{
  "id": 14648087,
  "title": "‘They all really want it’: Zanele Potelwa on ‘Tropika Island of Treasure’ season 12 pressures and surprises",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/they-all-really-want-it-zanele-potelwa-on-tropika-island-of-treasure",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T08:14:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/zanele-potelwa-on-the-pressure-and-surprises-of-tropika-island-of-treasure/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tropika Island of Treasure host Zanele Potelwa has shared her insights about the increasing pressure experienced by contestants in Season 12. The show is set on Réunion Island and features celebrities competing with their Smooth Fan partners for a share of a R1 million prize. Potelwa has been impressed by the contestants' dedication to the game, noting that there have been numerous tears and displays of tenacity, but the most striking aspect is the genuine affection they show for each other.\n\nDuring the first Sunset Ceremony, International sporting legend Caster Semenya and her partner, Thando Zwane, were eliminated. Potelwa empathized with the participants, as each had their own reasons for wanting to win - be it for a career boost or simply loving the thrill of competition. She herself understood the nerves of waiting for a result after having participated in a competition herself, especially with potential obstacles like mystery boxes or unexpected twists.\n\nPotelwa hinted at more surprises to come in the upcoming episodes, emphasizing that Tropika Island of Treasure is known for its unpredictability. As the season progresses, viewers can look forward to these unexpected turns. Outside of the show, Potelwa is working on her clothing line, hosting more events, and planning projects with her friends, including a podcast series titled '5 Drive Gets High' for 5FM.",
  "summary": "The contestants are competing in challenges for a share of the R1 million prize.",
  "key_points": [
    "Contestants show genuine affection for each other despite pressure.",
    "Caster Semenya and Thando Zwane eliminated in first Sunset Ceremony.",
    "More surprises and unpredictability expected in upcoming episodes."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}