'The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille': where politics meets comedy in style

It was a star-studded night at the Sandton Convention Centre on Friday night as politics and comedy collided during the "The Showmax Roast of Helen Zille."

The live event, which will be available for streaming from May 16 and is part of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, saw some of the nation’s most prolific figures assemble to take a comedic jab at the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) federal chairperson.

They include roastmaster Trevor Gumbi who opted for a daring ensemble as he channeled Hannibal Lecter, wearing a white jumpsuit and face mask - a look that the fictional movie character has become renowned for.

His co-roastmaster Tumi Morake dazzled on the black carpet in a sleeveless red gown.

Meanwhile, the other panelists also came dressed to impress, including renowned journalist and broadcaster Bongani Bingwa who looked dapper in black formal pants and a navy blazer, while accessorising his look with a striking red tie and pocket square.

Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille also took the formal route by rocking an all-black look while adding some spice to her outfit with a graphic red blazer.

Former “Real Housewives of Durban” star Londie London also stunned in a form-fitting blue dress while fellow reality television star Mel Viljoen dazzled in a sequined body suit. 

The rest of the panel includes Loyiso Gola, Rian van Heerden, Zwai Bala, JJ Tabane, Coconut Kelz, who appeared on the roast virtually, as well as Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.

But Zille was the real star of the show as she arrived at her roast in a striking glittery pink gown. She completed her look with silver heels, a sleek blond bob, dainty earrings and a pink lip which matched her outfit.

Prior to the event, the politician appeared upbeat and showed no signs of nerves as the panelists were about to humorously tear into her eventful life and prominent political career.

Zille was spotted dancing through the convention centre for a promotional video and interacting with attendees on the black carpet. 

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika ahead of her roast, she admitted prior that she didn't know what she was letting herself in for.

“It could go well, it could go badly but I have been through all that before.”

Zille added: “The roast masters will only grab me on the things they think will burn the worst. They want to burn me, they are not going to look at any of my successes, they are only going to look at the things that some people think are failures but the fact is I (will) wait for 10 years, look back and then we will see what was a failure.”

Zille also hopes that attendees will “just have a jol, just have a lekker time, that’s what it's about.”

“Everyone must just relax, laugh at ourselves and laugh at each other. This is South Africa, no country has such a good funny bone as South Africa, we have all got the same funny bone underneath our skin and we are here to have a good time.”

Apart from "The Roast of Helen Zille", the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, which takes place until Sunday, May 4, at the Sandton Convention Centre, will also see US actor and comedian, Faizon Love, who’s popularly known for appearing on South Africa’s beloved “Mr Bones”, bringing the laughs.

The headline act replaces fellow American comedian Deon Cole who earlier this week was forced to withdraw from the event due to an unforeseen medical emergency.

The rest of the line-up for this weekend’s comedy extravaganza includes Griff from the USA, Salvado Ombokolo from Uganda, and Eric Lu Savali from Kenya.

In addition, the local line-up will see the likes of Felix Hlophe, 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, taking to the stage.