{
  "id": 7571510,
  "title": "Meet the fans competing in ‘Tropika Island of Treasure’ Season 12",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/meet-the-fans-competing-in-tropika-island-of-treasure-season-12",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T14:26:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/tv/meet-the-fans-competing-in-tropika-island-of-treasure-season-12/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tropika Island of Treasure, the 12th season of the popular South African reality show, is set to kick off on Réunion Island. Eight fans from diverse backgrounds will compete in a series of mental, physical and emotional challenges, vying for a share of the R1 million grand prize.\n\nAndile Khuluse, 24, hailing from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is a final-year Bachelor of Education student who has gained practical experience through an internship. A fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, Andile hopes the show will help him change his life and inspire young people to pursue their ambitions.\n\nAnke Coetzer, 26, from Swellendam, Western Cape, is a qualified pharmacist with a passion for running, singing, cooking, and music. As a lifelong fan of Tropika Island of Treasure, Anke sees the show as an opportunity to challenge herself and experience something unique.\n\nAshay Sewlall, 25, from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is a content creator, radio personality and athlete. With a background in entertainment, fitness and motivational content, Ashay entered the competition to step outside his comfort zone and discover his limits.\n\nIana Strydom, 27, grew up between Johannesburg and her family's farm in Frankfort. An honours degree in Environmental Sciences and a background in content creation led Iana to enter the show to discover her true capabilities.\n\nJodell Tantij, 25, based in Johannesburg, is a radio presenter, broadcaster, content creator and teacher. Known for her energetic personality and authenticity, Jodell entered the show to challenge herself and connect with audiences.\n\nSesimphiwe 'Sesi' Mbatha, 25, from eMsinga, KwaZulu-Natal, is an entrepreneur, content creator, and hybrid athlete. A finance graduate from the University of Arizona, Sesi entered the competition to chase new experiences and bring people together through events.",
  "summary": "They will be joining this season's celebrity partners on the island: Caster Semenya, Nadia Nakai, Francois Hougaard, Leandie du Randt, Sandile Mahlangu, Amanda du-Pont, Lalela Mswane and Wiseman Mncube.",
  "key_points": [],
  "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."
}