The beloved reality competition show is back on your screens to deliver star-studded entertainment, thrilling challenges, and the biggest prize in Tropika Island of Treasure (TIOT) history: a shared R1 million and a brand-new Suzuki Jimny for each member of the winning team.
Seven ordinary South Africans will embark on the journey of a lifetime, trading their daily routines for the exotic island paradise. They will be paired with and compete alongside a thrilling lineup of celebrity contestants, Chad Jones, Nqobile Khwezi, Ndavi Nokeri, Karl Kugelmann, Hungani Ndlovu, Roxy Burger and smooth serenader Bobby van Jaarsveld as they battle it out in a series of exhilarating physical and mental challenges.
Hosted by South Africa’s media darling, Zanele Potelwa, the new season of Tropika Island of Treasure promises to be bigger and better than ever, with jaw-dropping challenges, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments.
Don’t miss the premiere on September 28th at 6:30pm on SABC 3 with repeats on SABC 1 at 21:00pm and streaming on SABC+.
Fans at home can also stand a chance to win big by buying a Tropika promo pack and following the entry instructions. There are thousands of smoooth prizes up for grabs like Samsung Freestyle Smart Projectors, a trip for two to Zanzibar and the grand prize – a 5-door Suzuki Jimny!
Join the conversation online and follow @Mytropika for updates, and behind the-scenes content. #Tropika.
About Tropika Island of Treasure:
Tropika Island of Treasure is an award-winning South African reality television series that first aired in 2008. The show features South African celebrities and consumer contestants competing in a variety of challenges on a luxurious paradise island location for a grand prize of a shared R1 million and has grown exponentially to include a Suzuki Jimny for each member of the winning team.
About the host and contestants:
ZANELE POTELWA – HOST:
Zanele Potelwa is a radio and TV host whose passion for the entertainment industry has been demonstrated since her internship at 5FM in 2016. A multi-faceted young woman from the Eastern Cape, Zanele has been a part of a variety of stations such as TuksFM and 94.7. She is best known for her inspiring and bubbly personality on 5FM’s Monday and Friday Lunch shows as well as her role as TV presenter for SABC 1’s Selimathunzi. Zanele won the “Bright Stars Award” at the Liberty Radio Awards 2019 and was nominated at the 2023 Radio Awards, bearing testament to her talent and hard work. She has been the host for a variety of incredible events such as the South African Music Awards red carpet in 2019 and the Feather Awards 2021. Zanele continues to excel in her career as the newest addition to the Expresso Morning Show hosting team, taking over the Afternoon Drive show on 5FM and now the newest host for Tropika’s Island of Treasure 2024.
HUNGANI NDLOVU:
Hungani Ndlovu is a trained Actor, Dancer, and DJ. With a keen interest in dancing, Hungani spent three years in the USA studying dance and acting, working in Los Angeles and New York City. His first lead role was in ‘Memoir of an Honest Voice’, which was nominated for the Best Short Film at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2015. He is most known for his role as Romeo on Scandal!, Tbose on Skeem Saam as well as The Ndlovu’s Uncut- his YouTube channel alongside his lovely wife, Stephanie Ndlovu. Hungani excels, not only in the arts but in business, having founded an artist development studio called The Actors Playground (previously known as SANS Group) and is also the co-founder of The Ndlovu’s Uncut Productions.
KARL KUGELMANN:
Karl Kugelmann is a social media influencer, music enthusiast and model. He first entered the modelling scene after high school, travelling to Hong Kong for a modelling trip which sparked his passion for travel and was the start of his modelling career. The 27-year-old rapidly rose to fame when he started making TikTok videos in 2019 in the hopes of building a following and gaining more modelling jobs. Over the last two years, Karl has gained an impressive 5,9 million followers through his entertaining content and beautifully curated lifestyle and travel videos. Karl has managed to make an indelible mark on the South African entertainment industry with his piercing blue eyes and passion for content creation.
ROXY BURGER:
Roxy Burger is a South African TV Host and Content Creator best known for beginning her career as a kid’s presenter for MNET’s KTV. She began her career at 10 with the early exposure giving her a platform to perform on international stages such as Disney and NBC Kids. She remains one of KTVs best-loved presenters and has also gone on to present for South African favourite Top Billing, BBC format Strictly Come Dancing and E! Africa reality makeover show How Do I Look? South Africa. In 2011, she was a celebrity contestant on the MNET reality competition show Survivor South Africa: Maldives.
