Images: Charlie Sperring and Peter Russell

by Jan-Hendrik Botha

It’s a rare occasion in Survivor history to see a tribe shuffle early in the game, but this week’s episode of Survivor SA set the tone for the rest of the season. Seeing that the first tribe shuffle has taken place during the third episode already, one can only imagine what twists and turns the Survivor gods have planned for us.  

We said goodbye to Jason (originally Zamba original) in episode one, and Pinty (Vuna original) was voted out during episode two. What impact does an early tribe shuffle have on our castaways’ gameplay, and how will their social game be affected? Which alliances will be strong enough? Meet the new Zamba and Vuna tribes and decide for yourself.

Zamba: 
The new Zamba tribe now consists of three original Zamba members and six original Vuna members. They are: 

• Anela – originally from Zamba 
• Amy – originally from Zamba 
• Shaun – originally from Zamba 
• Carla – originally from Vuna 
• Chappies – originally from Vuna 
• Mike – originally from Vuna 
• Paul – originally from Vuna 
• Santoni – originally from Vuna 
• Wardah – originally from Vuna 

Vuna: 
The new Vuna tribe now has three original Vuna members and six original Zamba members. They are: 

• Anesu – originally from Vuna 
• Tyson – originally from Vuna 
• Kiran – originally from Vuna 
• Qiëan – originally from Zamba 
• Dino – originally from Zamba
• Renier – originally from Zamba
• Thoriso – originally from Zamba
• Nicole – originally from Zamba
• Marisha – originally from Zamba

An early tribe shuffle, of course, reinforces the fact that the individual game is on right from the very start. This season, it’s clear very early on already that no castaway is safe. In the game of Survivor, one can never get too complacent.

Whose alliances are strong enough? Who will play a better social game, or will it ultimately become a numbers game between original Vuna and original Zamba?   

Watch Survivor SA: Immunity Island on M-Net (DStv channel 101), every Thursday at 19:30 to find out. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram or the Survivor SA Facebook Page by using the hashtag #SurvivorSA.