Imagine being marooned on a beautiful paradise island with a bunch of South African celebrities and contestants, competing for the chance to win R1-million! This is exactly what Ballito model and sportsman Tayne de Villiers embarked on when he signed up for the reality television show, Tropika Island of Treasure, which airs later this month.
It was only a matter of time before Tayne ended up on television. From being an international model (and appearing on magazine covers and featuring in photographic exhibitions in New York, Paris and London), Tayne’s goal has always been to make a name for himself on screen.
And, while he might not have made it to Hollywood just yet, this month South Africans will be able to tune in and see the former Glenwood Boys High boy compete against 17 other people and a group of SA celebrities to win one million bucks!
An avid and ambitious sportsman, Tayne made it to the under 18 junior Sharks rugby academy, attained his SA colours in karate and KZN colours in Taekwondo. His most recent sport achievement, though, was earning his KZN colours for boxing as a middleweight boxer.
“I’ve spent the last couple of years studying events and marketing management through UCT and doing boxing training for four to five hours every day,” says the 21-year-old.
When the opportunity to take part in the reality television show presented itself, Tayne says he couldn’t turn it down. “I love reality TV and when my agent in LA suggested it would be a good platform for me (and a great brand to align with), I decided to enter.”
The audition process, Tayne says, entailed hopefuls submitting a video clip telling the judges why they felt they were right for the show. “After numerous bloopers I finally submitted my audition video (with the bloopers and laughs in between) and hoped for the best!” A month later he got the call to say he was on the show. “I was super excited about the challenge and I am so determined to win!”
Apart from the goal of winning the R1-million prize money (which Tayne says he would use to get himself and his family back to settle in Los Angeles), he believes being a part of the show is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Although the show is only being aired in September, Tayne was busy with production when we spoke to him. And while he couldn’t reveal much (due to non-disclosure agreements), he did say that he was thoroughly enjoying the process and bursting with excitement to share all the details!
Asked what he has learned about himself throughout the process, Tayne says, “I’ve learnt that teamwork makes the dream work and physical fitness and strength needs to be coupled with mental and emotional strength and patience. Also, while I am extremely fit on the ground, swimming in the ocean is not for the faint hearted!”
Looking towards the future, Tayne says he hopes to be back in the USA (in either LA or Miami), working on his business which he says is currently in the pipeline.
Details: Tropika Island of Treasure will be aired on SABC 3 in September. Follow: @tayne_devilliers and @mytropika
