Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12 premieres tonight: Meet the celebrity cast

The wait is almost over. Tropika Island Of Treasure returns for Season 12 tonight, taking eight celebrities and their teammates to Réunion Island to compete for a share of the R1 million prize.

Premiering at 21:00 on SABC 1, the new season promises physical challenges, mental battles, strategy, teamwork and unexpected twists as contestants battle their way towards the treasure.

Viewers who miss the premiere can catch a repeat on Thursday, 24 September at 18:00 on S3.

Returning to lead the adventure is award-winning presenter Zanele Potelwa, bringing her trademark energy, warmth and sense of fun to the franchise.

Meet the Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12 celebrity cast

This season’s celebrity contestants come from the worlds of sport, entertainment, acting and television, with each representing a different Tropika flavour.

The Season 12 celebrities 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

Each celebrity brings different strengths and a competitive spirit to the island as they take on the challenges ahead.

Meet the Smoooth Fans

Paired with the celebrities are everyday South Africans who earned their places through a competitive audition process.

The contestants include 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.

Tropika Island Of Treasure heads to Réunion Island

For the first time, the franchise heads to Réunion Island, an Indian Ocean destination known for volcanic landscapes, lush mountains, turquoise waters and vibrant cultural heritage.

The island will be more than a backdrop for the competition.

Contestants will face demanding tests of speed, strength, stamina and endurance, alongside puzzles and mental challenges designed to test memory, strategy, problem-solving and their ability to perform under pressure.

Unexpected twists will add another layer to the competition, meaning physical strength alone will not be enough.

Teams will need to communicate, adapt and play to each other’s strengths as they battle their way towards the treasure.

“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,” says Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover.

“Réunion Island provides an incredible backdrop, but it’s the people, partnerships and challenges that will bring the magic to life.”

SABC 1 welcomes Season 12

“As SABC1, we are excited to welcome Season 12 to our screens,” says Dichaba Phalatse, SABC Video Entertainment: Marketing Manager.

Season 12 puts some of South Africa’s best-known personalities alongside everyday contestants, with each partnership needing to survive the physical and mental challenges waiting for them on Réunion Island.

And with R1 million on the line, the race for the treasure begins tonight.

When and where to watch Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12

Premiere: Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Time: 21:00
Channel: SABC 1
Repeat: Thursday, 24 September at 18:00 on S3
Host: Zanele Potelwa
Location: Réunion Island
Prize: Share of R1 million

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