Showmax Presents the Roast of Helen Zille at Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025
The Roast of Helen Zille: A Night of No Mercy and All the Laughs
The political stage is set to get personal in the most outrageous way as Showmax and Laugh Africa reveal the audaciously bold lineup for the Roast of Helen Zille, happening live on Friday, 2 May 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre. With a cast of razor-sharp comics, a few Housewives, a musician, TV and radio personalities, and a political heavyweight thrown into the pot, this Roast promises to go down in the history books.
South African comedy royalty Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi will take the reins as co-Roast Masters, ensuring that no punchline lands gently. Known for their fearless humour and unmatched stage presence, these two will set the tone for an unrelenting night of laughs, gasps, and X-worthy takedowns. With Helen Zille in the hot seat and this diverse cross-section of South African voices holding the mic, anything can – and will – happen.
Joining the panel for the Roast of Helen Zille are some of South Africa’s sharpest and most fearless minds!

Meet the Roasters and Panellists for the Roast of Helen Zille
Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi: Unstoppable Co-Roast Masters
Groundbreaking comedian, actor, and producer, Tumi Morake made history as the first African woman to have her own Netflix special. Known for her unfiltered feminist wit and dynamic stage presence, she’s also a star of the Showmax hit series Black Tax.
A veteran comedian with a raw, introspective style, Trevor Gumbi has won hearts through shows like How To Ruin Christmas and Black Tax. Fans can also catch his hilarious sets on Mzansi Comedy Nights on Showmax.
Loyiso Gola
An Emmy-nominated satirist and creator of Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, he’s known for his razor-sharp social commentary and fearless takes on politics and culture.
Bongani Bingwa
An acclaimed broadcaster and journalist, Bongani Bingwa currently hosts 702 Breakfast and is recognised for his insightful, no-nonsense style.
Rian van Heerden
Provocative talk show host and TV and radio personality Rian van Heerden is the bold producer behind Sex in Afrikaans, bringing his fearless candour to the Roast stage.
Zwai Bala
Award-winning musician, producer, and one-third of the legendary kwaito group TKZee, Zwai Bala adds a musical touch to this fiery panel.
JJ Tabane
Sharp-tongued political commentator and TV host, JJ Tabane’s wit and intellect are sure to deliver some of the night’s most devastating jabs.
Mel Viljoen
Entrepreneur and reality TV star of Die Real Housewives van Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa, Mel Viljoen is no stranger to drama and glamour.
Lesego Tlhabi
Aka Coconut Kelz, the political satirist Lesego Tlhabi, appearing virtually, is the brilliant mind behind Coconut Kelz. Her hilarious cameo in Tali’s Joburg Diary on Showmax cemented her as a powerhouse of comedic critique.
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh
Author, academic, and public intellectual, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh brings incisive social critique and sharp wit to the panel.
Patricia de Lille
Former Cape Town mayor and Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille joins the Roast in a twist no one saw coming – a true wildcard guaranteed to bring fireworks.

A Defining Moment in African Comedy
The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille is one of the headline events for the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2025, with African American comedian Deon Cole as the second major headline act. Cole, an Emmy-nominated actor and comedian known for Black-ish and The Harder They Fall, will perform on Saturday and Sunday nights, promising unforgettable evenings of observational brilliance.
“This year’s Roast is packed with intellect, satire, and that classic South African irreverence,” says Stuart Taylor, creative director for the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. “From politicians to pop culture icons, we’re turning the heat up to high – and Helen Zille’s seat is at the centre of it all.”
Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at Showmax, adds: “Comedy continues to be a powerful force in our culture – a way of telling truths, tackling taboos, and entertaining with purpose. The Roast of Helen Zille promises to be a defining moment in African comedy.”
The Roast will be recorded live and stream exclusively on Showmax from 16 May 2025, giving audiences across the continent front-row access to the chaos, comedy, and cultural commentary.
South Africa’s Brightest Comedy Stars Light Up the Festival
Beyond the Roast of Helen Zille, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival brings a three-day celebration of unfiltered laughter featuring the best comedic talent from Africa and beyond. Audiences can look forward to performances from:
Felix Hlophe | Jam Jam the Comedian |
Trevor Gumbi | Kagiso “KG” Mokgadi |
Eugene Khoza | Mark Banks |
Celeste Ntuli | Nonto R |
Nina Hastie | Robbie Collins |
Angel Campey | Salvado Ombokolo (Uganda) |
Alan Committie | Eric Lu Savali (Kenya) |
Rob Van Vuuren | Griff (USA) |
The festival is open to persons 16 years and older.
Secure your tickets now for a weekend of belly laughs, unforgettable performances, and a true celebration of African humour at its finest!
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