The stakes have been raised once again on Tropika Island of Treasure as popular South African actor Wiseman Mncube and his partner Ashay Sewlall (Team Pineapple) became the second team eliminated from Season 12.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After picking the dreaded red pineapple during a high-tension Sunset Ceremony, Team Pineapple was forced into a high-stakes elimination battle alongside Team Tropical (Francois Hougaard and Iana Strydom) and Team Green Apple (Nadia Nakai and Andile Khuluse).
The duos faced off in ‘Ball Track’, a punishing challenge demanding extreme patience, balance, and unwavering concentration. Despite a calm and steady approach, Team Pineapple fell behind during crucial moments of the task and finished last, officially bringing their journey on Réunion Island to an end.
For Wiseman, who is more accustomed to stepping into scripted roles as an actor, the experience offered a different kind of challenge. From navigating the unpredictability of reality television to learning to communicate across a language barrier and pushing himself beyond his comfort zone, the journey was filled with unexpected lessons and memorable moments.
Reflecting on his elimination, his partnership with Ashay and the experience of competing on Réunion Island, Wiseman shares more about his time on Tropika Island Of Treasure.
Your elimination challenge was ‘Ball Track’. With a game that focused on patience and balance, how frustrating was it to lose a game like this?
It was definitely frustrating because, at first glance, it looked like a simple game. It was easy on the eye, but once I actually started playing, I realised just how challenging it was. It required a lot of balance, focus and patience. To be honest, all the games were frustrating in their own way because there were so many emotions involved. You’re not just playing a game, you’re also aware of what’s at stake, so losing is never easy.
You were partnered with Ashay. How fast did you find your rhythm as a team, and what do you think worked particularly well between you?
Ashay and I found our rhythm quite quickly. If you remember the first episode, I was actually penalised for not wanting to change partners, and that was because Ashay and I had connected so naturally from the beginning. I think what worked particularly well between us was how similar we are in terms of our personalities. We’re both quite chilled, we don’t panic or rush into things, and we tend to keep to ourselves. That made it easy for us to work together because we understood each other without having to do too much.
During the elimination challenge, where do you think it went wrong for you and Ashay?
I think we were a little too relaxed and laid-back for our own good. We got into our heads, and in a way, we became so comfortable that we almost forgot the magnitude of the situation. We were playing an elimination challenge, but I don’t think that fully registered with us in the moment. Our relaxed approach had worked well for us before, but this time, it worked against us. Looking back, I think we needed to be a lot more switched on and conscious of what was at stake.
Which challenge on the show did you enjoy the most, and which tested you the most?
I genuinely enjoyed all the challenges because each one tested me in a different way, and they were all fun in their own right. But there was one challenge involving hoops where we had to run into the ocean to fetch a ball, and that was particularly hectic for me. Running through water is a completely different experience, and it takes so much more out of you than you expect. It definitely tested me physically. I think that’s what I enjoyed about the challenges overall: they pushed me in ways I wasn’t necessarily used to.
You’re no stranger to being on television. How different is competing on a reality television show compared to playing a character on television?
There’s a huge difference between reality television and the productions I’m used to working on. When you’re playing a character, there’s a script, there’s preparation, and you have a character to step into. With reality television, there’s none of that. You’re just being yourself and reacting to situations as they happen. You also have to get used to being mic’d up all the time, to the point where you sometimes forget you’re even wearing a microphone. It was interesting because, as an actor, you’re used to having a certain level of control, whereas with reality television, you have to embrace the unpredictability of everything.
You had the opportunity to experience Réunion Island while filming. Was there a particular moment or place that stood out for you away from the competition?
Seeing the dolphins was definitely one of the highlights for me. It was such a beautiful experience and something I’ll always remember. The place we stayed at was also absolutely stunning, and the island itself was beautiful. What made it even more special was how friendly everyone was. Beyond the competition, those moments allowed me to take everything in, appreciate where I was and really enjoy the experience of being on Réunion Island.
Despite your early elimination, what is the biggest lesson or takeaway you’re taking away from your time on the island?
The biggest lesson for me is that if you really want something, you have to be willing to fight for it. I’m not naturally a very competitive person, so this experience challenged me in ways I didn’t necessarily expect. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realise that sometimes, simply wanting something isn’t enough. You have to be intentional about it, put in the effort and give it everything you have. Although my journey ended earlier than I would have liked, I’m walking away with a better understanding of myself and what it takes to push beyond my usual limits.
What does the rest of 2026 look like for you in terms of the last few months?
The last few months of 2026 are looking pretty busy for me. It’s work, work, work at the moment, especially with the production I’m currently on. There’s quite a lot happening, so I’m focused on putting in the work, staying committed to what I’m doing and making the most of the opportunities coming my way. I’m looking forward to finishing the year on a high note and closing it with a bang!
Although his journey on Tropika Island Of Treasure has come to an end, Wiseman leaves the island with unforgettable memories, new friendships and valuable lessons about competition, teamwork and stepping outside his comfort zone. With the competition continuing to test the remaining teams, the race for the ultimate prize is far from over.
Catch Tropika Island Of Treasure every Wednesday at 21:00 on SABC 1, with a repeat every Thursday at 18:00 on S3.