South Africa’s ultimate reality showdown is back! Tropika Island of Treasure returns for its eagerly awaited 12th season, promising sizzling competition, sun-soaked island luxury, and the dazzling celebrity star power that has kept fans hooked for over a decade. Award-winning presenter Zanele Potelwa is back to bring her signature energy and charisma, guiding the cast through every twist, turn, and high-stakes challenge. This season, eight new celebrities are stepping onto the island, ready to fight for glory, bragging rights, and, of course, the coveted treasure. The cast of the ‘Tropika Island of Treasure show’ with Zanele Potelwa as the host. Picture: Supplied About the Tropika Island of Treasure show Tropika Island of Treasure is South Africa’s hit reality competition, where celebrities team up with members of the public to face exciting physical and mental challenges on a tropical island. With the R1 million grand prize up for grabs, contestants must strategize, form alliances, and navigate eliminations in a high-stakes battle that tests both skill and wit, all set against the show’s signature sun-soaked backdrop. Meet the celebs ready to battle in Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 Here’s your first look at the celebrities ready to light up Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12: Rapper Nadia Nakai. Picture: Supplied 1. Nadia Nakai Award-winning rapper Nadia Nakai is one of the most influential voices in African hip-hop. Throughout her career, Nadia has released a string hits such including singles like Naaa Meaan Money Back and Practice. Nadia brings confidence, competitiveness and main-character energy to the island. Olympic Champion Caster Semenya. Picture: Supplied 2. Caster Semenya Two-time Olympic gold medallist (800m, London 2012 and Rio 2016) and multiple World Championship gold medallist Caster Semenya is one of South Africa’s greatest athletes. Caster’s competitive spirit and discipline make her a formidable contender in any arena, including a tropical island. Former Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard. Picture: Supplied 3. Francois Hougaard Former Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard has represented South Africa on some of rugby’s biggest stages, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Having also played internationally for Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership, Hougaard built a reputation for explosive speed, tactical intelligence and relentless determination. With elite athleticism and experience under pressure, he’s more than ready to tackle whatever physical and strategic challenges the island throws his way. Actress Leandie du Randt. Picture: Supplied 4. Leandie du Randt Leandie du Randt is a celebrated South African actress, model, voice artist and qualified psychometrist with a BCom (Hons) in Industrial Psychology. She has starred in a number of popular Afrikaans television and film productions, is an inspiring motivational speaker and a published author. In fact, it seems like there’s nothing Leandie can’t do. Her combination of grit and grace makes her a strategic competitor to watch this season. Actor and Singer Sandile Mahlangu. Picture: Supplied 5. Sandile Mahlangu Sandile Mahlangu first captured audiences as Sbu on the hit teen drama Isibaya and later became a household name for his role as Siya on Netflix’s global hit series Blood & Water. While a respected actor, Sandile’s talent doesn’t stop there. He has also ventured into the world of music and has released a number of hit singles. Charismatic and effortlessly cool, Sandile’s adaptability and creativity could make him one of the most unpredictable players in the competition. Actress Amanda Du-Pont. Picture: Supplied 6. Amanda Du-Pont A seasoned actress and television personality, Amanda Du-Pont’s elegance and competitive spirit have made her a fan favourite for years. Amanda has made waves for her roles in series such as Skeem Saam and Single Ladies SA, while internationally she starred in the Netflix thriller Shadow. With a background in acting, presenting and producing, Amanda is set to bring her all-round competitive spirit to the island this season. Former Miss SA Lalela Mswane. Picture: Supplied 7. Lalela Mswane Crowned Miss South Africa 2021, Lalela Mswane went on to represent the country at both the Miss Universe and win Miss Supranational pageants, ultimately winning the latter in 2022. An advocate for education and empowerment, Lalela is known for her eloquence, grace and leadership. Her work ethic, discipline and strategic thinking gives her a serious edge in competition. Actor Wiseman Mncube. Picture: Supplied 8. Wiseman Mncube Wiseman Mncube is one of South Africa’s most respected actors, best known for his award-winning role as Sbonelo on Uzalo. A SAFTA winner and accomplished storyteller, Wiseman is admired for his emotional depth and commanding performances. Calculated, observant and deeply strategic, Wiseman will certainly be a competitor to watch this season. Tropika Island Search previews Season 12 Ahead of the big premiere, viewers can also look forward to a brand-new companion TV show. In this special lead-up series, Zanele Potelwa will travel to seven smoooth 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, 16 March at 18:00 on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 17:00 on SABC 1. Auditions are officially open! Tropika is on the hunt for eight smoooth members of the public to join the season 12 celebrities on the island. Think you have what it takes to compete alongside these celebrities? Upload your audition tape to either TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika. Finalists will compete for the grand prize of a shared R1 million and receive a R10,000 shopping voucher from Pep to ensure they are island-ready in style. Auditions open on 5 March and close on 5 May 2026. HAVE YOU SEEN THIS ONE?: James Deacon Shines a Light on Life’s Repeating Patterns with Striking Release “Same Old”
