Despite this morning’s tragic events, SABC1 has decided to go ahead with the new season of Tropika Island of Treasure. The show stars a whole host of South African celebrities including the late Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot dead allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend Oscar Pistorius.

Below is a statement from Vukile Madlala, who is the Publicity Manager for the channel:

SABC1 STATEMENT ON REEVA STEENKAMP

Johannesburg, Thursday 14 February, 2013

“As SABC1; we are deeply saddened by the tragic turn of events involving one of the players on our show, Tropika Island of Treasure Season 5. Our thoughts and prayers during these trying times are with the family and friends of the dearly departed Reeva Steenkamp. Tropika Island of Treasure is scheduled to start airing on SABC1 Mzansi Fo Sho this Saturday 16 February 2013, at 18h30.”

It’s a tricky situation because the show was filmed in Jamaica last year and nobody could have ever predicted this. So the money, production costs and TV scheduling time had all been finalised prior to this horrendous incident. It will no doubt be extremely hard for Steenkamp’s close friends and family to see her in the show for as long as she was in it.

My deepest condolences go out to her loved ones during this time. More on this story to follow.