Tropika Island of Treasure is back for its 12th season, premiering on Wednesday, 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat on Thursday, 24 September at 18:00 on S3. This season, the competition is heading to Réunion Island, a French island in the Indian Ocean known for its volcanic landscapes, mountains, beaches, and distinctive cultural heritage. The show features eight celebrities teaming up with eight everyday South Africans to take on physical and mental challenges.
The celebrity cast includes familiar faces from sport, entertainment, acting, and television, such as rapper Nadia Nakai, Olympic athlete Caster Semenya, former Springbok Francois Hougaard, actress Leandie du Randt, actor Sandile Mahlangu, television personality Amanda du-Pont, former Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane, and actor Wiseman Mncube. They will compete alongside the show's "Smoooth Fans," everyday South Africans selected through an audition process.
The group of everyday South Africans 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, and final-year education student and personal trainer Andile Khuluse. Award-winning presenter Zanele Potelwa returns to lead the adventure, bringing her energy and humour back to the franchise.
The competition will test the contestants' speed, strength, stamina, and endurance, while puzzles and mental challenges will put their memory, strategic thinking, and ability to perform under pressure to the test. Working well with their partners will also be crucial, as contestants will need to communicate, understand each other's strengths, and make decisions under pressure. Unexpected twists may mean that physical strength alone is not enough to get them to the finish line.
According to Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover, the new season builds on the elements that have made the franchise popular while taking the adventure somewhere new. Réunion Island provides an incredible backdrop for this season, but it's the people, partnerships, and challenges that will bring the magic to life.
The new season continues the show's formula of putting celebrities and everyday South Africans together, creating partnerships between people who might otherwise never have met. For SABC1, the latest season promises to give viewers a front-row seat to the competition as contestants navigate the island and the pressure that comes with competing for the R1 million prize.
With the combination of a new destination, a competitive celebrity line-up, and challenges designed to test both body and mind, Season 12 is set to take Tropika Island of Treasure into new territory. The show's unique blend of adventure, connection, and unforgettable experiences is expected to captivate audiences once again.
Key points
- The competition will take place on Réunion Island, a French island in the Indian Ocean.
- Eight celebrities will team up with eight everyday South Africans to take on physical and mental challenges.
- The winner of the competition will receive a R1 million prize.
