Helen Zille Set to Feel the Heat on the Roast of Helen Zille Presented by Showmax
Showmax has announced that Helen Zille will be the next high-profile figure to take the hot seat in the 2025 Roast. Known for her bold opinions and fearless approach, Zille is no stranger to public scrutiny – and this time, she’s stepping right into the fire, willingly.
They say it takes a brave person to accept the challenge of being roasted at Africa’s greatest comedy festival, but Helen Zille is confident that she can do it, stating: “people do it behind my back, so why not let them do it to my face?”
With a jam-packed line-up of comedians and panelists, the 2025 Showmax Roast promises to be the biggest yet. According to Laugh Africa Comedy Festival creative director, Stuart Taylor, “Selecting the right roastee is a science – it’s the 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.”
Promotional Poster of the Roast of Helen Zille | SUPPLIED
Zille’s appearance is expected to draw curiosity and interest, from both the roasters and the audiences. Love her or loathe her, she 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 – 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,” says Helen Zille.
The upcoming Roast will dish out comedy in its purest form, with a big side helping of politics and opinions served hot. Expect outrageous punchlines, wild comebacks, unfiltered truths, and more than a few jaw-dropping moments. Nothing is off the table.
“It’s a family event so the code of conduct is in place, everyone is welcome,” says Taylor. “The Roast of Minnie Dlamini in 2024 set the bar high, bringing the heat in hilarious, unexpected ways. Expect nothing less for Zille; and remember, we only roast the ones we love.”
Tracy-Ann Van Rooyen, Executive Head of Content Strategy at Showmax, adds, “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. We’re thrilled to bring audiences another wildly entertaining event of sharp wit and fearless comedy.”
Promotional Video | SUPPLIED