Glam pics: Inside the star-studded Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
It was a night of sharp wit, bold laughs, and even bolder fashion at The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille, which took over the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday, 2 May 2025.
As part of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, headlined by international comedy heavyweight Faizon Love and an all-star African lineup, the Roast delivered both red-carpet glam and firecracker punchlines.
Helen Zille, the Democratic Alliance’s federal chairperson, Helen Zille, took her seat on the Roast throne with poise, enduring a volley of hilarious jabs from a dazzling mix of comedians, politicians, and celebrities.
South African comedy powerhouses Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi shared the spotlight as co-Roast Masters, steering the night’s jokes with razor-sharp delivery and no mercy.
The celebrity Roast panel was as diverse as it was dynamic, featuring Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille, media personality Rian van Heerden, comedian Loyiso Gola, musician Zwai Bala, political analyst JJ Tabane, and author Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. Reality TV royalty Mel Viljoen and Londie London brought the glam from The Real Housewives franchise, while Coconut Kelz joined virtually with her signature satire.
While the live event had Johannesburg buzzing, those who missed the action can catch every sizzling moment when The Roast of Helen Zille premieres exclusively on Showmax, 16 May 2025.
In the meantime, feast your eyes on the glitzy red carpet looks, behind-the-scenes laughter, and the Mzansi A-listers who made this one of the most talked-about nights in South African comedy.
The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille in pictures
Stream The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille from 16 May 2025 on Showmax.
More like this
The ‘Burbs S1
In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Six Taylor Sheridan series while we wait for The Madison
Excited about The Madison coming in April? We’ve rounded up all the Taylor Sheridan series you can watch on Showmax while we wait.
Landman S1-2
Taylor Sheridan's Landman stars Billy Bob Thornton. In the heart of Texas, roughnecks and billionaires collide in the get-rich-quick oil industry.
Christall dishes on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip
Christall Kay on the drama of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, and what it was like to reunite with Evodia. All episodes on Showmax.
The Naked Gun (2025)
In this slapstick comedy reboot, Frank Drebin Jr follows in his father's footsteps to prevent the closure of Police Squad.
I Love LA S1
Toxic friendships are taken to a whole new level in this off-the-wall comedy, as a co-dependent friend group navigates life and love in Los Angeles.
Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition
The pressure is on in this unique edition of Wife Swap as The Real Housewives stars "step into a real housewife's shoes."
Ultimate Girls Trip Africa, now streaming on Showmax
Wizkid: Love Live Lagos, stream now on Showmax
More binge-worthy series
The ‘Burbs S1
In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.
Sweethearts (2024)
Two college freshmen make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts during the "Drunksgiving" holiday break, but their plan goes awry.
MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion
MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.
Six Taylor Sheridan series while we wait for The Madison
Excited about The Madison coming in April? We’ve rounded up all the Taylor Sheridan series you can watch on Showmax while we wait.
Latest Stories
Fall in love with romantic drama Touch, now on Showmax
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
How to Train Your Dragon: Bringing Hiccup and Astrid to life
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in January 2026
7 things to know about indie award-winning movie Dìdi
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in December 2025
Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip cast on first impressions, beefs and more
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Novocaine: the US box office hit shot in Cape Town
Evodia on Ultimate Girls Trip Africa and her return to reality TV
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
New seasons of your favourite series, now streaming
The best romantic series on Showmax
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in November 2025
17 medical dramas to stream in an entertainment emergency
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
