South African Survivor fans are in for a thrilling 2025 as M-Net cements its status as the “Home of Survivor” with three international seasons premiering this year.
The lineup includes ‘Survivor Australia’ Season 12, ‘Survivor USA S47‘, and the highly anticipated ‘Survivor Australia: Australia vs The World‘—showcasing Survivor SA: Island of Secrets champion Rob Bentele, whose strategic brilliance and physical dominance solidify his place among Survivor’s global elite.
1. Survivor Australia Season 12: Brains vs Brawn II
Premiering April 8 at 6pm, this season strands 24 contestants in Samoa, divided into tribes of intellect (Brains) and strength (Brawn). Hosted by Jonathan LaPaglia, the cast includes Olympic runner Morgan Mitchell, paramedic Paulie Michael, and Logan Johannisen, wife of South African-born AFL star Jason Johannisen.
The A$500,000 (R5.7 million) prize hinges on 15 episodes of high-stakes challenges and alliances.
Key Players:
- Logan Johannisen: Ties to SA via her husband’s heritage.
- Morgan Mitchell: Olympic 400m/800m athlete.
- Paulie Michael: Former Ambulance Australia paramedic.
2. Survivor USA Season 47: Fijian showdown
Airing June 9 at 7pm, the 47th season of ‘Survivor USA‘ returns to Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands for the 15th consecutive year. Eighteen castaways compete over 26 days for $1 million (R18.2 million). Notable contestants include:
- Aysha Welch: Contributor to Rob Has A Podcast.
- Jon Lovett: Comedian and Pod Save America host.
- Sam Phalen: Tennessee Titans reporter.
The tribes—Gata, Lavo, and Tuku—promise fiery rivalries across 14 episodes.
3. Survivor Australia: Australia vs The World
Debuting June 22 at 6pm, this global clash pits Australian legends against international Survivor icons. South Africa’s Rob Bentele headlines the World Tribe, joining forces with:
- Tony Vlachos (USA): Two-time Survivor USA winner.
- Parvati Shallow (USA): Cook Islands champion.
- Cirie Fields (USA): Four-time player and strategic mastermind.
The Australian Tribe counters with fan favorites like three-time player Shonee Bowtell and strategic villain George Mladenov.
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Rob Bentele: SA’s Survivor legend
Rob Bentele, the 28-year-old events videographer from Richards Bay, became a household name after winning Survivor SA: Island of Secrets in 2019. His victory, marked by a 6-4-0 jury vote, earned him R1 million and the title of Sole Survivor.
Gameplay Highlights:
- Strategic mastery: Rob helmed the five-person “Amigos Alliance,” manipulating votes using the Island of Secrets twists and maintaining loyalty from allies like Nicole Capper and Steffi Brink.
- Physical dominance: He tied the Survivor SA record with five Individual Immunity wins, shielding himself from elimination during critical moments.
- Social Finesse: Despite jurors criticising his “sanctimonious” demeanor, his charisma and adaptability earned respect. A Reddit user noted, “Rob was one of the most dominant players… he was just so good”.
Post-Survivor Legacy:
- Anti-GBV Advocacy: In 2021, Rob developed Eyerus, a mobile app to combat gender-based violence. The app includes panic buttons, real-time location sharing, and free access for low-data users.
- Media ambitions: Relocating to Johannesburg, Rob aims to transition into TV hosting, inspired by Survivor presenter Nico Panagio.
- Fan adulation: After the show, he gained widespread attention, quipping, “I’ve never had so much attention from the ladies”.
Why Rob earned his global spot
- Proven pedigree: His 91st percentile challenge performance and 96th percentile strategic consistency (per True Dork Times) highlight his all-around excellence.
- Cultural impact: As a Zulu-Austrian hybrid, Rob embodies SA’s diversity. His post-show philanthropy includes motivational school talks and royal endorsements from Zulu King Misuzulu.
Tune-in details
- Survivor Australia S12: 8 April, Mon-Fri at 6pm (15 episodes).
- Survivor USA S47: 9 June, Mon-Fri at 7pm (14 episodes).
- Survivor Australia: Australia vs The World: 22 June at 6pm.
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