27 Days. 18 Local Celebrities. One Ultimate Survivor. 18 South African celebrities are marooned on a deserted island in Mozambique where they’re scheming; plotting; and playing to be the last person standing and pocket R500 000 for themselves and a charity of their choice. Stripped from all luxuries, they are subjected to soaring temperatures; thunder storms; nasty bugs; and devious tribe mates with hidden agendas. Who will be strong – or smart – enough to survive the dreaded tribal council? And whose torch will be snuffed by the new Survivor SA host, Nico Panagio. Only one thing is for sure: there can be only one Ultimate Survivor.

The celebrity contestants:Image
1. Ashley Hayden:
Claim to Fame: As a continuity presenter, Ashley spent many hours in the company of M-Net viewers. This dynamic businesswoman and television face is also an inspirational speaker and sought-after voice-over artist who is a strong supporter of women's rights.
Age: 40s
Home life: One partner and two children.
Charity: The Homestead - Projects for Street Children, an organisation that helps street children to reconstruct their lives through one-on-one interaction; intake shelters; educational care; and more.
Factoid: Ashley has travelled the world with M-Net's Bon Voyage, she also won the 100th episode of The Weakest Link; starred in a BBC production; and participated in South Africa's version of Dancing with the Stars.
Why she could win: She has the gift of the gab and her performance in other reality shows has highlighted her competitive spirit.

2. Christina Storm
Claim to Fame: Christina Storm is known to millions across the world as a top successful fashion model. Her turn as an actress on M-Net’s Egoli in 2007 created a stir in the press and public alike. She has appeared in over 200 local and international television commercials.
Age: 30s
Home Life: Single mother, one daughter.
Charity: Christina is supporting the Lucinda Greyling Help Fund which is seeking assistance for Lucinda Greyling, a young lady who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2006. The cancer has since spread to her legs, rendering her body immobile.
Factoid: Hailing from ‘everywhere and nowhere’, Christina attended nine different schools and has spent time in Europe; USA; and Japan to name a few.
Why she could win: She’s a down-to-earth rebel with a mind of her own and normally gets what she wants.

3. Cindy Nell Roberts
Claim to Fame: TV presenter; model; and businesswoman, Cindy Nell Roberts rose to fame after clinching the Miss South Africa title in 2002 and becoming the first runner-up in 2003’s Miss Universe pageant. She often graces the social pages of magazines and has just wrapped presenting duties on the Afrikaans magazine show, Pasella after five years.
Age: 20s
Home Life: She recently walked down the aisle, much to the devastation of hot-blooded males across the nation.
Charity: Cindy is supporting two charities for Survivor, namely WAG, an animal rights and welfare organisation, and The Chrysalis Foundation, a charity that provides counseling and support to girls between the ages of 14 and 18 who have been victims of physical or emotional abuse.
Factoid: Don’t let her seemingly innocent beauty fool you, this lady is one for adventure – skydiving is one of her favourite hobbies.
Why she could win: How do you get pass Cindy’s nerves of steel and dazzling looks?

4. Craig Jacobs
Claim to Fame: Fashion Entrepreneur Craig Jacobs has been catching the eye on South African catwalks with his unique fashion label Fundudzi, which is renowned for incorporating environmentally friendly materials including bamboo; soy; corn; and organic cottons.
Age: 30s
Home Life: Single.
Charity: The Trust – a web portal that aims to make it easy, affordable and risk free to find and contribute to charities throughout South Africa and other African countries. The Trust provides a network for reputable and accountable South African charities who have been qualified through ongoing due diligence - irrespective of size, purpose or geographical location. CANSA is one of The Trust's beneficiaries and Craig has elected them to receive any money raised.
Factoid: Craig was recently chosen by Gavin Rajah to exhibit his collection with three other local designers at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week held at the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée.
Why he could win: He’s an analytical thinker and has been mingling with celebs for many years.

5. Darren Maule
Claim to Fame: Actor and comedian Darren Maule started his career in the entertainment industry when he joined a live daily soap drama for Radio Punt called Seepbel. From there he flexed his comedy muscles, doing stand-up comedy as well as physical theatre being one half of a comedy duo mime act. Television viewers have experienced his wit and humour in the day-time show PlayTV and a more risqué late-night programme, which is currently in development.
Age: 30s
Home Life:Married, three children.
Charity: The Wesley Flavell Heart Foundation, which raises funds for a small child who was born with three heart chambers instead of the usual four. This has rendered his body immobile and unable to separate oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Factoid: Another achievement in Darren’s career is when he became the voice of Cassie Fenwick (a real-time live interactive animated character). At home, he’s the master-chef.
Why he could win: Humour can go a long way in winning friends. So can good food!

