South African actor Wiseman Mncube has reflected on his early exit from 'Tropika Island of Treasure', admitting that his laid-back approach may have worked against him and his partner, Ashay Sewlall, during their elimination challenge.
The pair, known as Team Pineapple, became the second team eliminated from the 12th season of the reality competition after losing the “Ball Track” challenge on Réunion Island.
Their fate was sealed at the Sunset Ceremony when they picked the dreaded red pineapple, sending them into an elimination battle against Team Tropical, comprising former Springbok rugby player Francois Hougaard and Iana Strydom, and Team Green Apple, made up of rapper Nadia Nakai and Andile Khuluse.
The three teams went head-to-head in a challenge that required patience, balance and concentration. Despite their calm approach, Mncube and Sewlall fell behind at crucial moments and finished last.
Reflecting on the experience, Mncube admitted that the challenge was more difficult than it appeared.
“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,” he said.
The actor explained that the pressure of knowing what was at stake made the challenges emotionally demanding, with every loss carrying the possibility of ending his journey on the island.
Looking back at the elimination round, Mncube believes that being too comfortable may have cost them their place in the competition.
“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,” he said.
“Our relaxed approach had worked well for us before, but this time, it worked against us.”
Despite the setback, Mncube said he and Sewlall established a strong partnership early in the competition. Their similar personalities helped them find their rhythm quickly, with both preferring to remain calm rather than panic under pressure.
Their connection was evident from the beginning. Mncube recalled being penalised in the first episode for not wanting to change partners, explaining that he and Sewlall had connected naturally.
Away from the elimination challenge, the actor enjoyed being pushed physically and mentally by the competition. One challenge that stood out involved running into the ocean to retrieve a ball through the water.
“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,” he said.
For Mncube, who is accustomed to working on scripted television productions, the reality show also offered a different perspective on being in front of the camera.
Unlike acting, where scripts, preparation and characters provide a framework, reality television required him to respond to situations as they unfolded.
“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,” he said.
He added that becoming accustomed to wearing a microphone throughout filming was another adjustment, while the unpredictable nature of the competition challenged the sense of control he was used to having as an actor.
The experience was not without its memorable moments. Seeing dolphins on Réunion Island was among his highlights, alongside the beauty of the island and the friendliness of its people.
Although his time on the show ended earlier than he had hoped, Mncube said the experience taught him the importance of commitment and pushing beyond his comfort zone.
“The biggest lesson for me is that if you really want something, you have to be willing to fight for it,” he said.
“I’m not naturally a very competitive person, so this experience challenged me in ways I didn’t necessarily expect.”
As he looks towards the final months of 2026, Mncube said his schedule remains busy, particularly with his current production commitments.
“It’s work, work, work at the moment,” he said, adding that he hopes to finish the year on a high note.
While Team Pineapple’s journey has come to an end, the competition continues as the remaining teams battle it out for the ultimate prize.
'Tropika Island of Treasure' airs every Wednesday at 9pm on SABC 1, with a repeat on S3 every Thursday at 6pm.
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