Season 3
Bar One Manhunt is an advertiser-funded South African reality competition television series produced by Rapid Blue in which each week contestants participate in elimination challenges and are voted off via different means, until one winner remains who claims a variety of prizes and the title of Bar One Man.
The series premiered on SABC3 on Wednesday 6 January 2010, at 20h31. It moved to SABC1 for Season 3. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 3 premiered on SABC1 on Tuesday 30 July 2013, at 21h00. New episodes broadcast weekly. There are 13 episodes in the third season.
Season 3 was won by Johannes Mapalakanye.
Season 3
Viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats for 13 episodes of this high octane reality television show where 16 finalists will compete in tough physical and mental challenges for the title of the Ultimate Bar One Man and prizes to the value of R1-million.
Season 3 of the Bar One Manhunt takes the contestants and the viewers on a journey to discover courage, leadership and integrity on a never-before-seen scale where only one man will emerge triumphant in the face of extreme physical, mental and emotional trials.
Various secret locations have been sought out specifically to challenge and thrill viewers and contestants alike. Filming will take place in an undisclosed, exotic overseas location as well as across South Africa's own magnificent Western Cape.
Bar One Manhunt 3 is not for the fainthearted as this time, even more than in the previous seasons, contestants will have to dig deep to show that they are everything a Bar One Man should be at all times – with qualities that include great physically capability, strong leadership and problem solving skills, compassion for others, enough charm to win over men and women and the confidence to inspire others as well as follow them.
He should be a down-to-earth, street smart kind of rugged gentleman who'll save the damsel in distress and the beer keg to boot.
He should be valiant as well as patient with a mind as agile as his body. He should be a real man – with real values, real motivation, a real taste for adventure, a really good sense of humour – have an impeccable sense of style and above all a real sense of authenticity.
In essence he should be the man who, when the going gets tough, is able to motivate himself and others to get going. This season will give us a Bar One man that will rule them all.
Bar One Manhunt Season 3 aims to build a stronger bond between the brand and its core consumers with an exhilarating and gripping reality series that best demonstrates the brand core values by leading a group of exceptional male contestants through a rigorous series of challenges that will reveal a man that epitomises the everyday hero – the ultimate Bar One Man.
The 16 modern-day Hercules were selected from across the country for their combination of strength and intelligence, following an intense auditions process.
The contest looks set to be a battle royale between Gauteng and the rest of the country, with nine of the 16 hailing from Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds.
Four contestants are from Cape Town, two from KwaZulu-Natal and one from East London – so will the coast produce the man with the most, or will it be victory for GP?
The contestants range in build from big and bulky to small and lean, but they all know that being buff and tough will only get them so far in this competition: they'll need to man up and face the demanding challenges with as much mental stamina as physical prowess.
With occupations ranging from engineer to personal trainer, from policeman to filmmaker, they're an eclectic bunch – and it'll be interesting to see where the various friendships and rivalries develop.
The Bar One Manhunt, hosted by actor and kwaito star Howza and filmed on location at various exotic local and international destinations, unfolds over 13 turbo-charged episodes.
Contestants will be pitting their skills, wits and endurance against each other in a bid to take home the handsome prizes including R500,000 in cash from Nestle, a Hilux Double Cab - DC 3.0 D4D RB Raider and a Yamaha Grizzly 300 quad bike sponsored by Bidvest – and, of course, the title of SA's Ultimate Bar One Man.
Which of the 16 candidates will emerge as South Africa's new human superhero?
The series is executive produced by Duncan Irvine, Kee-Leen Irvine and Ed Worster. Glenn Elliott is the series producer and Johan Naude the series director.
Contestants
The top 16 Bar One Manhunt contestants are:
1. Fadeen Mia (29) from Benoni
Occupation: Project manager
Like the archetypal Bar One Man, this part-time DJ, actor, model and soccer player needs a "25-hour day". A former Mr SA semi-finalist, his motto is: "Go big or go home!"
Fadeen is a movie buff who'd love to be Batman – "because he is the only superhero that does not possess superpowers. This proves to me that I don't need superpowers to be great and make a difference in this world."
2. Hilkia Jacobs (32) from Johannesburg
Occupation: Engineer
Hilkia is the conspiracy theorist and social strategist among the contestants. So it's not surprising that his favourite book is George Orwell's 1984.
With a personal philosophy of "live life and spread love", he describes the Bar One Manhunt as a "surreal" experience.
This lover of sports, cars, travel and adventure entered the competition to challenge his mental and physical abilities and "just generally get out of my comfort zone".
3. Jefferson Lan (23) from Oranjezicht, Cape Town
Occupation: Personal trainer/martial arts instructor
Jefferson's name is Kim-Lioong in Hakanese and Jinlong in Mandarin. His motto is "be true to yourself", and he is determined not to be the complacent frog in the well that is content with a small domain, when there is a vast world waiting to be explored.
He lists among his hobbies body boarding, dancing, acting and socialising, and won two divisions in the Mr Body Beautiful SA 2012 competition.
4. Johan Westervelt (27) from Centurion
Occupation: Software engineer
This adventure junkie enjoys kickboxing (he's an Africa Games champion in heavyweight full-contact kickboxing), boxing, cycling, motorbike tours, adventure racing, flying... and now, entering the Bar One Manhunt.
No wonder his personal motto is "take on every opportunity and have no regrets". Yet he also has a more cerebral, contemplative side, enjoying movies like Matt Damon's The Adjustment Bureau and the indie-folk sounds of Mumford and Sons.
