Mind, body, and Réunion Island magic: Leandie du Randt gears up for ‘Tropika Island of Treasure’

For actress, entrepreneur and presenter Leandie du Randt, preparing for the upcoming season of Tropika Island of Treasure is about far more than getting physically fit. As she gets ready to swap the comforts of home for the challenges of competition on Réunion Island, she is approaching the experience with a combination of preparation, visualisation, self-awareness, and a healthy acceptance that things may not always go according to plan.

Known for her infectious energy, determination, and sharp business acumen, du Randt is tackling the challenge through a holistic approach, combining rigorous physical conditioning, intentional mindset practices, and strategic adaptability honed over an 18-year career in South Africa’s entertainment industry.

Ahead of the show’s highly-anticipated return next month, Leandie shares insights into her training routine, how she manages performance pressure, her vision board for the competition, and what she hopes to achieve on and off the island.

Tropika Island of Treasure is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. How are you preparing yourself mentally, and what mindset are you taking into the competition?

Mentally, I am envisioning myself in the final, driving away in the Suzuki Jimny and celebrating afterwards. I’ve even created a vision board for it! I truly believe it’s essential to think, speak, and feel what you want as if it has already manifested. At the same time, mental toughness means being okay with every possible outcome. What if I go home first? Life goes on, and we live and learn. I find that when you have a plan for the worst-case scenario, you release fear and give yourself the freedom to perform at your best.

Are you doing anything differently physically ahead of the competition? Any specific training, nutrition, or fitness routines to make sure your body is ready?

Physically, I’ve definitely stepped up my consistency. I’m exercising five to seven times a week now, even pushing through workouts while traveling for work or on holiday, which isn’t something I usually do! I’ve added targeted strength training to my routine and forced myself to do more cardio, even though I normally hate it!

What do you think will be your biggest personal challenge on the island?

My biggest personal hurdle will probably be managing performance anxiety. It’s that familiar wave of adrenaline and nerves you used to get right before a big athletics meeting or sports match back in school. Harnessing that nervous energy into focus will be key.

You’re known for being determined and competitive, but Tropika Island of Treasure also requires close teamwork. What kind of teammate do you think you’ll be?

The kind of teammate I am will depend on who I’m paired with, but adaptability and honesty are core to who I am. Studying BComm Industrial Psychology at varsity gave me a strong foundation in human behaviour, personality testing, and team dynamics. That background has equipped me to read people quickly and adjust my approach to complement my partner’s strengths. No matter who my teammate is, I am going to give them my absolute all!

How are you preparing for the unexpected? The island, the challenges, and the pressure can throw almost anything at contestants. Are you someone who thrives when things don’t go according to plan?

I over-prepare precisely so that I can be adaptable. It sounds like a contradiction, but having spent 18 years in an entertainment industry that is notoriously fickle and unpredictable, I’ve learned that thorough preparation is what allows you to pivot gracefully when bumps appear. I always enter situations with a Plan A, B, and C for any potential scenario. When I first started out in this industry almost two decades ago, I really struggled when things didn’t go according to plan. But the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that flexibility is survival. If you don’t adapt, you die.

You’re heading to Réunion Island for the competition. What are you most excited to experience outside of the actual challenges?

I am beyond excited! My partner and I have always wanted to visit Réunion Island to experience its incredible culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Now, through Tropika Island of Treasure, I get to explore it for work alongside an amazing group of people. I can’t wait to take it all in.

If you could come home from Tropika Island of Treasure having achieved just one thing, whether that’s winning, learning something about yourself, making memories, or pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, what would it be?

Winning would be incredible, but on my vision board, I also wrote down that I want to return home as a more fulfilled, self-aware woman. At 38 years old, I view this experience as a catalyst to propel me into my next decade, getting even more comfortable in my own skin and fully stepping into the person I am meant to be. Alongside my own growth, my ultimate hope is that this journey is life-changing for my teammate as well, unlocking new blessings and opportunities for their future.

With her training ramped up, her mind focused on staying adaptable and a vision board keeping her focused on what she hopes to experience, Leandie du Randt is ready to step outside her comfort zone and see where the adventure takes her on Tropika Island of Treasure.

The 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure 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.