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 Mindy Project S1-6
Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S14-15
The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.
It's Florida, Man S1-2
This outrageous HBO comedy is a love letter to the beaches, backwaters and people of a misunderstood yet magical American state.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds S3
Venture into the unknown with Captain Pike, Spock, Number One and the USS Enterprise crew a decade before Captain Kirk's legendary five-year mission.
Dear Santa (2024)
When a boy mistakenly writes to Satan instead of Santa Claus, he summons the devil (Jack Black), who offers him three wishes for his soul.
Destination X S1
Ten contestants embark on a mysterious road trip, aboard a blacked-out bus, and must complete challenges, earn clues and try to locate Destination X.
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent S1-2
This spin-off of the hit crime drama franchise follows an elite squad investigating corruption and high-level white-collar crime in Greater Toronto.
Ultimate Girls Trip Africa, now streaming on Showmax
Wizkid: Love Live Lagos, stream now on Showmax
More binge-worthy series
Touch (2024)
A deeply moving love story. A man sets out to find his first love from 50 years ago before it's too late.
The Mindy Project S1-6
Dr Mindy Lahiri (Mindy Kaling from 'The Office') juggles her personal dreams and professional duties in a quirky New York medical practice.
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S14-15
The series follows six of the most affluent women in the country as they enjoy the lavish lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide.
Latest Stories
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in January 2026
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in December 2025
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
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in November 2025
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
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
From The Office to The Paper
Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Inside spy movie Black Bag
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
BBNaija 10/10: Road to finale
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
