The tribe has spoken TukRes Survivor 2023

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.

conditions,” states Dr Scholtz. He further comments that the moist summers contribute to the problem, since cockroaches live in dark and humid places with high moisture levels.

What can students in res do?

Dr Scholtz advises against the use of pesticides, especially the ones in spray canisters. He reasons that it contaminates food and other appliances, which could harm our health. He instead recommends the use of bait. This way, cockroaches are lured away from spaces students usually occupy. Storing foods such as sugars, bread, and cold meats in plastic containers and ensuring that dustbins are cleared multiple times a day will significantly alleviate the problem as well.

Dr Scholtz concludes that these cockroaches are not here for the long run. With the weather starting to turn cold, their environmental conditions will no longer be favourable. He also adds that these insects pose no serious health risks. “They are only as dirty as their environment. Theoretically they can carry germs, but such is the case with everyone.” If everyone practises good general hygiene, these cockroaches will not be an issue for long.

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

Provided 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.