South Africa’s much-loved reality competition heads to Réunion Island for a new season of celebrity pairings, Smoooth Fans, high-stakes challenges and a share of R1 million
The wait is over. Tropika Island Of Treasure: La Réunion returns for its 12th season, taking contestants to the spectacular landscapes of Réunion Island for an adventure built around physical challenges, strategy, teamwork and unexpected twists.
Premiering on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 21:00 on SABC 1, Season 12 brings together some of South Africa’s best-known personalities and eight everyday South Africans. Together, they will compete for their share of the R1 million prize.
For those who miss the Wednesday night premiere, episodes will repeat on Thursdays at 18:00 on S3, beginning 24 September.
A Star-Studded Tropika Island Of Treasure Season 12 Cast
This season’s celebrity line-up spans sport, entertainment, acting and television, with each contestant bringing a different strength and competitive edge to the island.
The celebrity contestants 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) and Wiseman Mncube (Team Pineapple).
Returning to lead the adventure is award-winning presenter Zanele Potelwa, bringing her signature energy, warmth and sense of fun back to the franchise.
While the celebrities may be familiar faces, Tropika Island Of Treasure has always been about what happens when stars are paired with everyday South Africans. Season 12 continues that tradition.
Meet the Smoooth Fans
Joining the celebrities are eight everyday South Africans, known as the Smoooth Fans, who earned their places through a competitive audition process.
This season’s group includes 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.
Together with their celebrity partners, they will face challenges where communication, trust and teamwork could prove just as important as physical strength.
Welcome to Réunion Island
For Season 12, Tropika Island Of Treasure ventures to a new destination – Réunion Island.
Set in the Indian Ocean, the island is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush mountains, turquoise waters and rich cultural heritage. It provides a striking backdrop for a competition designed to test contestants both physically and mentally.
However, Réunion Island is more than simply a beautiful setting. Its varied landscapes become part of the adventure as contestants navigate demanding challenges and learn to rely on their partners.
Viewers can expect sweeping scenery, adrenaline-filled moments and plenty of surprises as the competition unfolds.
Challenges Designed to Push Contestants to Their Limits
Season 12 turns up the intensity with challenges that demand far more than physical strength.
Contestants will face tests of speed, stamina, strength and endurance, alongside puzzles and mental challenges designed to assess memory, strategy, problem-solving and the ability to think under pressure.
From racing against the clock to tackling puzzles where one decision could change the outcome, teams will need to communicate and understand each other’s strengths.
With unexpected twists throughout the competition, being the strongest pair may not be enough. Adaptability, strategy and teamwork will be essential for anyone hoping to make it to the treasure.
Adventure, Connection and Competition
“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 for this season, but it’s the people, the partnerships and the challenges that will really bring the magic to life. We have an incredibly exciting group of contestants, and we can’t wait for viewers to get to know them, cheer them on and experience their journeys with them.”
Dichaba Phalatse, SABC Video Entertainment: Marketing Manager, adds: “As SABC1, we are excited to welcome Season 12 to our screens, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey to Réunion Island, where celebrity contestants and everyday South Africans will push their limits, test their strategies and discover what it truly means to work as a team.”
“We look forward to bringing viewers closer to the action and delivering another season of appointment viewing that celebrates the spirit of competition, connection and adventure.”
When and Where to Watch Tropika Island Of Treasure: La Réunion
Tropika Island Of Treasure: La Réunion premieres on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 21:00 on SABC 1.
New episodes will air every Wednesday, with repeats on Thursdays at 18:00 on S3, beginning 24 September.
With a new island, a dynamic cast and R1 million on the line, Season 12 is set to bring another round of South African reality television adventure to screens.
