The highly anticipated 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure was recently announced, along with its star-studded cast, including Nadia Nakai, Caster Semenya, Francois Hougaard, Leandie du Randt, Sandile Mahlangu, Amanda du-Pont, Lalela Mswane, and Wiseman Mncube.

Now, Clover is taking the excitement even further with a brand-new companion series titled Tropika Island Search.

In the series, host Zanele Potelwa will travel to seven breathtaking international destinations in search of the next tropical paradise that will host Season 12 of Tropika Island of Treasure. Joining her on this global adventure is a rotating lineup of former contestants who bring their island experience, insider knowledge, and infectious energy to the search.

The scouting team includes:

• Hungani Ndlovu (Season 11)
• Shashi Naidoo (Seasons 2 and 10)
• Bobby van Jaarsveld (Season 11)
• Nay Maps (Seasons 8 and 10)
• Jonathan Boynton-Lee (Seasons 7 and 10)
• Nqobile Khwezi (Season 11)
• Chad Jones (Season 11)

The search will take Zanele and the former contestants to island destinations including Mauritius, Antalya, Turkey, Phuket, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, Mombasa, Kenya, La Réunion, and Vietnam.

In each episode, viewers will follow Zanele and her celebrity companions as they explore beautiful beaches, vibrant cultures, luxurious resorts, and hidden gems in every destination. From scenic beauty and adventure potential to challenge suitability, each location will be evaluated to see whether it carries that unmistakable smooth Tropika island magic.

According to Miantha Roux, Business Unit Head: Beverages at Clover, the series gives audiences a rare look at the process behind the iconic show.

“With Tropika Island Search, we are essentially opening the curtains and inviting our viewers into the boardroom and onto the plane with us.” She says. “This expansion allows us to showcase the sheer scale of the Tropika Island of Treasure property. It’s not just about the final destination; it’s about the journey, the adventure, and the high standards we set to ensure Season 12 is our most visually spectacular yet.”

Sveti Kovatcheva, Brand Manager: Dairy Fruit Mix at Clover, adds that bringing back former contestants is a tribute to the “Smoooth” family franchise that the company has built over the years.  “By exploring destinations like Vietnam, Bali, and Antalya, we are bringing a world of inspiration to our audience before the first challenge even begins. We wanted the search for the perfect island to be an event in itself, and Zanele and our former celebrity contestants are the perfect team to lead that charge.”

Dichaba Phalatse, Marketing Manager for SABC Video Entertainment, says the show also aligns with the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s progressive vision. “We’re thrilled to launch Tropika Island Search on S3. With the vibrant Zanele Potelwa at the helm, the show takes viewers on an exciting journey across seven tropical destinations alongside some of the most memorable winners from the Tropika Island of Treasure franchise. It’s a vibrant mix of travel, nostalgia, and competition that speaks to S3’s progressive ambition, opening South African audiences to the world through a distinctly local lens.”

Auditions For Season 12 Are Now Open

While the global search for the perfect island destination gets underway, Tropika is also looking for eight members of the public to join the celebrity contestants on the island for Season 12.

Those who believe they have what it takes can upload their audition video to TikTok, Facebook, X, or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika.

Finalists will compete for a share of the R1 million grand prize and will also receive a R10,000 shopping voucher from Pep to ensure they are island-ready in style.

Auditions are open until 5 May 2026. 

By taking viewers across continents before the main competition even begins, Tropika Island Search raises the stakes and deepens the connection fans have with the franchise. It’s not just about arriving in paradise; it’s about discovering it.

Watch Tropika Island Search every Monday from 16 March at 18:00 on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 17:00 on SABC 1.