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.