“Celebrity stars, everyday South Africans and a R1 million prize headline the latest season of the much-loved reality competition”
The wait is almost over. Tropika Island of Treasure is returning for its highly anticipated 12th season, taking viewers on an exhilarating new adventure against the spectacular backdrop of Réunion Island.
Premiering on Wednesday, 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat on Thursday, 24 September at 18:00 on S3, the latest season promises an exciting combination of physical challenges, mental battles, strategy, teamwork, unexpected twists and the chance to compete for a share of the ultimate R1 million prize.
For Season 12, the iconic reality competition brings together eight well-known South African celebrities and eight everyday South Africans, creating partnerships that will be tested both on and off the challenge course.
An All-Star Celebrity Line-Up
This season’s celebrity cast brings together an impressive mix of sporting champions, entertainers, actors and personalities, each entering the competition with their own strengths, personalities and competitive spirit.
The celebrity contestants are:
- Nadia Nakai – Team Apple
- Caster Semenya – Team Orange
- Francois Hougaard – Team Tropical
- Leandie du Randt – Team Blueberry Cheesecake
- Sandile Mahlangu – Team Mango Peach
- Amanda du-Pont – Team Peach
- Lalela Mswane – Team Litchi
- Wiseman Mncube – Team Pineapple
Leading the adventure once again is award-winning presenter Zanele Potelwa, whose energy, warmth and playful personality have become synonymous with the franchise.
But while the celebrity contestants may be familiar faces to South African audiences, the heart of Tropika Island of Treasure remains the unexpected partnerships between celebrities and everyday South Africans.
Meet the Smoooth Fans
Joining the celebrities are eight everyday South Africans who earned their places in the competition through a competitive audition process.
The group includes content creator and athlete Ashay Sewlall, 5FM presenter Jodell Tantij, Chartered Accountant and endurance athlete Shaun Farrell, entrepreneur and actor Thando Zwane, pharmacist Anke Coetzer, content creator and outdoor enthusiast Iana Strydom, as well as final-year education student and personal trainer Andile Khuluse.
Together, the contestants will have to learn how to communicate, trust one another and play to each other’s strengths as they take on a series of challenges designed to push them beyond their comfort zones.
A New Adventure in Réunion Island
Adding another exciting dimension to Season 12 is the franchise’s move to Réunion Island.
Situated in the Indian Ocean, the French island is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush mountains, turquoise waters and rich cultural heritage. Its spectacular natural environment provides an impressive setting for a competition where every challenge can make the difference between moving closer to the treasure or heading home.
For the contestants, however, Réunion Island will be far more than a beautiful holiday destination.
The demanding environment will challenge their physical endurance, mental resilience and ability to work effectively with their partners. With the island’s diverse terrain providing a natural playground, viewers can expect spectacular scenery alongside plenty of action, adventure and unexpected moments.
Challenges That Will Push Contestants to Their Limits
Season 12 promises to turn up the pressure with challenges that test much more than physical strength.
Contestants will be required to demonstrate speed, strength, stamina and endurance, while a new selection of puzzles and mental challenges will test their memory, problem-solving abilities, strategy and capacity to think under pressure.
From high-energy challenges that see teams racing against the clock to brain-teasing puzzles where a single mistake could prove costly, success will depend on much more than individual ability.
Communication, teamwork and trust will be crucial, with contestants needing to understand their partners and make the most of their combined strengths.
And just when teams think they have figured out the game, unexpected twists could change everything.
Being the strongest team will not necessarily guarantee victory. Contestants will need to remain adaptable, focused and ready to make difficult decisions if they hope to survive the competition and ultimately get closer to the treasure.
Adventure, Connection and Competition
According to Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover, the new season captures the spirit of adventure and connection that audiences have come to associate with the franchise.
“Tropika Island Of Treasure has always been about adventure, connection and creating unforgettable experiences, and Season 12 takes that spirit to an entirely new level. Réunion Island provides an incredible backdrop for this season, but it’s the people, the partnerships and the challenges that will really bring the magic to life. We have an incredibly exciting group of contestants, and we can’t wait for viewers to get to know them, cheer them on and experience their journeys with them.”
SABC1 is also looking forward to bringing the latest chapter of the franchise to audiences.
Dichaba Phalatse, SABC Video Entertainment: Marketing Manager, says the broadcaster is excited to take viewers along for the journey.
“As SABC1, we are excited to welcome Season 12 to our screens, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey to Réunion Island, where celebrity contestants and everyday South Africans will push their limits, test their strategies and discover what it truly means to work as a team. We look forward to bringing viewers closer to the action and delivering another season of appointment viewing that celebrates the spirit of competition, connection and adventure.”
With a star-studded cast, a new destination, challenging tasks and a R1 million prize on the line, Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 is set to deliver another action-packed chapter of one of South Africa’s much-loved reality competition franchises.
The adventure begins Wednesday, 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat on Thursday, 24 September at 18:00 on S3.
Réunion Island awaits — and the race for the treasure is on. Follow more on @SABC1 and @S3 for more news @sabuzzmedia