Meet the Star-Studded Celebrity Cast of Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12

One of South Africa’s most beloved reality shows is officially making its return. Tropika Island of Treasure is back for its highly anticipated 12th season, promising high-stakes challenges, island luxury and a powerful celebrity line-up ready to compete for the ultimate prize.

The hit reality competition, which has been a staple on South African television for more than a decade, will once again deliver adventure, drama and strategy in a spectacular tropical setting.

Zanele Potelwa Returns as Host

Award-winning presenter and fan favourite Zanele Potelwa returns as host, bringing her signature energy and charisma to guide contestants through the intense island competition.

This season features a diverse mix of eight celebrities from sport, music, television and entertainment, each bringing their own strengths, personalities and competitive edge to the island.

Meet the Celebrity Contestants

The Season 12 celebrity line-up includes:

Nadia Nakai – One of African hip-hop’s most influential voices, known for hits such as Naaa Meaan, Money Back and Practice. Confident and fiercely competitive, Nadia arrives with unmistakable main-character energy.
Caster Semenya – The two-time Olympic gold medallist (800m, London 2012 and Rio 2016) brings elite discipline, endurance and mental strength to the island challenges.
Francois Hougaard – Former Springbok scrumhalf and 2015 Rugby World Cup competitor, known for explosive speed and tactical intelligence.
Leandie du Randt – Actress, motivational speaker and qualified psychometrist with a strong reputation across Afrikaans television and film.
Sandile Mahlangu – Known for roles in Isibaya and Netflix’s Blood & Water, Sandile combines creativity, charisma and unpredictability.
Amanda du-Pont – A fan favourite from series such as Skeem Saam and Single Ladies SA, bringing elegance and determination to the competition.
Lalela Mswane – Former Miss South Africa and Miss Supranational 2022 winner, known for her leadership, discipline and advocacy for education.
Wiseman Mncube – SAFTA-winning actor best known for his role as Sbonelo on Uzalo, bringing strategic thinking and composure to the island.

A New Companion Series

Ahead of the Season 12 premiere, fans can also enjoy a brand-new companion show titled “Tropika Island Search.”

In this special series, Zanele Potelwa travels with former celebrity contestants to seven tropical island destinations in search of the perfect location for the upcoming season.

📺 Tropika Island Search airs:

Premiere: Monday, 16 March at 18:00 on S3
Repeat: Fridays at 17:00 on SABC 1

Auditions Now Open for the Public

In addition to the celebrity cast, eight members of the public will also get the opportunity to join the adventure.

Aspiring contestants can audition by uploading a video to TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika.

📅 Audition Dates

Opens: 5 March 2026
Closes: 5 May 2026

Finalists will compete for a share of the R1 million grand prize, along with a R10,000 Pep shopping voucher to prepare for their island adventure.

Raising the Bar for Season 12

According to Miantha Roux, Business Unit Head: Beverages at Clover, the new season aims to take the franchise to the next level.

“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’re delivering an evolved version of the show viewers already love.”

Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover, adds that the upcoming season pushes the boundaries of both adventure and star power, while continuing to celebrate the iconic Tropika brand.

With a high-profile celebrity line-up, new television content and the opportunity for everyday South Africans to join the adventure, Season 12 of Tropika Island of Treasure promises to be one of the show’s most exciting seasons yet.