6. Garth Collins
Claim to Fame: The show has been off air for many years, but people of all ages still stop in their tracks when they spot Granite, the formidable villain from Gladiators. Garth is not only an action man. He has exhibited his acting skills in television productions such as Springbok Challenge 2; Villa Rosa; Kompleks; and most recently as 'Dries' on Getroud Met Rugby. On the big screen, Garth featured in a number of feature films including Mr Bones (2001); Berserker (2001); Red Water (2003); and Mercenary (2006).
Age: 40s
Home Life: Engaged, two children, one grandchild.
Charity: Guide Dogs Association for the Blind - an organisation that seeks to enhance the mobility; independence; and dignity of blind and partially sighted people and to advocate the recognition and protection of the rights of all persons with disabilities.
Factoid: He was one of the celebrity contestants on the fifth season of the reality dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. His professional dance partner was former winner, Hayley Bennett. Garth holds a Shodan (first Dan) in Shotokan and is a previous power lifting South African record holder in the deadlift (300-kgs).
Why he could win: Most people would like to stay close to a muscle-man on a deserted island.

7. GiGi
Claim to Fame: GiGi is most well known as the owner of The Lollipop Lounge - an exotic dance club in Randburg, Johannesburg. She might have danced her way into the limelight with voluptuous moves, but as a trained actress she's also stunned audiences with her phenomenally successful stage productions, Nipplecaps and G-strings and Whore and recently appeared on the big screen in Poena is Koning.
Age: 40s
Home Life: Married.
Charity: Hospice Houghton, Johannesburg - part of the Hospice group that offers palliative care service that focuses on the quality of life, promoting physical and psychosocial well-being for people with active, progressive and advanced diseases for whom the prognosis is limited.
Factoid: GiGi has a Bachelor of Drama at the University of Stellenbosch and is trained in ballet; jazzart; mime; and piano. She was part of PACT and whilst performing in Spellbound at Sun City, her passion for dancing really set off.
Why she could win: Girls don't necessarily like exotic dancers, but showgirls like Gigi know how to survive in the urban jungle and how to manipulate the guys.

8. Gys de Villiers
Claim to Fame: Gys charmed M-Net audiences as the charismatic Dr Zieg Combrink in the channel’s first hospital drama, Binnelanders, but this role was preceded by an extensive and successful career on stage and screen, earning Gys the reputation of one of the best actors in the country. Some of his career highlights include Suig (which he wrote and acted in and won the Beeld Aardvark prize); The Dubble Room (Gys won best Male Dancer); and Gys was honoured with the Dalro Award for Best Male Actor.
Age: 49
Home Life: Lives with wife Jaci in Knysna.
Charity: HOKISA (Homes for Kids in South Africa), founded in 2001 in Cape Town as a South African non-profit NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) to contribute in the fight against AIDS by creating examples of care especially for those who are most vulnerable – the children. It is the aim of HOKISA is to empower members of poor communities where HIV/AIDS is most devastating.
Factoid: Apart from being a legendary South African actor and performer, Gys is an artist as well. These days, he spends his days sculpting; walking on the beach; and eating home-cooked meals. He is the oldest Survivor contestant on the show.
Why could he win: Having studied and played thousands of characters over the years gives Gys a desirable edge – he understands what makes people tick.

9. Hanna Grobler
Claim to Fame: Hanna was the ditsy blonde side-kick of Casper de Vries in the kykNET game show, Doen met ‘n Miljoen, and delivered a moving performance as Kiki in the hit drama series, Getroud met Rugby. When she’s not filming – from television series to music videos and ads – she focuses her energy on raising funds for her own, registered charity.
Age: 20s.
Home Life: In a relationship.
Charity: Proving her heart is as big as her smile, Hanna started her own charity, The Hanna Charity and Empowerment Foundation, which is helping a number of beneficiaries, including Steve Biko Academic Hospital; Jakaranda Children's Home; Van Rensburg Old Age Home; Margaretha Akkerman Old Age Home; Baphuting Orphan Care - Village of Baphuting; Berg-en-Dal Pregnancy Crisis Centre; and the Louis Botha Family and Child Care Centre.
Factoid: Hanna obtained an Honours degree in the post-modern discipline Performance Art at the University of Stellenbosch and was a teacher at Paul Roos Gymnasium.
Why she could win? She is sweet, pretty and innocent, but maybe there’s more to Hanna than what meets the eye.

