South Africa’s most iconic reality competition, “Tropika Island of Treasure,” is back for its 12th season and has roped in several big-name celebrity contestants.
Award-winning presenter and fan-favourite Zanele Potelwa returns to host the season, bringing her energy and charisma to guide the cast through the ultimate island showdown.
Joining her is a dynamic lineup of eight new celebrities ready to battle it out for glory, bragging rights, and the chance to claim the treasure.
Rapper Nadia Nakai, Olympic champion Caster Semenya, rugby star Francois Hougaard, actress Leandie du Randt, actor Sandile Mahlangu, actress and entrepreneur Amanda Du-Pont, Miss South Africa 2021 Lalela Mswane, and actor Wiseman Mncube.
“Tropika Island of Treasure” hosted a fun launch introducing the new celebrity contestants, who made sure to dress up in their Tropika colours.
South African film and Television nominated presenter Potelwa got the celebs to open up about why they said “yes” to joining the fun but also challenging show.
Mswane explained that it was easy to join “Tropika Island of Treasure” because growing up, it was a brand that was already around her home and her “willpower” will be her strength on the show. “If you know me, I win everything, so I am up for the challenge.”
Nadia Nakai explained that she couldnt miss the opportunity to dress up in a bikini. “Any excuse to show off the booty,” she jokingly shared. “I also have a competitive spirit, so I feel like this is my comfort zone, so I said lets do it.”
South African TV viewers have not seen actress Du-Pont in any new productions for a couple of years now, and her return, even if brief, is certainly welcome. “I think I’ve always been an underdog, even creating LeLive is something nobody expected and I love to challenge myself every once in a while.
“Tropika for me is a challenge, and it’s so unexpected, because you can’t necessarily train for it. It’s about so much more, it’s mental, it’s God, its right moment, and it’s nostalgic for me to be here.”
Fellow actor Mahlangu is excited to show off more of who he is, off -screen and be super competitive. “The thing that’s going to allow me to win this show is when people start to see my personality.”
Actress du Randt shared that she hopes the Afrikaans community will support her and called it an honour to be a part of the show and was surprised by how competitive the other contestants are.
“I love reality show and I lost to Jonathan Boyton-Lee in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2014, so I really just want to bring it. Ive learnt a lot from similar challenges. I just want to go out and have fun.”
Semenya is used to winning and even the other contestants know this, but she said yes to being on the show because she wanted to do something that challenges her differently.
“I thought, let me go play around with the kids. I am a disruptor; I am a challenge myself. I don’t back down to any challenge. So guys I’m not going to make it easy for you.”
Ahead of the big premiere of “Tropika Island of Treasure,” viewers can look forward to a brand-new companion TV show. In this special lead-up series, Potelwa will travel to seven smooth island destinations alongside former “Tropika Island of Treasure” celebrity contestants to find the perfect location for Season 12.
“Tropika Island Search” kicks off on Monday, March 16 at 6.00pm on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 17:00 on SABC 1.
Tropika is on the hunt for eight smooth members of the public to join the season 12 celebrities on the island. Auditions open on March 5 and close on May 5, 2026.
IOL
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
