
Laugh Africa Presents: The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille
As a journalist, she exposed the coverup around Steve Biko’s murder. As a politician, she was selected as World Mayor of the Year and is the current Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance. As an author, she’s published books like #StayWoke Go Broke. She’s lost voters for the DA with her notorious tweets and gone viral for her cover of Brenda Fassie’s Vuli Ndlela. She’s appeared on Showmax in drag on Die Tollie en Manila Show. Now Helen Zille is making her boldest and bravest move yet: taking the hot seat in this year’s Roast on Showmax, filmed during the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival.
“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,” she says.
South African comedy royalty Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi take the reins as co-Roast Masters. Joining them on the panel are Zille’s political rival Patricia de Lille, former Comics Choice Comic of the Year Loyiso Gola, media personalities Bongani Bingwa, JJ Tabane and Rian van Heerden, reality TV stars Londie London and Mel Viljoen, musician Zwai Bala, and author, political commentator and lecturer Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.
More like this

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.

Schalk Bezuidenhout trades stand-up for 9-5 in Die Kantoor
Schalk Bezuidenhout talks about his role as Tjaart in Die Kantoor, the Afrikaans adaptation of The Office, now streaming on Showmax.

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.

Crutch S1
Crutch, a Harlem widower, has his empty-nest plans put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.

Die Kantoor S1
A workplace mockumentary set at Deluxe Processed Meats, a polony distribution company in Klerksdorp, where outdated opinions, low ambition and misplaced leadership collide.

Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office
Albert Pretorius takes on the iconic boss role in Die Kantoor. The first episodes land on Showmax on Tuesday, 20 January, with new episodes weekly.

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.

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.
Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax
Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa
The best British shows to stream

Shaka iLembe S1-2
Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king. All episodes are now available to binge.

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.

Nhlanhla Kunene confirmed for Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2
See Nhlanhla Kunene in Law, Love and Betrayal Season 2 as Mondli Gumede, from 8PM on 8 March on Mzansi Magic, and streaming from 9 March on Showmax.

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.
Latest Stories

Antonie Marx on Volspoed and why it's a must-watch

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office

What to watch on Showmax in January 2026

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’s South African stunts

Die Kwiksilwers (2024)

Where to see the cast of Mpondoland on Showmax

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

Thandolwethu Zondi on his new role in Outlaws S2
Must-watch trailer for Showmax's turbo-charged reality series Volspoed

Fana Mokoena on playing a sangoma in Masinga

Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa

Tlali returns: Outlaws’ most loved and hated villain is back

What to watch on Showmax in December 2025

Afrikaans adaptation of The Office to premiere in January
.png&w=2560&q=80)
Youngins' Kealeboga Masango on Buhle's pregnancy shock

Where to see the cast of Outlaws S2 on Showmax

Mamodibe as Buang: The woman behind the warrior in Outlaws

From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals

Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more

“No one wins in war” - Nikki Comninos on Unspoken War
Reney Bouwer gets candid in Showmax documentary Slay Queens

Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites

Hakeem Kae-Kazim on Showmax crime thriller Masinga - The Calling







