Amanda du-Pont knows her height could become a disadvantage on Réunion Island, where she will compete alongside contestants known for their serious athletic ability.
“Being short could definitely work against me. Anything involving reaching high or jumping might be difficult,” she says with a laugh.
She also expects long-distance running and swimming to test her. “I can manage both at a fun, basic level, but I’m certainly not an athlete in either discipline,” she adds.
That blend of confidence and willingness to laugh at herself is what du-Pont is taking into the 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure, which was filmed on the scenic island of Réunion.
For the actor, media personality and Lelive skincare founder, the reality competition represents more than another professional opportunity. It is a deliberate personal challenge.
“There’s never really an ideal moment to push yourself. If I don’t do it now, when will I?” she says. Du-Pont enjoys testing her limits because it shows her what she can accomplish when she commits fully. “It means leaving my comfort zone and finding out what I’m truly capable of.”
Instead of making dramatic changes to her lifestyle, du-Pont relied on the fitness habits that were already part of her routine.
“I prefer exercise plans that I can sustain, so I continued with the training I already know rather than starting from scratch,” she explains. She did add gentle cardio, including cycling and running, after anticipating that the island tasks would demand stamina. Her preparation followed a gradual progression, with her endurance building over time instead of being pushed too hard immediately.
She placed equal importance on preparing her mind, beginning with her religious faith.
“My faith in God is central to me, and it influences everything I do. I believe Christ will support me if my physical strength gives out, so that belief played a major role in getting ready,” she says.
Du-Pont also worked through some puzzles and refreshed her general-knowledge skills, although she hopes the information will come back to her under pressure. She accepts that no amount of preparation can fully recreate the uncertainty and intensity of the competition. Eventually, she says, contestants must depend on their character and their willingness to keep pushing. The standard of this year’s cast has also made her aware that the experience will be demanding.
When imagining the ideal teammate, du-Pont is looking for more than physical power.
“I’m asking God for a partner whose faith is just as firm. In terms of ability, someone strong with good cardiovascular fitness would complement me if I reach my physical limits,” she says. For her, however, the best teammate will understand when to take charge and when to pay attention. “You need a person who can do both.”
Amid the demanding challenges, du-Pont hopes to find some peaceful time on the island, especially beside the sea, which has a personal significance because of her environmental work with Greenpeace.
“If I get the chance, I’d simply love to spend time on the beach. The ocean means so much to me, and I’ve invested a great deal of energy in helping protect it,” she says.
She hopes the pace of the competition will still allow her to pause and take in her surroundings rather than leaving her constantly overwhelmed. “I want to appreciate the natural beauty and experience everything Réunion Island has to offer,” she adds.
At the heart of the experience, though, is a personal goal rather than the pursuit of a prize.
Du-Pont wants to leave with a deeper understanding of herself. She believes intense challenges can remove everyday distractions and make people more present and genuine.
“I want to give myself fully to it, take the lessons from the experience and hopefully uncover sides of myself that don’t always emerge in ordinary life,” she says.
A big year, and more to come
Tropika Island of Treasure is only one part of du-Pont’s full 2026 schedule, which has also included work in production, film and the development of her own business.
“It has genuinely been an extremely busy year. I’ve been producing a new series and working on an independent movie, and I’ve also received a nomination at the South African Voice Over Awards,” she says.
Her skincare company has experienced major growth and earned a nomination at the South African Fashion Awards, an achievement she describes as a huge honour. Lelive is now among the fastest-growing brands in South Africa, leaving her deeply proud of its progress. She is also eager to return more fully to acting after missing the work and hopes to take on fresh roles. “There’s plenty ahead that I’m excited about,” she says.
Read | ‘I want to come home a more fulfilled woman’: Leandie du Randt on what’s really at stake this season
