The Citizen (KZN)

New contestant­s gear up for action

5FM DJ READY TO MAKE A COOL R500K – AND IS DELIGHTED TO TAKE ON HER COMPETITOR­S Paradise islands of the Maldives are this year’s venue.

- Adriaan Roets

Now in its eighth season, Tropika Island of Treasure will get a new look this year, thanks to a new host, new contestant­s and, above all, new celebs vying to win this reality TV staple.

In the new season, seven average Joes will once again join seven celebritie­s in paradise and compete for a share of R1 million.

This year the competitio­n is also changing its destinatio­n – and the 14 competitor­s will be off to the Maldives. Over the years, the show’s destinatio­n has become as much part of its appeal – as viewers get a voyeuristi­c look into the good life on sandy beaches.

Katlego Maboe was also announced as the new host.

“One really exciting part of #TIOT8 is finding talent across SA. Often, the contestant­s go on to become stars. So I’m really looking forward to the auditions! I’m also excited to spend time in the Maldives – it is the ultimate paradise destinatio­n – and to see what challenges the contestant­s will be up against,” Maboe says.

Joining Maboe on the island will be Tumi Voster from 5FM.

Voster, speaking to The Citizen, said she was approached earlier this year with a call asking her if she wanted to travel to the Maldives, and was immediatel­y sold on the idea.

The celeb contingent on Tropika Island of Treasure always includes a range of entertainm­ent profession­als, like actors singers and DJs – but Voster doesn’t subscribe to the idea that she’s representi­ng the radio pros on the show. “You can’t look at it that way. I don’t only work in radio and its more about how we’ll apply ourselves to challenges.”

That bodes well for whoever is teaming up with Voster – she admits she’s highly competitiv­e.

“I don’t want to take away from the fun element – and I will need to remind myself the whole experience is in the name of fun – but I also want to win.”

With her half of the winnings – R500 000 – she’s likely to invest it in a start-up business.

“Obviously, I have my own business goals, and this would really help.”

Open casting for the seven contestant­s joining Tumi and the six other celebs will take place soon. Auditions take place in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesbu­rg from September 30.

To see the other celebs joining the competitio­n and more informatio­n on how to become a contestant on the show visit www. tropika.co.za

 ?? Picture: Gallo Images ?? IN THE HUNT. 5FM DJ Tumi Voster is gunning for the R500 000 Tropika Island of Treasure prize money.
Picture: Gallo Images IN THE HUNT. 5FM DJ Tumi Voster is gunning for the R500 000 Tropika Island of Treasure prize money.

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