In the last elimination of the season, Khanya Mkangisa and Mpande Buthelezi (#TeamWhite) are the latest duo who had to say goodbye to the Maldives, and, to their shot at the R1 million prize.
#TeamWhite are no strangers to elimination challenges and have surprised competitors and fans alike on numerous occasions throughout the season as they’ve come out on top every elimination challenge they found themselves in. In the final elimination challenge which aired last night, they unfortunately could not keep up the momentum. This makes them the fifth team to be eliminated, leaving Nay Maps & Rudi Witkowsky (#TeamYellow) and Brendan Peyper & Lisanne Lazarus (#TeamRed) to go head to head in next weeks’ big finale of #TIOT8.
To find out who walks away with that coveted R1 million prize, tune in to the Tropika Island of Treasure season 8 finale on SABC3 at 19:30 on Monday 30 April 2018.
Q&A with Khanya Mkangisa and Mpande Buthelezi shortly after being eliminated:
What did you learn most about yourself throughout the competition?
Khanya Mkangisa: My time on Tropika Island of Treasure was incredible and it gave me the opportunity to physically see what I have always known to be true about myself. I learnt that I am strong and that I can endure anything. It was an experience I will never forget.
Mpande Buthelezi: I learnt that perseverance goes a long way. Something that surprised me the most was the determination I (and my partner) had. #TeamWhite were in quite a few elimination challenges throughout the season, but we fought hard and made it through them all – until now!
Where do you think you could have improved?
Khanya Mkangisa: It was no secret that #TeamWhite were the underdogs and no one expected us to get this far in the competition. Although we did well, there is always room for improvement. I probably could’ve been more patient with my partner and handled situations better under pressure.
Mpande Buthelezi: I definitely could have improved on my communication skills. When I was busy with a challenge and in an intense mode of focus, I didn’t communicate much (especially as much as I should have); I just kept quiet and got on with the challenge at hand. But I’ve started working on that.
What was the best thing about being teamed up with your partner?
Khanya Mkangisa: Mpande really handled me (as a teammate) very well. We may have had our ups and downs but he never gave up on me or our team, and he always made sure to give his all.
Mpande Buthelezi: The mentorship I gained from Khanya is invaluable. I was fortunate enough to be teamed up with someone who has experience in the field that I am breaking into. Her understanding of how to treat other colleagues taught me a lot as well.
Who did you think your biggest competitor was?
Khanya Mkangisa: My biggest competitor was definitely #TeamYellow. Rudi is the partner I initially wanted and he proved himself to be a fantastic competitor throughout the season.
Mpande Buthelezi: My biggest competition was #TeamRed. Their dynamic and communication was constant; never too much or too little.
Why should people continue to watch TIOT8 for the remainder of the season?
Khanya Mkangisa: The show is incredible. It’s full of exciting twists that really tested us physically and mentally. It’s crunch time now so keep watching the show to see who walks away with the title of this year’s winner (and the million Rand!)
Mpande Buthelezi: Oh man, the games just keep getting wilder. What most viewers don’t realise is how their favorite team might expect a certain challenge to go in their favour, but it ends up being way off. Not to mention how those Slenda Twists completely shake things up! The finale isn going to be a cracker!
What advice do you wish someone told you before the show?
Khanya Mkangisa: I honestly believe that no matter how much people try, no advice could have prepared me for TIOT8. I did my best in every challenge and proved to myself that I am a strong woman who can take on anything.
Mpande Buthelezi: I wish I had prepared better for the number (or math) challenges! That would have helped me a lot. Most people forget that this competition is not all about brawn – it takes a lot of brains (and patience) too!