Tropika Island of Treasure: 5 Minutes with Sandile Mahlangu

Actor Sandile Mahlangu is no stranger to South African television, having taken on various roles across popular productions including the How to Ruin franchise, Empini and Inimba, to name a few. Now, he is stepping into an entirely different kind of role as a contestant on the upcoming 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure. The 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure, set against the stunning backdrop of Réunion Island, will premiere on Wednesdays from 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat every Thursday from 24 September at 18:00 on S3.

For Sandile Mahlangu, preparing for his stint on the competition meant getting his body ready for whatever the island could throw at him, and that meant taking his training seriously. Knowing that the season would test contestants physically, mentally and strategically, Sandile kicked off a rigorous cardiovascular programme in the lead-up to the competition. It was a decision that ultimately paid off, although he admits that no amount of preparation could have fully prepared him for just how demanding the experience would be.

Ahead of the show’s highly-anticipated premiere, the actor opens up about how he prepared for the adventure, why his background in Electrical Engineering helped him approach the strategic side of the competition and why he was looking for a challenge that would push him to express himself more authentically. Here, Sandile Mahlangu chats about Tropika Island of Treasure, fitness, strategy, Réunion Island and what’s next for him.

Tropika Island of Treasure is a pretty serious physical challenge. How did you prepare yourself for the competition?

I started a rigorous cardiovascular programme in the hope that it would prepare me for what was coming, and thankfully, it did help. But wow, the competition is tough! You can prepare as much as you want, but nothing quite prepares you for the intensity of actually being there and having to push yourself beyond what you thought your limits were.

What did your training routine look like in the lead-up to Tropika Island Of Treasure?

There was a lot of running, a lot of weightlifting and intermittent fasting. I really wanted to get my body into the best possible shape before going in. One of my personal goals was to be able to comfortably lift my own body weight by the time I entered the competition. It was about building both strength and endurance and making sure my body could keep up with what I knew would be a demanding experience.

Did you have to change anything about your diet or lifestyle while preparing for the challenges?

Absolutely. I had to be much more intentional about what I was putting into my body and how I was living day to day. When you’re preparing for something as physically demanding as Tropika Island Of Treasure, you quickly realise that training is only one part of the equation. Recovery, nutrition and discipline all become just as important.

The show isn’t just about being fit, there’s also strategy and teamwork involved. How did you prepare yourself mentally for that side of the competition?

Interestingly, I didn’t feel the need to prepare too much for the mental side. Given my background in Electrical Engineering, problem-solving is something I naturally thrive on. A big part of my studies was about breaking down complex problems and finding solutions, so I felt quite comfortable with that aspect. It was my body that needed the most “psychoengineering” and getting my physical strength and endurance to a level where they could match my mind.

You’re heading to Réunion Island for the season. What are you most excited about experiencing there?

The culture, without a doubt. Whenever I travel somewhere new, I make a point of experiencing the local culture and understanding how people live. I love immersing myself in a different way of life rather than simply seeing the tourist attractions, so getting to experience Réunion Island and its people was something I was really looking forward to.

What are you hoping to get out of the Tropika Island of Treasure experience that you wouldn’t necessarily get from a normal holiday or adventure?

I wanted a challenge that would allow me to express myself truthfully and wholeheartedly. A normal holiday gives you an opportunity to relax and explore, but something like this show forces you to dig deeper. You’re challenged physically, mentally and emotionally, and I think there’s something really valuable about being put in an environment where you have to show up as your most authentic self.

Outside of Tropika Island of Treasure, what else do you have in store for the rest of 2026?

It’s going to be a really exciting few months. I have a film coming to cinemas on September 24, which I’m incredibly excited about, and I’ll also be making my return to ‘Inimba’ later this year. My character went into rehab, which conveniently gave me some time to step away and prepare myself physically and mentally for Tropika Island Of Treasure. So there’s a lot happening, and I’m really looking forward to sharing what’s next with audiences.

The 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure, set against the stunning backdrop of Réunion Island, will premiere on Wednesdays from 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat every Thursday from 24 September at 18:00 on S3.