Meet The Star-Studded Celebrity Cast Taking Part In The 12th Season of Tropika Island Of Treasure
South Africa’s most iconic reality competition is back! Tropika Island of Treasure is officially returning for its highly anticipated 12th season and is bringing with it high-stakes competition, island luxury, and the star power that has made the show a household staple for over a decade.
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.
Meet the eight celebrity contestants taking part in the upcoming 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure:
Nadia Nakai, Rapper
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.
Caster Semenya, Olympic Champion
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.
Francois Hougaard, Rugby Star
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.
Leandie du Randt, Actress
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.
Sandile Mahlangu, Actor and Singer
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.
Amanda Du-Pont, Actress and Media Personality
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.
Lalela Mswane, Miss South Africa 2021
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.
Wiseman Mncube, Actor
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.
A New Journey to the Island
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.
Miantha Roux, Business Unit Head: Beverages at Clover says:
“Every season we strive to elevate the Tropika Island of Treasure experience, and Season 12 is no exception. By bringing together an all-star cast of this calibre and a brand-new companion show, we are bringing viewers an evolved version of the show they know and love.
Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover adds:
“As the smoooth, island-inspired taste that South Africans have trusted and loved for decades, we are thrilled to see Tropika Island of Treasure return for Season 12. With Season 12, we are pushing the boundaries of adventure and star power. Our goal is to create a platform where everyday South Africans can step into the spotlight and prove that with the right partner and a cool head, anyone can conquer the island and claim the treasure.”
With an incredible line-up of celebrities, the upcoming 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure promises to be its smooothest, most unforgettable adventure yet.
Connect Tropika with on social media:
Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | TikTok | Hashtag: #Tropika
Connect with S3 (formerly SABC 3) on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
About Tropika Island of Treasure:
Tropika Island of Treasure is a South African reality competition television series that first aired in 2008 features an equal number of South African celebrities and public contestants competing in a variety of challenges on a luxurious paradise-island location for a grand prize of a shared R1 million.
History of Tropika:
Tropika has been bringing smooothness to the world for forty years, having first launched way back in 1984. Made from a combination of fruit juice and dairy, Tropika is still the market-leading dairy fruit mix in South Africa.
In 2008 we launched Tropika Island of Treasure – an exciting reality show that sees celebrities paired up with everyday South Africans to compete to win R1 million. Together, these inspirational teams of two take part in super-cool events to prove their smooothness, and with such an incredible fan reaction, Tropika Island of Treasure is currently gearing up for its impressive eleventh season. From Mauritius to Curacao, Phuket, Mexico, Jamaica, Seychelles, and the Maldives, Tropika Island of Treasure has taken South Africa by storm, and it only promises to get better from here.
In 2016, we won the ‘Product of the Year’ Award in the Dairy Beverages category at the Innovation Awards for Tropika Long Life, showing just how much our customers love the smoooth taste of Tropika, and the convenience of being able to keep it fresh for longer.
Once again proving South Africa’s love for the smooothest drink around, in 2019 Tropika was voted as the country’s Coolest Dairy Product in the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards. An annual survey conducted by HDI Youth Consultancy, the Gen Next awards poll more than seven thousand South African youths between the ages of eight and 23 on what they find on-trend and aspirational, and we’re proud to know that they love the smoooth taste of the Tropika island life as much as we do. In 2023, the campaign also won a coveted SAFTA award for Best Reality Competition TV show in South Africa.
There’s nothing smooother than Tropika!
