SA couples test power

28 January 2015 - 09:08 By ANDILE NDLOVU
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Power couple. File photo.
Power couple. File photo.
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

It has been a bone of contention for decades and will remain so for many more to come. Which sex is better at multitasking?

But in launching its new reality show, Power Couple: South Africa, M-Net is hoping to put the debate to bed.

The show, which essentially combines elements of Fear Factor and Survivor, puts long-standing relationships to the test, pitting eight couples against each other in a series of challenges.

The format worked in Portugal and Israel, and is reportedly in production in Brazil - making South Africa the first English-language country to give it a go.

It was announced yesterday that the eight couples will be put up in a villa in Cape Town while competing to demonstrate "how much they know, trust or love their partners".

Does your man know the name of the restaurant where you had your first date? Does he remember to take out the trash in time and on the right day? Does she keep misplacing her makeup kit? Does she freak out and make you late for work in the morning?

That's apparently child's play for this show.

Challenges are said to be tougher.

The couples will be up for elimination weekly and their fates will be decided by the others - contestants vote for w ho they would like to stay.

Handrie Basson from producers Afrokaans said: "[Power Couple] is about enforcing the positive values in life. Couples walk out of this experience as a stronger team.

"We're testing whether they know each other going into the show or whether they learn more about one another during the show. There will also be moments of laughter - but we won't be laughing at them, but with them."

Basson said 14 episodes will be shot over five weeks in Cape Town. It is slated to premiere in August.

Auditions are on Valentine's Day at the Bay Hotel in Cape Town, at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on February 28 and at the Indaba Hotel in Johannesburg on February 28.

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