Top Billing’s 2026 Presenter Search has reached its shortlist stage, with the returning lifestyle programme confirming five finalists who will compete for a place on one of South Africa’s best-known television brands. The announcement narrows thousands of hopefuls from across the country to a group that will now advance to the next round of evaluation.
The finalists are Homba Mazaleni, Talitha Bothma, Karen Mthethwa, Nehemiah Tjatji and Ross Marshall. Their selection followed an assessment process that weighed presenting ability, confidence, versatility and on-screen presence. The competition is designed to identify a new generation of presenters as the show re-establishes itself on air in 2026.
The search sits within a broader institutional effort by the programme to refresh its talent pipeline. Top Billing has spent decades profiling notable South Africans, showcasing homes and destinations, and covering lifestyle and entertainment. The presenter search forms part of its return to television and its drive to introduce new faces to audiences.
The five candidates arrive from varied professional worlds, spanning broadcasting, sport, entrepreneurship, television production and the performing arts.
Mazaleni, originally from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape, is a qualified biokineticist, sport scientist, presenter and content creator. She holds three degrees and finished among the top five finalists in Miss South Africa 2023. Her profile combines sport and wellness expertise with digital storytelling.
Bothma works as a growth strategist, entrepreneur and speaker, and founded Worth in Motion, an organisation focused on helping people recognise their value and access opportunities. Her career spans technology, fashion, media and business development across Africa. She has spoken publicly about overcoming significant personal challenges, including a medical condition that affected her hearing and vision.
Mthethwa is a broadcaster and live-event presenter who entered the industry by winning YFM’s presenter search in 2024, after which she secured her own weekday radio show, The Glow Up. Raised in Soweto, she has placed representation and opportunities for young women at the centre of her work.
Tjatji is a television presenter, creative producer, director and entrepreneur. His credits include presenting the SABC1 reality competition series Verified, along with acting and production work. He started out in community radio before moving into other parts of the entertainment industry.
Marshall, a former semi-professional footballer, has transitioned into presenting, acting, modelling and creative direction. He also serves as a corporate master of ceremonies and podcast host, and founded FortifiedZa, an initiative centred on leadership, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.
The next stage will give the five further opportunities to demonstrate their presenting skills and their ability to connect with audiences. Viewers can follow the programme on Thursdays at 7pm on S3, with repeats on Sundays at 1pm on S3 and Tuesdays at 9.30pm on SABC1. Episodes are also available on SABC+. Which of the five will earn the place on the returning brand remains the open question as the 2026 relaunch approaches.