With an Honours Degree in Brand Strategy under her belt, Roxy headed up 5FMs digital platforms for a decade and went on to co-found her own experiential retail brand, The Piercery. With 3 stores around the country, the one-of-a-kind piercing brand has redefined the piercing industry with its female-centric customer focus. Roxy is mom to two beautiful children, Finnley and Adrienne, and has been married to her high-school sweetheart, Neil, for 10 years.
BOBBY VAN JAARSVELD:
Bobby van Jaarsveld is a titan within the South African music and entertainment industry. He started his professional singing career in high school and quickly gained popularity, winning the Best Newcomer award at the Huisgenoot Tempo Awards in 2006. Within 3 years, Bobby released 4 albums which reached gold and platinum status respectively with another 2 albums going double platinum. With a successful career in music, 2024 marks 20 years in the industry. Bobby has also acted in two popular South African films Liefling – Die Movie and As Jy Sing and has worked as a coach on The Voice South Africa. Since the start of his career in 2006, he has won over 28 awards including Best Male Pop Album and Male Artist of the Year. The singer has recently embarked on another acting adventure in his new role as Stefan Claasen in the kykNET anthology series Spoorloos.
CHAD JONES:
Chad Jones is a social media influencer and self-taught dancer who, after quitting his job in software development, gained an impressive 3.9 million following on TikTok. After admitting that he initially didn’t know what TikTok was, Chad shot to fame with a video of himself and his parents dancing to an Amapiano song. The dancer was featured on SABC1’s reality dance show Dance Yo Dumo as the dance master, preparing different dance groups to perform for the judges. He is now working with brands like Banter, SAB and Volkswagen as well as currently starring in the new Netflix amapiano love drama titled “PIANO LOVE”. Chad will also be featuring in an Afrikaans movie “Strooi” for KykNET.
NQOBILE KHWEZI:
Nqobile Khwezi is an entrepreneur, brand strategist, social media influencer, TV personality and model. The Durban-born influencer has been modelling since the age of four and was crowned Miss Junior Shaka at 15 and Miss uShaka Marine World in 2016. Nqobile is consistently partnering with brands, both local and global, such as Dior, Cotton On and Foreo. She has featured in the Youth X campaign by Nedbank, presented for DSTV’s Delicious festival and represented Brutal Fruit in their You Belong campaign. She has expanded her reach far beyond beauty and fashion, often presenting at sporting events such as the Netball World Cup or SuperPicks, Africa’s biggest soccer predictor game. She recently partnered with SuperSport for Season 2 of Betway SA20.
NDAVI NOKERI
Ndavi Nokeri is a South African model and beauty pageant titleholder. The 25-year-old model holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Investment Management and worked at an asset management firm before joining the Miss South Africa pageant. Ndavi was crowned Miss South Africa in 2022 and went on to represent South Africa at Miss Universe 2022, placing in the top 16. During her reign as Miss South Africa, Ndavi launched Ed-Unite, an advocacy campaign that aims to provide young people with the opportunity to improve their intelligence, talent and skills, no matter their background. Ndavi will soon be relaunching her podcast, that aims to empower women on the pillars of faith, finance and fitness. She continues to do work to reduce education inequality through the Ndavi Nokeri foundation – where she partners up with corporates sharing the same values and plays the role of a conduit between the beneficiaries and the companies.
Consumer Contestants:
GLORIA NGCOBO
Gloria Ngcobo, a vibrant and energetic Durban native, is a beacon of health and ecoconsciousness. Her unwavering commitment to fitness, coupled with her deep passion for environmental sustainability, makes her a unique and inspiring figure.
As an avid runner, she understands the importance of physical well-being and its positive impact on both mental and emotional health. Her dedication to fitness extends beyond personal goals, as she actively promotes healthy living within her community. Through her social media platforms, Gloria shares engaging content that inspires and motivates others to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Her posts, which garner impressive views ranging from 700k to 1.4million, showcase her enthusiasm for wellness and fitness.
