Survivor SA: Island Of Secrets - Tania says... "I had copious amounts of Rooibos tea, a nice fat joint and then the next day put my businesses on the market."

“In my heart, I knew I was the weakest player as I had nothing else to offer going forward. “

After surviving two Tribal Councils, and escaping a third that would certainly have sent her packing, 52-year old Tania Copeland finally had her flame doused in the sixth episode ofSurvivor SA: Island of Secrets. But as the colourful, strong-willed castaway had vowed, she fought tooth and nail until the very end and nearly pulled off another blindside.

It seems the Misfits/Laumei were on a losing streak for a while, when do you think things started to go wrong for your tribe?

I think it was just a run of bad luck. We won two rewards, but with the challenges, I think it was just the luck of the draw.

You and the rest of the tribe had an honest chat about who should be voted off. How surprised were you that your name came up, or was it something you saw coming?

In my heart, I knew I was the weakest player as I had nothing else to offer going forward. But I am an eternal optimist and that 1% of hope was enough for me to try and fight and find alternatives.

You clung to the belief that you could still convince the other tribe members to vote for Jacques. Why do you think it would have been a good move to vote him off?

I think it would have been a good move because he is a strategic player and he stays under the radar. When they finally wake up to Jacques he will have a whole armory of ammunition to make sure he doesn’t go home.

What was your game plan going into the series?

My game plan – I’m embarrassed to say – was to make friends, which obviously didn’t happen with my initial tribe. Second to that, I wanted to play hard in the games and work hard at camp and that I did achieve.

How would you describe your time on the island?

The Island of Secrets was a little paradise for me. It got me out of a toxic relationship and gave me time to re-center and re-motivate and come back with renewed strength.

What was the one thing that got to you during your time in the game?

It certainly wasn’t the idea of winning and money. I think it was my sheer determination and will power that got me through.

Who do you think was your biggest friend and foe in the game?

My biggest friend Seipei and my biggest foe Felix.

Conditions on the island were harsh. How difficult was it to take part in the challenges with a lack of sleep and not eating properly?

The challenges were not physically a problem for me at all. I surprised myself. I was never hungry and never felt physically weak. The only problem for me was the social.

How would you rate the challenges the game had to offer?

I would rate the challenges as brilliant. It was physical, mental and strategic and everything I dreamt a Survivor game to be. It definitely exceeded every expectation I ever had. I would go back just to play the games again.

The most irritating person for you in the game was.....(and why)

There were people who were disappointing but not irritating. The two most frustrating people in the game for me was Mmaba and Laetitia as I think I was a much stronger player strategically and physically than they were and they never had to prove it or go to tribal council.

Who do you think could likely win the game?

Jacques, because he is strategic. He has idols and isn’t seen as a Braun player and will stay under the radar.

After your torched were doused and you left the game, what was the first thing you did when you got back home?

My children met me at the airport with RoundTrees fruit gums, then I had copious amounts of Rooibos tea, a nice fat joint and then the next day put my businesses on the market.

Your most memorable moment in the game?

My most memorable moment in the game was the wrestling challenge with Seipei. My tribe would have sat me out because they didn’t think I was strong enough. I felt so proud after that challenge and in my heart I knew I did well and I felt a connection with Seipei.

Any advice or tips for fellow team members in the game? 

I’m not giving advice to Ta’alo. My advice to Durao would be Jacques is not your best friend, he’s here to win a million. My advice for Seipei is to continue doing what you are doing – be that mother, guide the tribe and motivate them.