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Cape Town – 19-year-old social media influencer Katinka Oosthuizen’s Survivor South Africa: Philippines game went down in flames this week as a failed coup attempt against ‘Mafia Don’ Werner cost her a shot at the R1m prize.
Katinka, the youngest castaway in the game this season, had declared herself happy to let the others think she was ‘a dumb blonde’ and bided her time when it came to committing her allegiance to a particular group, despite playing a pivotal role in helping Mindanao win the very first challenge.
An unfortunate habit of spilling the beans – from the early days of the “girls’ alliance” through to carelessly giving PK the low-down on her Top 3 alliance – ultimately cost her a place in the game after Tom took news of her coup attempt straight to Werner this week.
We chatted to Katinka about her bold move, if she has any regrets and find out what qualities will influence her final vote.
When you entered Survivor did you think you would make it to the top five?
I definitely did not think that I would make it to top five! I couldn’t even imagine making it to day five.
In the beginning you seemed to be reluctant to play the game – was that a strategy and when did you go into game mode?
I wasn't reluctant to play the game, that was my strategy. I didn’t want to make any big moves in the beginning. I wanted to be really low-key and give way to other big characters to get themselves voted out and the come in with a boom towards the end.
I think the moment that I started realising that it was my time was when I ended up on the island with Werner, Annalise and Jeanne. Those are people that I really connected with and got close to so I was in a position to speak my heart and make some moves. That is when I started playing the game - when I formed a strong alliance with those people.
You made a bold move by approaching Tom – what made you think that he would go against Werner?
I actually did think that he would turn on Werner. I tried to convince him that he would never beat Werner because he is playing a better game and no one in the jury would vote for Tom because nobody likes him. I also thought that because he says he is such a man of his word, why would he go against mine. I think for him it was ‘bros before hos.’
When Werner cast his vote last night he said ‘loose lips sinks ships.’ Do you regret revealing your plans first to PK and Tom?
I regret telling them so soon, I think I should have kept to try and vote for Werner instead of Jeanne and who knows I could have been in the top four. I don’t regret telling them but I do regret my timing.
When casting your final vote, what are the qualities that you think the ultimate Survivor should have?
The jury is going to go on who played the best strategy and who they liked the most. But I decided that I will vote for the person who needs the money most in their personal life. Yes, people have played a really good game to have come so far but that is not important for me R1 million is a lot of money and I would like it to benefit the person.
Catch Survivor SA: Philippines Thursdays at 19:00 on M-Net (DStv 101)
(Photos supplied: M-Net)
