Showmax and Laugh Africa announce the 2025 Roast of Helen Zille

Showmax has announced that Helen Zille will be the next high-profile figure to take the hot seat in the 2025 Roast. Known for her bold opinions and fearless approach, Zille is no stranger to public scrutiny – and this time, she’s stepping right into the fire, willingly.

They say it takes a brave person to accept the challenge of being roasted at Africa’s greatest comedy festival, but Helen Zille is confident that she can do it, stating: “people do it behind my back, so why not let them do it to my face?”

With a jam-packed line-up of comedians and panellists, the 2025 Showmax Roast promises to be the biggest yet. According to Laugh Africa Comedy Festival creative director, Stuart Taylor, “Selecting the right roastee is a science – it’s the fine line between a cock-up and a laugh-up, and no one walks that line quite like Helen Zille. She is a heavyweight in politics, and she’s also a lady so we will handle her with care.”

Zille’s appearance is expected to draw curiosity and interest, from both the roasters and the audiences. Love her or loathe her, she brings a “say-it-like-it-is” candour that is compelling and hard to ignore. From her infamous rendition of Brenda Fassie’s Vuli Ndlela, to her unfiltered approach, Zille doesn’t hold back. “I say it like it is and I get roasted on social media and in the press all the time – so why not put it on the main stage? If people are going to laugh, I’d rather join them, showing Africa that I can dish it out as much as I take it – all under the umbrella of fun and banter,” says Helen Zille.

The upcoming Roast will dish out comedy in its purest form, with a big side helping of politics and opinions served hot. Expect outrageous punchlines, wild comebacks, unfiltered truths, and more than a few jaw-dropping moments. Nothing is off the table.

“It’s a family event so the code of conduct is in place, everyone is welcome,” says Taylor. “The Roast of Minnie Dlamini in 2024 set the bar high, bringing the heat in hilarious, unexpected ways. Expect nothing less for Zille; and remember, we only roast the ones we love.”

Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at Showmax, adds, “At Showmax, we’re not afraid to stir the pot – and the Roast is the perfect place to do it. Helen Zille is bold, outspoken and exactly the kind of personality that makes for an unforgettable Roast. We’re thrilled to bring audiences another wildly entertaining event of sharp wit and fearless comedy.”

Deon Cole to headline Laugh Africa Comedy Festival

Adding to the fun, the jeers and the jokes at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival will be headline act Deon Cole. Hailing from the US, Cole will bring his observational humour and deadpan delivery to the main stage. A massive name in the comedy and film industries, Cole is known for his standout performances on Black-ish and Grown-ish, where he plays the eccentric yet lovable Charlie Telphy. Cole’s Chicago South Side upbringing has been a huge influence on his comedic perspective and story-telling style and he’ll no doubt have audiences in stitches.

What to expect at the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival

The festival is a dazzling showcase of laugh-out-loud comedy and promises a weekend of side-splitting performances. From Friday, 2 May to Sunday, 4 May 2025, the Sandton Convention Centre – set in the heart of Johannesburg’s bustling business and entertainment district – will once again come alive as a vibrant hub of belly-laughs and festivities. The three-day festival will include two-night international headline act Deon Cole, and other comedy shows across a variety of comedic styles, and the Roast of Helen Zille. A special focus on African acts brings together the continent’s top comedic talent, celebrating diverse cultures, voices, and stories through the universal language of laughter.

The lineup is star-studded with Felix Hlophe, Trevor Gumbi, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli, Nina Hastie, Angel Campey, Allan Committie, Rob Van Vuuren, Jam Jam the Comedian, Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, Mark Banks, Nonto R, and Robbie Collins as comedy acts. Added to this stellar lineup are Griff from the USA, Salvado Ombokolo from Uganda and Eric Lu Savali from Kenya. Secure your ticket to laughter at www.ticketpro.co.za or www.laugh-africa.com.

The festival is open to persons 16 years and older.