A couple of weeks ago I received an email invite by Jill Groger(Zebra Square), asking us to book the entire day off. We would be taken by coach to a beautiful location and we had to wear sneakers, tracksuit pants, t-shirts, hats, sun block and a change of clothes...THAT WAS IT!!. I called her and begged for clues, but to no avail.

So needless to say I started thinking...were we going to have a pampering spa treatment at a beautiful game lodge? or... and this was disturbing...could it be boot camp?

Well the day finally arrived and we all gathered in Sandton outside the Absa Building. There were about 35 of us- celebrities, media, myself and Melpo (bloggers from neofundi). Everyone looked well groomed. Most arrived in their casual attire and some ladies wore platforms and bling - I thought, "hmmm they didn’t read their email re clothing and comfort."

Anyway, we got onto the bus and started our journey. Melpo and I started chatting to Rosie Motene (actress, producer and a lovely lady) and Samantha Freese (presenter on the weekend show for 91.9 Rock Fm and a charming person). Rosie is training to climb Kilimanjaro and Samantha has jumped out of a helicopter and skydived -I thought to myself... "if we are going to boot camp, these girls are on my team." Immediately I made my first alliances:)

After 2 hours, a still mineral water and crisps we finally arrived at Thaba Morula in Beestekraal, which was a beautiful peaceful place. I started giggling to myself, thinking that this is definitely going to be a luxurious spa day, and how funny it was that I stressed myself out about the boot camp.

Jill met us with her crew and we were taken to a beautiful room, offered drinks and snacks. We were then told to sit, so that we could watch the video and all would be revealed. With a relaxed smile on my face I waited for the show to begin.

An action video was screened....13 South African male contenders, adventure, jumping off planes, climbing Kilimanjaro, danger, skydiving, crashing cars, racing on camels, Victoria Falls...the BAR ONE MAN-HUNT reality TV series...and the winner of the last BAR ONE MAN-HUNT Clint de Beer(34) appeared and everyone started clapping....WOW that was awesome!!

Clint spoke together with one of the Bar-One directors and they announced that the SEARCH for the NEW SOUTH AFRICAN BAR-ONE MAN-HUNT reality TV series on SABC3 WAS NOW ON!! This is the greatest search in the country for the most rugged man; a man of integrity and character who has the energy and resilience to live up to life’s expectations; someone who lives, works and plays 25/7. The grand prize is valued at over R1 million!

Ursula Chikane (Top Billing presenter) then told us that as part of the launch, we the media, would get a taste of the adventure. We were escorted to the next room and there they were...our Bar-One kit bags, t-shirts and caps all laid out for us like the army - BOOT CAMP!

Melpo quickly scanned the room and saw that there were red t-shirts and black t-shirts. She gathered that they would split us into either the red or black team. She made sure that Rosie, Sam and I were on the same team because if we were going down, we would be going down with these two daredevils by our side!

They split us into 2 teams of 13 contestants each, and we were told that a member from the winning team would go to Zanzibar to document the Bar-One episode. Sam and I knew we had it under our belt!  So we called our group 'Team Zanzibar'!

The staff explained the obstacle course to us. Soon after there was a dam, swimming or drowning in mud, walking a tight rope, sliding down a rocky slide, running, mud on our clothes, sweat, bruises and pulling a raft with 2 people on!

I think my photos below will show you the dangers we faced, our determination and our strong team work. 'Team Zanzibar' won:) even though it was a friendly to the death!

Melpo(neofundi blogger) and Team Zanzibar....I'm somewhere behind half drowning!

Team B

Cosmopolitan's Sexiest Man 2011 Gregg Hammond..do I need to point him out?

Lalla Hirayama-Television Host, Motivational Speaker, Actress, MC, Dancer, Model,

Voice Over Artist and Ninja

Not sure who this is..but I know he/she must be sore!

Man down! Man down!

Founding members of Team Zanzibar: Alex(me), Sam(91.9 RockFm),

Unathi Msengana(Radio Metro), Rosie Motene(Actress) and Melpo is taking the picture.

Ursula(Top Billing) with Team B.

Clint de Beer - Winner of the first Bar-One Man Hero!

All of us together!

The Competition is open to males between the ages of 18 and 40.  Contestants will travel to locations in South Africa and other exotic destinations across the world. Including Nevada, The Great Wall of China and Zanzibar.

Go online www.barone.co.za to submit your entry.

The adventure and games at Thaba Morula

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