Helen Zille on her drag transformation on Showmax

Die Tollie & Manila Show is a fresh, high-energy talk show where South African celebrities team up with drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an unforgettable evening of candid conversation, fun games, and non-stop entertainment – all while slaying fabulous drag looks.

Now in its third week, the show brings you Helen Zille like you’ve never seen her. The late Sunday Times columnist Gwen Gill once put Zille on one of her infamous annual worst dressed lists, calling her “the woman who has everything but style”. But on Die Tollie & Manila Show, the Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance swaps her signature sharp suits for a stunning full drag transformation. 

Dolled up in drag as Zille Vanilla, she tackles some serious topics: her motivation for going into politics, her thoughts on her political enemies, and her unapologetic opinions about the current political landscape. It’s an opportunity to see Helen Zille defend her plain-speaking, anti-woke agenda, while dressed head to toe in sequins. 

“I want to challenge everyone to say their say, even if it’s unpopular,” Zille told Tollie and Manila. 

Season 1 started with SAFTA winner Jarrid Geduld, followed by rapper Jack Parow. Upcoming guests include actors Celeste Loots, Francois Jacobs, Frank Opperman, and Rob van Vuuren; television personality Soli Philander; musicians Craig Lucas, Loki Rothman, and Valiant Swart; and online influencers Aletta Francina de Kock and Rynhardt Schoeman – all of whom boldly embraced their drag transformations in front of South Africa.

Watch the trailer for Die Tollie & Manila Show

We fired off quickfire questions to Helen, to get the inside scoop on her time on the show – and here’s what she revealed in 10 words or less.

How was your experience being in drag?

Scary. It was terrifying to see myself like that!

What was your favourite aspect of the experience?

The novelty of it.

Did you learn anything new about yourself?

That I am comfortable just being me.

Did it change any perceptions you had about drag queens?

How do they keep up the effort?

Would you do it again?

I think you should always try something once.

How did you feel about your transformation?

I’m accustomed to the unexpected.

Stream Die Tollie & Manila Show on Showmax. 

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