10. Izak Davel
Claim to Fame: Singer; actor; and dancer, Izak Davel’s popularity spiked when he landed the role of Scab in the soapie Egoli. In 2007, he was the number one Local Celebrity on Heat’s Hot Top 100. After his stint on Egoli, Izak launched his debut album, Ken Jy My, which has been received well by fans and critics alike.
Age: 20s
Home Life: Married to Mericke
Charity: Ons Huis Trust – an organisation that offers a permanent, full-time, protective home and activity centre to mentally handicapped adults. Here they can enjoy adequate physical care and grow spiritually and emotionally so that they are able to make a contribution – no matter how small – to the community.
Factoid: Izak launched his career in musicals, such as Joseph and his Amazing Techicolour Dreamcoat and started acting for screen in the BBC production, Uncle Max, where he played a head banger.
Why he could win: Izak is a strong young leader – physically and mentally. He’s also even-tempered and shouldn’t offend anyone.

11. Jub Jub
Claim to Fame: As a musician, Jub Jub has proven his muscle by releasing three successful hip-hop albums (The Rare Breed; My Shine; and Fresh Air). He started out as a presenter on M-Net's KTV and then moved on to Jam Alley and Channel O. You've also seen him in several commercials as well as feature films such as Lunar Cop; Drive By; and Full Court Press.
Age: 20s
Home Life: Single.
Charity: The Ithuteng Trust is the only organisation working in the Orlando section of Soweto that strives for the positive development of at-risk and traumatized youth and focuses on preventing these young people from engaging in criminal activities.
Factoid: Jub Jub was the first South African to land a scholarship at the FAME School - La Guardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York Manhattan where he completed his high-school syllabi.
Why he could win: He's blessed with a sharp mind and has always been a mover and shaker.

12. Kaseran Pillay
Claim to Fame: Comedian Kaseran had audiences roaring with laughter in Leon Schuster's Mr Bones and has become a familiar funny face on South African television. His television credits include, The History of Bunny Chow; Bay Of Plenty; and Going Nowhere Slowly. This stand-up comedian has comedy shows such as Amahlayo Etheku and Kaseran's Komedy Klub (Welcome to the KKK) on his CV and his stage performances include Abbamaniacs; The Great 31 Million Rand Robbery; and Atom Bombs and Daisies.
Age: 30s
Home Life: Single.
Charity: The Durban Children's Home is a non-profit organisation, which was founded in 1905. This KwaZulu-Natal charity drive provides needy children, young people and their families with a range of services. They focus on the children's existing strengths and provide opportunities for them to meet their developmental needs.
Factoid: Kaseran received the 2001 FNB Vita Award for Best Performance by a New Actor for his role in Hamlet. He has a keen interest in golf and in Brazilian Martial Arts.
Why he could win: He's sharp, witty and very entertaining. Nobody will see him as a big threat.

13. Lady Lea
Claim to Fame: Lady Lea is often referred to as 'SA's top female DJ'. She has been a guest DJ at most clubs in all major cities in and around South Africa and is often invited to do gigs abroad. She has toured Europe for the last three-years in a row, playing in Amsterdam; Ibiza; and the UK. Over 1.20-million people danced to her beat at 2007's German Love Parade in 2007 and she also entertained the crowds at the ICC T20 World Cup Cricket matches.
Age: 20s
Home Life: Single.
Charity: The Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre is a registered animal sanctuary that is involved in the rehabilitation and re-homing of abused, unwanted and neglected animals. They also offer a personal service to educate the public - especially children - to eradicate ignorance about animals and to facilitate the adoption of animals into caring homes.
Factoid: In May 2009, Lady Lea launched the female DJ agency, Divas on Decks, which sets out to protect and book female DJs out to gigs that will suit their music and style. She has also just started her own record label, Beat Boutique, signing local talent and releasing albums in the market.
Why she could win: She is a go-getter who wants to come out tops, no matter what, and she knows how to make the best of girl power.

14. Louw Venter
Claim to Fame: Louw Venter is the co-creator of the The Most Amazing Show and one-half of the larger-than-life comedy duo Corné and Twakkie. When he doesn’t hide behind Corné’s moustache and ridiculous outfits, he pops up in feature films. He played in John Boorman’s In my country with Julliete Binoche; opposite Christopher Lambert in The Piano Player; Crazy Monkey’s Straight Outta Benoni; and more recently, in Bunny Chow and Rainbow Skellums.
Age:30s
Home Life: Married with two children.
Charity: MyLifE Foundation – a three stage holistic healing program built on the African concept of UBUNTU. The foundation works from the belief that it takes a village to raise a child. For that reason their healing Villages is a haven for both empowered and vulnerable youth. Their goal is to create a local solution to a Global crisis that now sees 150 million children living on our streets in utter hopelessness.
Factoid: Louw has gone through a myriad of professions, including copywriter; graphic designer; illustrator; and eventually actor and writer
Why he could win: He is incredibly smart, strong and funny - nothing can stop this man.