Gloria is more than just a fitness enthusiast and environmental advocate; she is a role model who inspires others to live healthier, more sustainable lives. Her infectious energy, combined with her unwavering commitment to positive change, makes her an asset to any community.
STACY GOSSAYN
At 27 years old, Stacy Gossayn from Pretoria has carved out a distinctive space as a beauty and lifestyle content creator. Known for her expertise in beauty and health, she shares her insights and inspirations with a growing audience, blending her love for aesthetics with insightful conversations and engaging content. Multifaceted to say the least, she is also a two-time business owner. Her passion for the outdoors is reflected in her love for travelling, fitness and skiing.
Professionally, Stacy excels as a surgical assistant, balancing her demanding career with her creative pursuits and adventurous spirit. Whether she’s exploring new destinations, being a businesswoman or curating interactive content, she embodies a blend of elegance, adventure, and professionalism.
DIMAKATSO JANE CALISA
Dimakatso Jane Calisa, a 31-year-old University of Johannesburg alumna, is a dynamic force residing in Centurion. Known for her adventurous spirit, she embraces life with a fearless attitude, indulging in thrilling activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping. Her love for travel allows her to immerse herself in diverse cultures, enriching her experiences and broadening her horizons with each journey. Professionally, Dimakatso excels as a diagnostic radiographer, combining her expertise with a genuine passion for her field. Outside of work, she is a dedicated gym enthusiast, balancing her high-octane adventures with a commitment to fitness and well-being.
BUNTU MATSHAYA
Buntu Matshaya, a 34-year-old Johannesburg resident and University of Free State alumnus, is a standout personal trainer and fashion and fitness model. With a robust background in both fitness and style, Buntu merges his passions to inspire and motivate those around him.
As a personal trainer, Buntu leverages his expertise to help clients achieve their fitness goals, combining personalized workout plans with holistic wellness approaches. In his free time, Buntu enjoys gaming and braaing. His dynamic career as a sports coach focuses on introducing movement for children’s wellness and development in sports, a true reflection of his commitment to both physical fitness and fashion.
RYAN CUMMINGS
Ryan Cummings, a physiotherapist and CEO based in cape town, is a prominent figure in the realm of healthcare and business leadership. With a deep commitment to advancing physiotherapy practices, Ryan has established himself as a key innovator in his field, seamlessly merging clinical expertise with executive acumen.
Outside of his professional achievements, Ryan is an adventure seeker who delights in exploring new cultures and destinations. He values the importance of balance in life and enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. He exemplifies a dedication to excellence in physiotherapy while embracing the joys of adventure and meaningful connections, he has a strong bond with his bulldog Iggy who he describes as a very big part of his life.
TRISTEN NAIDOO
At just 23 years old, Tristen Naidoo is making a significant impact on the South African boxing scene. Based in Johannesburg and armed with a BCom in Marketing Management, he combines his athletic prowess with business acumen, setting a strong foundation for success both in and out of the ring.
On September 15th, Tristen stepped into the ring competing against Jojo Magaduia in the Battle of Grudges. Tristen emerged victorious, knocking out his opponent two minutes into the second round. This highly anticipated match showcased his skill and determination and puts him well on his way to achieving boxing glory.
Outside of his boxing career, Tristen is an avid outdoors enthusiast who finds joy in activities like travelling, fishing and exploring nature. His love for the great outdoors complements his dedication to fitness, ensuring that he remains in peak physical condition. This combination of athleticism, intelligence, and passion makes him a rising star in the world of boxing as he continues to climb the ranks.
TAZMIN MOHAMED
Tazmin, a dynamic health coach and lifestyle influencer based in Cape Town, embodies a philosophy centred on vitality, exploration, and holistic well-being. As the founder of a thriving content and branding agency in Dubai, Tazmin brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic vision to her work, helping brands elevate their presence in the digital landscape. Simultaneously, she has cultivated a strong online following of over 100k followers on Instagram, where she shares her journey towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Tazmin is a trailblazer in the fitness industry, empowering clients through her online coaching programs and inspiring a global community to prioritize health and well-being. She was also the charismatic host of “Talks with Taz,” a talk show that delved into topics ranging from personal growth to sustainable living. Through her diverse ventures and unwavering dedication to wellness and sustainability, she continues to inspire others to lead fulfilling lives and make a difference in the world.
