Ahead of the premiere of Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12, South African actor Sandile Mahlangu has opened up about the grueling physical and mental preparation required to take on the hit reality competition show set in Réunion Island.

With the show set to test contestants physically, mentally, and strategically, Mahlangu kicked off a rigorous training regime in the lead-up to production.

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“I started a rigorous cardiovascular programme in the hope that it would prepare me for what was coming, and thankfully, it did help,” Mahlangu said.

“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.”

His pre-show routine combined heavy cardio, running, weightlifting, and intermittent fasting, with a personal target to comfortably lift his own body weight before heading into the competition.

While physical endurance required significant effort, Mahlangu noted that his background in Electrical Engineering gave him a natural advantage for the strategic and problem-solving aspects of the show.

Beyond the physical trials, Mahlangu shared that he was eager to immerse himself in the local culture of Réunion Island and wanted a challenge that forced him to express himself “truthfully and wholeheartedly.”

It promises to be a busy end to the year for the actor. In addition to his Tropika Island of Treasure stint, Mahlangu has a film heading to cinemas on September 24 and will be returning to his role in Inimba later this year—his character’s temporary exit to rehab having provided the perfect window to prepare for the island adventure.

Catch the 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure on Wednesdays from 23 September at 21:00 on SABC 1, with repeats on Thursdays from 24 September at 18:00 on S3.