15. Okkert Brits
Claim to Fame: Olympic athlete Okkert Brits is one of South Africa’s all-time sporting legends. This famous pole-vaulter is one of the few athletes worldwide who are part of the so-called prestigious ‘six-metre club’ and with his personal best of 6.03m, achieved in 1995, he still holds the African and Commonwealth records. Okkert was also the world’s number one vaulter in 2003 and won numerous gold, silver and bronze medals.
Age: 30s
Home life: Married, two children.
Charity: The Give me a Chance Foundation helps children to make their dreams come true by raising funds for scholarship programmes as well as establishing a network of strong role models to mentor these children. Every cent received goes directly towards the children’s school and hostel fees, school clothing, books and sport equipment.
Factoid: Okkert, through Life Fitness, now specialises in top-of-the-range fitness equipment, supplied to the corporate, consumer and commercial markets.
Why he could win: He is an amazing athlete and his endurance, wonderful temperament and stamina could be immensely valuable on a deserted island.

16. ProVerb
Claim to Fame: Recording artist; TV; and radio presenter ProVerb started his rapping career in 1999 and became renowned as being one of the few rappers who does not use vulgar language in his songs. He has achieved immense success with albums such as The Book of ProVerb, Manuscript and Write of Passage. ProVerb was the technical producer of the Fresh Breakfast Show on Gauteng’s youth radio station Y-fm and is now the technical and content producer on the biggest drive-time show on METRO FM The Avenue 3 to 6 with Glen Lewis and Unathi and also hosts his own show, The Pro-File Saturdays and Sundays on METRO FM.
Age: 20s
Home Life: Married with two children
Charity: Bophelo Care Centre, Kimberley - Bophelo means 'life'. Their Multi Purpose Community Base Centre strives to provide assistance and care to the Kimberley Community. Some projects and programs that are part of Bophelo include the Bophelo Cookhouse (emergency feeding scheme to assist OVC`s (orphaned and vulnerable children) in the community); Bophelo After School care centre (after school centre assist OVC's in doing homework and school tasks); soup kitchens (provide OVCs and vulnerable persons at local clinics with soup and bread, service is rendered at Matwabeng and Boitomelo clinics); food and blanket support amongst others.
Factoid: ProVerb was invited to be a part of the South African delegation that attended the Global Hip Hop Summit, in Spain and Johannesburg in 2004 and 2005 respectively. In May 2005, the premier of the Northern Cape Province appointed ProVerb as an Ambassador of Health for the province.
Why he could win: He’s an easy-going guy who gets on with everyone, and his exceptional people skills could count in his favour.

17. Sade Giliberti
Claim to Fame: Sade may be the youngest Survivor contestant in the show, but has already spent thousands of hours in front of the camera. Her first television stint was at the age of seven presenting a Christian kids show called On The Rock; YOTV followed, which made her a household name. She recently dazzled as the presenter of the South African version of the reality show So You Think You Can Dance?. As actress, she appeared in productions such as Thetha Msawawa 2 and Hard Copy. Sade now is a promo director for the new DStv channel Vuzu.
Age: 20s.
Home Life: Single.
Charity: Childline – an effective non-profit organisation that works collectively to protect children from all forms of violence. Their aim is to create a culture of children's rights in South Africa through their various programmes. These include Crisis Line; Child Rights; Prevention & Education; Training of Volunteers; Therapy for abused and traumatised children and their families and Court preparation for child witnesses.
Factoid: Sade has received five People Crystal Award nominations in the category Favourite Youth Presenter and three Kellog’s Star in You (Best Female Youth Presenter) award nominations. She walked away with the latter in 2005. Did you also know that Sade’s first job in the industry was as a model at the ripe age of three?
Why she could win: She’s funky, energetic and bundles of fun, but dynamite comes in small packages.
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18. Sandi Schultz
Claim to Fame: Actress and fashion designer Sandi Schultz is well known as the headstrong yet sensitive Dr Jennifer Adams, one of the key characters in the M-Net’s daily drama Binnelanders. Sandi took on this role after living in Los Angeles from 1993 to 2005 where she landed parts, specially written for her - on NYPD Blue with Dennis Frantz and Rick Schroder and on City of Angels with Blair Underwood.
Age: 40s
Home Life: In a relationship.
Charity: RCCTT (Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust) is one of the oldest and most experienced organisations in South Africa working to end sexual violence and their counsellors assist all rape victims, both female and male. They provide support services to rape survivors, their partners, family and friends and create awareness at schools and in communities on how to deal with sexual crimes.
Factoid: Sandi has her own fashion line Sass Designs – you may see one or two creations on Santa Carolina. She’s also a fire poi and hoop dancer and was a continuity presenter on M-Net before moving to the US.
Why she could win: Sandy is a strong lady and fighter, but she’s also an exceptionally creative individual, with a mind of her own.

The drama, intrigue and true Survivor action starts this Wednesday, 20 January at 19:30 on M-Net and M-Net HD.