Amanda du-Pont Opens Up About Faith, Fitness and Her Tropika Island of Treasure Adventure
As anticipation builds for the new season of Tropika Island of Treasure on Réunion Island, popular actress, media personality, and founder of lelive skincare, Amanda du-Pont, is gearing up to take on one of television’s most demanding physical and mental challenges.
From preparing her body with cardio and endurance training to leaning into her faith to prepare mentally, Amanda reveals what she’s looking forward to most, what she thinks could be her biggest challenge and why she believes there’s no better time than now to test your limits.
Why is now the perfect time for you to take on a challenge like Tropika Island of Treasure?
I don’t think there’s ever a perfect time to challenge yourself. If not now, then when? I love challenging myself every so often because it reminds me of what I’m capable of and what I can achieve when I really put my mind to something. For me, it’s about stepping outside of what’s comfortable and seeing what I’m made of.
Fitness obviously plays a big role in a show like this. Did you change anything about your training or fitness routine before taking on the challenges?
I enjoy an approach to fitness that I can actually maintain, so I stuck to the training routine I’m used to rather than completely reinventing the wheel. I did, however, add some mild cardio, including running and cycling, because I assumed the challenges would require a lot of endurance. I took a slow-build approach, gradually increasing my stamina rather than trying to do everything at once.
Preparing for a competition like this is as much mental as it is physical. How did you prepare yourself mentally for the challenges, pressure and uncertainty of being on the island?
I’m a big believer in God, and much of what I do starts and ends there. I have a strong belief that Christ will carry me when my body fails me, so my faith was a huge part of my preparation. I also did a few puzzles and brushed up on my general knowledge and I’m hoping I still remember all of it when I need it! The pressure and uncertainty are things you can’t completely prepare for. At some point, you have to rely on your character and how deeply you’re willing to dig. I’m very aware that it won’t be easy, especially with the calibre of contestants this year.
The show is all about teamwork. What makes someone a great partner in a competition like this?
I’m praying to find someone who also stands strong in their faith. From a physical perspective, I’d love to have someone who is strong and cardio-fit, because that could balance me out if I’m struggling physically. Ultimately, though, I think a great partner is someone who knows when to lead and when to listen. You need both.
What do you think will be your biggest personal challenge on the island?
The fact that I’m short! If there are any high-reaching or jumping challenges, I might struggle. Yoh, and running long distances or swimming far could also be interesting. I can do both at a cute level, but nowhere near an athletic level and there are some serious athletes in this competition!
You’re heading to Réunion Island for the competition. What are you most excited to experience outside of the actual challenges?
Honestly, just being at the beach. I love the ocean so much, and I’ve dedicated a lot of time to trying to protect it through my work and missions with Greenpeace. I hope the experience isn’t so tough and hectic that I don’t get a chance to stop and appreciate the beauty around me. I really want to take a moment to absorb the wonder of nature and everything Réunion Island has to offer.
What are you hoping to get out of the Tropika Island of Treasure experience?
I’m hoping to come away knowing myself even better. I think challenges like this have a way of stripping away the noise and forcing you to be present and authentic. I want to embrace the experience wholeheartedly, learn from it and hopefully discover parts of myself that I don’t always get to access in everyday life.
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for you. Other than competing on Tropika Island of Treasure, what else do you have planned?
It really has been a busy year. I’ve been in production on a new series as well as an independent film, and I’ve also been nominated for the South African Voice Over Awards. My skincare brand has grown tremendously and was nominated for the South African Fashion Awards, which was such an incredible honour. It’s now one of the fastest-growing South African brands, so I’m incredibly proud of how far it has come. I’m also hoping to do more in the acting space. I’ve missed it so much and I’m excited to get back into that world and explore some new roles. There’s a lot I’m looking forward to.
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.
