Known for her bold opinions and fearless approach, Helen Zille is no stranger to public scrutiny – and this time, she’s stepping right into the fire, willingly. Picture: Supplied/LaughAfrica
Image: Supplied/LaughAfrica
Showmax has announced that chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Helen Zille, will be the next high-profile figure to take the hot seat in the 2025 Roast.
Known for her sharp wit and unfiltered opinions, Zille is set to take the stage for a no-holds-barred evening of comedy, controversy, and entertainment.
Zille is confident that she can take the heat: “People do it behind my back, so why not let them do it to my face?”
“Selecting the right roastee is a science,” remarked Laugh Africa Comedy Festival creative director, Stuart Taylor.
"It’s a fine line between a cock-up and a laugh-up, and no one walks that line quite like Helen Zille. She is a heavyweight in politics, and she’s also a lady, so we will handle her with care.”
Love her or loathe her, Zille brings a “say-it-like-it-is” candour that is compelling and hard to ignore. From her infamous rendition of Brenda Fassie’s Vuli Ndlela to her unfiltered approach,
Zille doesn’t hold back. “I say it like it is, and I get roasted on social media and in the press all the time.
“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,” said Zille.
Showmax has announced that Helen Zille will be the next high-profile figure to take the hot seat in the 2025 Roast. Picture: Supplied/LaughAfrica
Image: Supplied/LaughAfrica
In 2024, presenter and actress Minnie Dlamini sat on the hot seat, and the roast set the bar high on what Showmax and Laugh Africa can deliver when it comes to a Roast.
Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at Showmax, added, “At Showmax, we’re not afraid to stir the pot – and the Roast is the perfect place to do it.
“Helen Zille is bold, outspoken and exactly the kind of personality that makes for an unforgettable Roast.
"The Roast of Helen Zille" takes place during the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival. This year, American actor Deon Cole will be headlining the festival. Cole is most recognised for his standout performances on "Black-ish" and "Grown-ish", where he plays the eccentric yet lovable Charlie Telphy.
The lineup is star-studded with Felix Hlophe, Trevor Gumbi, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli, Nina Hastie, Angel Campey, Allan Committie, Rob Van Vuuren, Jam Jam the Comedian, Kagiso ‘KG ’ Mokgadi, Mark Banks, Nonto R, and Robbie Collins as comedy acts.
Added to this stellar lineup are Griff from the USA, Salvado Ombokolo from Uganda, and Eric Lu Savali from Kenya.
The festival will be a weekend of side-splitting performances. From Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Sandton Convention Centre.
IOL Entertainment