‘I can dish it out as much as I take it’: Helen Zille ahead of Showmax Roast

Showmax has announced Democratic Alliance chairperson Helen Zille as the next high-profile figure to take the hot seat in The Roast this year.

For the first time last year, the streaming service hosted The Roast of Minnie Dlamini.

The Roast of Helen Zille will take place next month on Friday, 2 May.

Speaking about being in the host seat, Zille said she is ready to face the heat — all in the spirit of fun and banter.

“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,” she added.

Stuart Taylor, the creative director of the festival, said Zille was the perfect choice.

“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.”

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Three-day comedy festival

As part of the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival, The Roast of Helen Zille will be followed by two nights of stand-up comedy from Saturday, 3 May, to Sunday, 4 May.

The three-day event will feature a mix of local and international talent, with international act Deon Cole headlining two shows.

The star-studded line-up includes popular South African comedians Felix Hlophe, Trevor Gumbi, Eugene Khoza, Celeste Ntuli, Nina Hastie, Angel Campey, Allan Committie, Rob Van Vuuren, Jam Jam the Comedian, KG Mokgadi, Mark Banks, Nonto R, and Robbie Collins.

The international acts include Griff (USA), Salvado Ombokolo (Uganda), and Eric Lu Savali (Kenya).

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