18 November 2024

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.

Join the conversation: #TollieManilaShowmax

Watch full episodes now

More like this

Reality Reality series Series

Married to Medicine: Atlanta S12

The women of Married to Medicine face unprecedented times as their lives are turned upside down when the pandemic hits.

Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is on Showmax

Lockerbie: A Search For Truth S1

After losing his daughter in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, Dr Jim Swire begins a quest for truth.

Watson S1

A year after the death of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson resumes his medical career - until his old life starts pulling him back.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

Angel on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, Jojo and more

Angel talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her friendship with Jojo and more. New episodes every Friday on Showmax.

Original South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

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!

Original

How To Manifest a Man S1-2

Duduzile refuses to accept that her husband wants to leave her. She takes drastic steps to ensure she gets a second chance.

Made in South Africa

Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2

Rising star Thandolwethu Zondi talks about joining the cast of Outlaws S2. Catch new episodes every Monday on Showmax and on Mzansi Magic on Saturdays

Original South Africa

Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

Watch the trailer for Volspoed, Showmax's upcoming reality series about racer Antonie Marx, his family and his racing team. From 6 January 2026.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax

Go on holiday with RHUGT - Africa

More reality? Try Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap

Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap S1 on Showmax

Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season 1, episode 10 recap: finale!

It’s the finale! Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season 1, episode 10 gives us a proposal, an unexpected son, one final all-queen stage performance, and storytime with Cape Town’s veteran queens.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap episode 9 recap: It's giving mother

Kat and the Drag Cartel put on a show, Ina confesses to stealing an earring, and Madison’s mama warns her to mind her manners in Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season 1, episode 9.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap episode 8 recap: Take a day off!

The queens are on a mini-break in Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season 1, episode 8. Shots are fired but, for once, just at a target for archery practice.

OriginalMade in South Africa