If you thought South African politics couldn’t get more theatrical, wait till you hear who’s joining the roast panel for one of the most iconic political events in entertainment history. Yes, none other than the Honourable Minister of Tourism and founder of the GOOD Party, Patricia “Aunty Pat” de Lille, will be bringing her signature sass to the Roast of Helen Zille and we’re already cackling.
South Africa is many things: unpredictable, vibrant, dramatic, hilarious and undeniably entertaining. It’s not just home, it’s a whole production. Where else in the world do you get to attend the roasting of a former Premier, DA leader and current face of the first Government of National Unity and on the panel sits her former political frenemy turned Cabinet colleague? Only in Mzansi.
The roast is part of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, set to take over the Sandton Convention Centre from 2 to 4 May 2025. The Helen Zille roast, which will be recorded live and stream on Showmax from 16 May, promises more than just laughs — it’s a cultural moment. And with Aunty Pat seated at the panel, it’s also a spicy one.
Joining a wild mix of politicians, media darlings, musicians and reality TV stars — from Tumi Morake and Trevor Gumbi as co-Roast Masters to Bongani Bingwa, JJ Tabane, Zwai Bala and even Londie London — Aunty Pat’s appearance feels like the plot twist none of us saw coming. But hey, this is South Africa. We don’t do boring.
This roast isn’t just comedic relief, it’s a mirror held up to the country’s sociopolitical pulse, dishing out truth-telling through satire with a side of chakalaka.
So yes, South Africa is absolutely one of the best places to live. Not just because we say howzit and somehow survive loadshedding with a sense of humour, but because here, even our political satire comes with a guest list that would make reality TV jealous. Aunty Pat, we’re watching. And we’re laughing.
