Zanele Potelwa Teases More Twists and Drama on Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12

Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 is heating up, and returning host Zanele Potelwa says viewers can expect more surprises, emotional moments and fierce competition as celebrity contestants and their Smooth Fan partners battle for the R1 million prize.

Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Réunion Island, the latest season of the South African reality competition is already delivering unexpected twists, emerging alliances and tense eliminations.

For Potelwa, returning to host the long-running show has been a rewarding experience, particularly as she watches the contestants navigate the physical and mental challenges of the competition.

From the first Sunset Ceremony to the friendships developing between contestants, she says this season has been filled with determination, emotion and genuine connections.

Zanele Potelwa Reflects on Hosting Season 12

Returning to Tropika Island of Treasure has been another career highlight for Potelwa, who says the experience becomes more exciting with every episode.

“It’s been absolutely magical. It’s a dream come true, and it truly excites me more with every episode because I’m reminded of just how AWESOME our cast is, but also how the whole team, from crew to makeup and wardrobe and everyone else involved, truly banded together to make sure we have the most memorable season yet.”

She also praised the production team for helping bring the latest season to life.

“It’s such a privilege to be the host of this legacy show that only continues to go from strength to strength. It makes me so excited for everyone to see how it all unfolds.”

Tears, Determination and Strong Bonds Among Contestants

While the competition is ultimately about winning, Potelwa says the relationships between contestants have been one of the biggest surprises of Season 12.

The celebrity contestants and their Smooth Fan partners have shown determination while developing meaningful connections throughout the experience.

“The most surprising thing for me has been seeing how much our cast has poured themselves into the game. There are lots of tears and lots of tenacity shown, but most importantly, there’s lots of heart.”

She says the contestants’ willingness to support one another has been particularly rewarding to watch.

“You can see everyone giving their everything and the amount of love they have for each other is beautiful to witness. You see it in the beautiful bonds being built with all the contestants and how they truly help each other along the way.”

Despite their competitive ambitions, the teams have continued to demonstrate affection and respect for their partners.

How Zanele Potelwa Handles Big Personalities

With strong personalities and a high-stakes prize, tensions are an inevitable part of the competition.

However, Potelwa says managing the contestants has been easier than viewers might expect.

She credits her ability to balance fun with firmness to her mother’s personality.

“Thankfully, I have my mother’s personality. She’s a whole lot of fun, but when it’s time to put her foot down or it’s time to be serious, we need to do exactly that.”

Potelwa says the contestants understand the importance of respecting the game and everyone involved.

“I understand that as the host, there’s a time for everything. I can also tell you that I am working with absolute professionals who understand that very same thing, and they are some of the easiest people to work with, so I don’t think I had to manage too much.”

Sunset Ceremonies Bring Emotional Moments

The first Sunset Ceremony has already introduced viewers to the emotional side of the competition.

For Potelwa, these moments are particularly difficult because she understands how much winning means to every contestant.

“I think I find myself feeling most empathetic in those moments because they ALL really want it.”

She explains that contestants enter the competition with different motivations, from graduates hoping to improve their circumstances to athletes driven by their competitive instincts.

Having experienced competition herself, Potelwa understands the anxiety of waiting for an outcome.

The uncertainty becomes even more intense when unexpected twists and mystery boxes enter the game.

Trust and Strategy Are Key to Winning Alliances

As alliances begin to form, Potelwa believes contestants need to think strategically about who they choose to work with.

While friendships may develop naturally, she says winning requires more than personal connections.

“For a good alliance to work, you’ve got to be able to trust the people and choose the right people. I personally don’t think that friendship plays much of a role in it.”

For Potelwa, successful alliances depend on trust, strategy and choosing teammates who can help a group advance.

“You’ve got to pick strategy over friendship and play the game with the intention of winning.”

She believes contestants should focus on identifying the people who can help them reach the finale.

However, once that stage arrives, every team must compete for itself.

More Twists Are Coming in Tropika Island of Treasure

Although viewers have already witnessed unexpected developments, Potelwa promises that Season 12 still has plenty of surprises ahead.

The host is keeping the details under wraps but says unpredictability remains central to the show’s appeal.

“It’s Tropika Island of Treasure, which has always been unpredictable. Imagine we gave away a shared one million rand with a predictable game? That wouldn’t be Tropika Island of Treasure, and that wouldn’t be smooooth.”

She adds that viewers will have to keep watching to discover what happens next.

“I still have many tricks and surprises up my sleeve and you’ll have to watch to find out, but I can tell you, it’s so worth it.”

Réunion Island Provides a Spectacular Setting

Beyond the challenges and competition, Potelwa has enjoyed experiencing Réunion Island.

The destination’s beaches, volcanic landscapes and food made it difficult to remember that she was there for work rather than a holiday.

“Oh, most definitely! What a stunning piece of heaven. Every part of Réunion Island is so unique in every way. Réunion shows off more and more in every episode, and I’m obsessed.”

She says the island’s scenery continues to feature throughout the season.

“I definitely had to consistently remind myself we were working when we were by the beach or somewhere near the volcano. The landscapes are truly breathtaking, and the food was incredible as well. French pastries in a French territory? Yes, please!”

Zanele Potelwa Reveals Her Plans for the Rest of 2026

Outside Tropika Island of Treasure, Potelwa has several projects lined up.

She is continuing work on her clothing line, preparing to host more events and planning a new venture with her friend Candice Sello.

Podcast projects are also on the horizon, alongside upcoming 5FM content, including 5 Drive Gets High.

“I’m so excited to end this year on a high! I’m still working on my clothing line, and I’m going to be hosting more events and starting something exciting with my bestie, Candice Sello.”

She adds that she is looking forward to finishing the year strongly and carrying that momentum into the next.

When and Where to Watch Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12

Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 airs on South African television every week.

• Main broadcast: Wednesdays at 21:00 on SABC 1
• Repeat broadcast: Thursdays at 18:00 on S3

With alliances forming, contestants facing emotional eliminations and more surprises promised, viewers can expect the competition to become increasingly unpredictable as the season progresses.

For Potelwa, it is the combination of determination, teamwork and unexpected moments that makes this season special.

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