Bio
Viwe Soga is a South African attorney and television presenter best known as a contestant on the second season of the reality show Survivor South Africa: Malaysia, in 2007. He was the third person eliminated, receiving five votes out of seven.
A Candidate Attorney, Viwe grew up in up in Umtata and went to boarding school in Pietermartizburg and Grahamstown. He went on to do his tertiary studies at UCT and Rhodes University and currently lives in Melrose, Johannesburg.
In 2006 Viwe was named the 5th Best Orator in Africa at the 2006 African Human Rights Moot Court Competition which was held in Ethiopia.
He is the co-host of the SABC3 celebrity gossip magazine show Flash!, which premiered on 1 April 2009.
Survivor South Africa: Malaysia
Viwe was one of two Survivor contestants who were voted onto the show by readers of various South African magazines and newspapers.
Survivor SA Interview: Viwe Soga
SURVIVOR Q&A
Relationship status:
Single
Why should South Africa have to choose you as the 16th Survivor candidate?
Funnily enough, before sending in my application a friend asked me that exact question. The short answer is: I was bored silly by the first season of the South African version.
I am, quite simply, a huge fan of the show. I've watched all the ‘greats' who've been on the show (the likes of Fairplay, Hatch and last season's Terry spring to mind) and I simply stopped and asked myself, “Could I do that?” Could I go on an island with 15 strangers with no amenities and not go absolutely insane? Well, who knows? And here's my chance to find out.
If SA would like to see a straight-talking, colourful person who genuinely wants to have as good a time as possible on the show, I daresay I won't disappoint.
Why are you the ideal Survivor candidate?
[Insert lavish and totally undeserved self-praise here] But seriously, because I am an ordinary, small-town South African who has always been open to new experiences and situations.
I may turn out to not necessarily be the strongest challenger or the most cunning and for me that's really the point of a show like this. Seeing ordinary people achieve extraordinary things that they never thought they were capable of.
If Survivor had 16 Iron Man contestants it would simply be an athletic contest to see who could out-swim and out-run the others in challenges. The Supersport Channels, frankly, have enough of those.
I seek to push my own boundaries whilst having the adventure of a lifetime and I think that's what makes an ideal candidate for the show, someone who goes in there simply as themselves and primarily for the experience.
What do you do for a living? Previous jobs?
I am a Candidate Attorney, straight out of 'varsity.
List 5 words that describe you the best.
Spontaneous, perceptive, outspoken, confident, sincere.
What is the accomplishment you're most proud of?
Being recognised as the fifth best oralist at the 2006 African Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Addis Ababa in Court.
What are your hobbies?
Usually watching or playing sport, reading books (I am currently fascinated with African history) and surfing the internet.
What makes you laugh?
Being around friends.
What makes you cry?
Child rapists.
Who is your hero, and why?
An easy one, my parents. They have both sacrificed a great deal to achieve what they have and to provide for their children in often trying circumstances.
What is the hardest thing you've ever had to do?
Having to leave people behind whenever I've switched towns and institutions over the years.
What is the first thing people notice about you?
My easy smile and my self-assurance.
What makes you smile?
Knowing that there are still good people out there.
What are your bad habits?
Biting my nails.
Describe yourself to someone who doesn't know you.
A funny and animated character. I am fairly outspoken and am a straight-talker. A firm believer in the old adage of calling ‘a spade a spade.' In any case, talking about oneself at length is a bit creepy.
What do you do on the weekends?
I mainly watch sport on TV, catch up on books I'm reading, meet with friends and go out for a meal or two.
What personality traits and skills do you think are required for Survivor?
Mental toughness, sharp wits, the ability to stay focused and motivated, a decent sense of humour and the ability to integrate with and communicate with people.
What would you miss the most if you're chosen to go onto Survivor?
The relative order and control I have over my life...