Showmax and Laugh Africa reveal the panel for the Roast of Helen Zille

The political stage is set to get personal in the most outrageous way as Showmax and Laugh Africa reveal the audaciously bold lineup for the Roast of Helen Zille, happening live on Friday, 2 May 2025 at the Sandton Convention Centre. With a cast of razor-sharp comics, a few Housewives and a musician, TV and radio personalities, and a political heavyweight thrown into the pot, this Roast will go down in the history books. 

South African comedy royalty Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi take the reins as co-Roast Masters, ensuring that no punchline lands gently. Known for their fearless humour and unmatched stage presence, these two will set the tone for an unrelenting night of laughs, gasps, and X-worthy takedowns. 

Joining them on the panel are Loyiso Gola, Bongani Bingwa, Rian van Heerden, Zwai Bala, JJ Tabane, Mel Viljoen, Coconut Kelz (appearing virtually), Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Londie London, and in a twist no one saw coming, Patricia de Lille. With Helen Zille in the hot seat and this diverse cross-section of South African voices holding the mic, anything can – and will – happen. 

The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille is one of the headline events for the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, with African American comedian Deon Cole as the second headline act, performing on Saturday and Sunday nights. 

The Roast will be recorded live and stream exclusively on Showmax on 16 May 2025. 

“This year’s Roast is packed with intellect, satire, and that classic South African irreverence,” says Stuart Taylor, creative director for the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. “From politicians to pop culture icons, we’re turning the heat up to high – and Helen Zille’s seat is at the centre of it all.” 

Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at Showmax, adds: “Comedy continues to be a powerful force in our culture – a way of telling truths, tackling taboos, and entertaining with purpose. The Roast of Helen Zille promises to be a defining moment in African comedy.” 

Laugh Africa Comedy Festival weekend highlights  

International superstar Deon Cole as headline act 

Deon Cole, the Emmy-nominated American comedian and actor known for his work on Black-ish and The Harder They Fall, promises more unforgettable entertainment as he takes to the stage as the international headline act on 3 and 4 May 2025. His sharp tongue and observational brilliance will round off what promise to be hugely memorable, side-splitting evenings of truth-telling comedy. 

3 days of unfiltered laughter 

The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is the largest celebration of stand-up on the continent and is renowned for its eclectic lineup of comedic talent from all corners of Africa and beyond, and this year is no exception. The 2025 edition will feature an impressive array of African comedians. Among the lineup are Felix Hlophe, Trevor Gumbi, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli, Nina Hastie, Angel Campey, Alan Committie, Rob Van Vuuren, Jam Jam the Comedian, Kagiso “KG” Mokgadi, Mark Banks, Nonto R, and Robbie Collins, as well as Uganda’s Salvado Ombokolo, and Eric Lu Savali from Kenya. Griff from the USA will also be gracing the stage. 

 More about the Roasters and panellists 

Tumi Morake – Groundbreaking comedian, actor, and producer. The first African woman to have her own Netflix special, and an icon of unfiltered feminist wit. See her in Black Tax on Showmax. 
Trevor Gumbi – Veteran comedian with a raw, introspective comedy style. Known for How To Ruin Christmas and Black Tax, and you can catch one of his sets on Mzansi Comedy Nights on Showmax. 
Loyiso Gola – Emmy-nominated satirist and creator of Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola. 
Bongani Bingwa – Acclaimed broadcaster and journalist, currently host of 702 Breakfast. 
Rian van Heerden – Provocative talk show host, TV and radio personality who is also the producer of Sex in Afrikaans. 
Zwai Bala – Award-winning musician, producer, and one third of legendary kwaito group TKZee. 
JJ Tabane – Political commentator and sharp-tongued TV host. 
Mel Viljoen – Entrepreneur and star of Die Real Housewives van Pretoria and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip – South Africa. 
Lesego Tlhabi – Political satirist behind Coconut Kelz, joining virtually for the Roast. Don’t miss her cameo in Tali’s Joburg Diary! 
Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh – Author, academic, and public intellectual with a sharp social critique. 
Patricia de Lille – Former Cape Town mayor and Minister of Tourism – and a surprise Roasting wildcard. 

Secure your tickets now and get ready for a weekend of belly laughs, unforgettable performances, and a celebration of African humour at its finest. www.ticketpro.co.za or www.laugh-africa.com. 

The festival is open to persons 16 years and older. 

About Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 

The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is a groundbreaking new event in the comedy landscape. It transcends borders, languages, and cultures under the banner of laughter, providing a unique platform for both established and emerging comedians from around the world. This festival is not just an event; it is an experience that celebrates comedic artistry and connects performers with audiences in an unparalleled celebration of humour. To learn more about the festival, please visit www.laugh-africa.com. 

About Showmax 

Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows, and a mobile-only product to watch the Premier League (PL). For more information, visit https://www.showmax.com/.