5. Jonathan Jonkerman (32) from Durban
Occupation: High school rugby coach
Jonathan admires the Hulk because, he says, "we don't always know what's inside us" – and what few people know is that this former armed response guard is actually quite shy.
Being a rugby coach, naturally he enjoys the game, but he also loves playing musical instruments and moonlighting as a motivational speaker. The most defining moment in his life was the first time he held his son in his arms.
6. Kimo Abrahams (34) from Woodstock, Cape Town
Occupation: Salesman/personal trainer
He may love trance music, but Kimo by no means lives his life in a trancelike state. He's into hiking, martial arts, beach volleyball, bungee jumping and even cage fighting – definitely a go-getting extreme sports fanatic and devil-may-care daredevil!
His credo: "Don't take life too seriously." He entered the Bar One Manhunt to do things he wouldn't have ordinarily have done on his own.
7. Manqoba Kubheka (25) from Benoni
Occupation: Auditor/business owner
If Manqoba won the R500,000 prize, he'd finish building his parents' house and travel a bit – one of his great passions alongside playing soccer, reading and listening to hip-hop and jazz music.
His words to live by are "be true to yourself and others", but when it comes to the rat race and the urban jungle, it's a case of "conquer or perish"!
8. Oz Lupuwana (25) from Craighall Park, Johannesburg
Occupation: Global brands beer merchant
If Oz could be a superhero, he'd choose Iron Man – because his power stems from his astute mind. It's little wonder, then, that he lives by the credo: "You reap what you sow."
Believing that life is an occasion to be celebrated; this positive thinker says that every day is a chance to make a difference in your life and the lives of others. He enjoys reading, debating and exercising.
9. Bongs Ndima (29) from Marshalltown, Johannesburg
Occupation: Video editor
"Nothing is impossible", "every day is a blessing" and "it's not over till it's over" sum up the never-say-die attitude of this eternal optimist.
He found the Bar One Manhunt experience a liberating journey of self-discovery in which he pushed himself and unearthed his strengths and breaking points. He is an avid runner, and also spends his leisure time reading novels and swimming.
10. Sibusiso Khomola-ka-James (21) from Morningside, Durban
Occupation: Former gym receptionist, currently unemployed
The smallest and lightest guy in the competition and also the youngest, this David believes he has what it takes to match all the Goliaths.
James thinks it's important to stay humble and never give up on your goals – one of which, in his case, was entering the Bar One Manhunt as a modern form of initiation and entering manhood.
He loves basketball, working out and listening to meaningful vibes.
11. Smith Mangena (37) from Soweto
Occupation: Underwriting assistant
This street workout fundi and hiking enthusiast also loves the movies – especially soundtracks; his favourite film composer is Hans Zimmer – and writing poetry. "I write about love, God, nature... basically about anything that catches my attention at the time."
Able to achieve amazing feats with his finely conditioned body, he feels his everyday life is that of a Bar One Man, and that at 37, he gets stronger by the day.
12. Steven Michelsen (28) from Llandudno, Cape Town
Occupation: Filmmaker/model/surfer
Speak your mind and follow your dreams – that's the philosophy of this surfing fanatic. He's a fan of Quentin Tarantino and wouldn't mind being James Bond – because of the "chicks and cars" that come with the job.
Steven's pet hates are traffic, taxis, Julius Malema, waiting and littering, and he reckons he would like to invest the money if he wins the competition.
13. Johannes Mapalakanye (28) from Kaalfontein, Midrand
Occupation: Stock controller
Johannes was so determined to take part in the Bar One Manhunt that he took a month's unpaid leave and postponed his wedding. He hopes to open a non-profit training centre in his area if he wins.
Small wonder that his motto is "never give up". He enjoys movies such as Fast and the Furious and heavy metal and hip-hop music, as well as soccer and professional wrestling.
14. Zwelandile Magaya (35) from Dorchester Heights, East London
Occupation: Police officer
Regarded as a gentle giant, Zweli's motto is "diamonds come in small packages". In his spare time, this constable in the vehicle theft unit of the SAPS relaxes by playing tennis, dabbling in DJ mixing and playing with his children.
He entered the competition to push himself to the limit and if he wins the prize money, he hopes to invest in a brighter future for his kids.
15. Scotty Boyden (27) from Tamboerskloof, Cape Town
Occupation: Restaurant owner
Fun-loving with a mischievous streak, Scotty is set to shake up the game. This indoor football and deep house fundi entered the Bar One Manhunt for both the experience and the attractive prizes, and has loved every minute of this "awesome" experience.
His words to live by: "Live as long as you want, but don't want as long as you live."
16. Teboho Malatola (24) from Vosloorus
Occupation: Facilities manager
This biking nut owns two motorcycles, and has some colourful tales to tell about his adventures and misadventures. A bit of a daredevil who's excited by the prospect of a challenge, Teboho also enjoys soccer, rugby, touch rugby, gym and hip-hop.
This fearless adventurer is a no-regrets kind of guy, saying: "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
Seasons
Note: the first two seasons aired on SABC3, after which the show moved to SABC1
Season 1 (13 episodes)
Channel: SABC3 | Premiere: 6 Jan 2010 | Finale: 31 Mar 2010 | Wed, 20h31
Season 2 (10 episodes)
Channel: SABC3 | Premiere: 17 May 2012 | Finale: 19 Jul 2012 | Thu, 20h00
Season 3 (13 episodes)
Channel: SABC1 | Premiere: 30 Jul 2013 | Finale: 29 Oct 2013 | Tue, 21h00