditions and paranoia, this clouded his better judgement and, unfortunately, it meant that I had to go home.
What’s the one thing you wish you could tell Jacques today?
Don’t be too much in your own head, trust your heart and play with everything you’ve got. You have everything to take you to the end.
Who do you think deserves the title of sole survivor this season?
It’s difficult for me to say, because everyone is so deserving. But if I had to choose my top three, it would be Jacques and Meryl from Ta’alo and Geoffrey from Laumei.
Feel free to comment, share or tweet @ElBroide
