Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 Lands on SABC 1 With Nadia Nakai, Caster Semenya and More Stars
- Tropika Island of Treasure officially announced its 12th season, set against the stunning backdrop of Réunion Island
- The celebrity line-up includes Nadia Nakai, Caster Semenya, Amanda du-Pont, Lalela Mswane and Wiseman Mncube among others
- The show premieres on 23 September 2026 at 21:00 on SABC 1, with returning host Zanele Potelwa back at the helm
- Briefly News got insight into how one of the celebs is preparing themselves ahead of the anticipated premiere
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Mzansi's beloved adventure competition show is back, and it's bringing a seriously stacked celebrity cast with it. Tropika Island of Treasure has confirmed its 12th season, and this time the action unfolds on Réunion Island, one of the Indian Ocean's most breathtaking destinations.
Tropika season 12 celebrity cast and premiere date
The new season premieres on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 21:00 on SABC 1, with weekly repeats every Thursday from 24 September at 18:00 on S3. Viewers can expect the usual mix of gruelling physical challenges, mental strategy battles and unexpected twists as celebrities partner with members of the public in the hunt for the treasure.
The celebrity line-up for Season 12 reads like a who's who of South African entertainment and sport: rapper Nadia Nakai, Olympic champion Caster Semenya, rugby star Francois Hougaard, actress Leandie du Randt, Sandile Mahlangu, actress Amanda du-Pont, Miss Universe SA 2022 Lalela Mswane, and actor Wiseman Mncube. Each celebrity will be paired with a consumer contestant, with those pairings set to be announced closer to the premiere.
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Zanele Potelwa returns as host for another season. Her previous stint behind the mic earned her a SAFTA nomination for Best TV Presenter, and she's expected to bring the same warmth and adventurous spirit that made her a fan favourite.
In a statement shared with Briefly News journalist Moroba Maepa, Leandie Du Randt shared how she has prepared herself mentally for the competition.
"Mentally, I am envisioning myself in the final, driving away in the Suzuki Jimny and celebrating afterwards. I’ve even created a vision board for it! I truly believe it’s essential to think, speak, and feel what you want as if it has already manifested. At the same time, mental toughness means being okay with every possible outcome. What if I go home first? Life goes on, and we live and learn. I find that when you have a plan for the worst-case scenario, you release fear and give yourself the freedom to perform at your best."
Réunion Island sets the stage for season 12
Réunion Island is far from an ordinary filming location. The French territory offers volcanic landscapes, lush mountain terrain, turquoise coastlines and a rich local culture, giving the season a visually spectacular setting that producers say will make this the boldest chapter yet.
Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover, spoke to the excitement surrounding the new season. She said:
"Réunion Island provides an incredible backdrop for this season, but it's the people, the partnerships and the challenges that will really bring the magic to life. We can't wait for viewers to join us every week as our contestants push themselves, embrace the unexpected and discover just how much they are capable of."
With a high-profile cast, a striking new destination and Potelwa steering the ship, Season 12 of Tropika Island of Treasure is shaping up to deliver everything fans have come to expect from the franchise, and then some.
Briefly News gained some insights on why Zanele Potelwa was chosen as the host. According to El Broide, Zanele has become a fan favourite because of her unique, award-winning talents that make her thee face of Tropika Island of Treasure. She was the perfect and ideal fit for the show, as she has proven this in the past Season.
Tropika Island of Treasure is on the hunt
The Tropika Island of Treasure season 1 is nearing the audition process, so preparations for the show are underway.
Jonathan Boynton-Lee joined host Zanele Potelwa to search for the perfect filming destination.
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Source: Briefly News
