SAFTA-Nominated Zanele Potelwa Returns to Host 12th Season of Tropika Island of Treasure
SAFTA-nominated presenter and media personality Zanele Potelwa is officially returning as host of the upcoming 12th season of the popular reality series Tropika Island of Treasure.
This announcement comes at a pinnacle moment for the franchise, which was recently nominated in two categories at the 2026 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). The previous season, Tropika Island of Treasure: Zanzibar, scored a nod in the Best Competition Reality Show category while Zanele Potelwa herself was honoured with a nomination for Best TV Presenter, a testament to her infectious energy, professionalism, and the seamless way she navigates the high-stakes drama of the island.
The 12th season promises fresh twists, high-stakes challenges, breathtaking locations and the trademark adventure that has made the show a fan favourite since it made its debut in 2008.
Zanele Potelwa says:
“Being back as host for Tropika Island Of Treasure is a dream come true. I am beside myself that I get to come back and host another season. I can tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is going to be the biggest season yet. I don’t think anyone is ready for the surprises, the celebrity contestants, which island we might be going to and everything else we have done behind the scenes to make this season special. After being nominated for a SAFTA for the previous season, this announcement is a beautiful way to celebrate, and I cannot wait to be on that island.”
While Zanele’s return sets the stage for another blockbuster season, the mystery surrounding who will be joining her on the sand is about to be revealed. Tropika has confirmed that the star-studded cast of celebrity contestants for Season 12 will be officially announced later this week.
Auditions Open Soon
Got what it takes to win a smoooth shared R1 million grand prize and a R10,000 voucher from Pep? Enter to take part in the upcoming season of Tropika Island of Treasure by uploading your audition tape to either TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika. Auditions open on 6 March and close on 5 May 2026.
With the cast reveal just days away, the 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure is shaping up to be another smoooth adventure. Expect bigger challenges, bold personalities and the kind of island drama that keeps viewers glued to their screens, with Zanele back at the centre of the action.
Auditions open on 5 March and close on 5 May 2026.
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.
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!
