Top Billing Presenter Search 2026: Meet the five finalists

The search for South Africa’s next Top Billing presenter is down to five finalists, with Homba Mazaleni, Talitha Bothma, Karen Mthethwa, Nehemiah Tjatji and Ross Marshall competing for a place on the iconic lifestyle television show.

Selected from thousands of hopefuls across the country, the finalists bring experience in broadcasting, entertainment, entrepreneurship, sport and digital content creation.

As Top Billing returns to South African television screens in 2026, the Presenter Search aims to discover a fresh face who can connect with audiences while continuing the show’s tradition of showcasing extraordinary people, homes and experiences.

Here is everything you need to know about the five finalists.

Homba Mazaleni: From the Eastern Cape to the national spotlight

Originally from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape, Homba Mazaleni is a presenter, content creator and qualified biokineticist.

With three degrees and a place among the Top 5 finalists in Miss South Africa 2023, Mazaleni has established herself as a versatile personality with interests spanning sport, wellness and storytelling.

She has also built a substantial digital following through her confidence, energy and authentic approach to content creation.

Her journey from rural beginnings into sports media reflects her determination to inspire audiences through meaningful lifestyle stories.

Mazaleni hopes to bring that same energy and perspective to the Top Billing stage.

Talitha Bothma: An entrepreneur with a story of resilience

Talitha Bothma is an entrepreneur, speaker and growth strategist who has built her career around helping others recognise their potential.

She is the founder of Worth in Motion, an organisation focused on helping people understand their value.

Her journey has included overcoming personal loss and a serious medical condition affecting her hearing and vision.

With experience in technology, fashion, media and business, Bothma brings a broad perspective to the competition.

She believes compelling lifestyle storytelling should go beyond beautiful destinations and focus on the people and experiences behind them.

Her combination of resilience, empathy and intellectual curiosity makes her a distinctive contender.

Karen Mthethwa: From YFM presenter search winner to Top Billing finalist

Soweto-born broadcaster Karen Mthethwa has steadily built her career in radio through determination and a passion for entertainment.

In 2024, she won YFM’s presenter search, an achievement that helped her progress from late-night radio into a more prominent broadcasting role.

She now hosts her own weekday show, The Glow Up.

A mother of two, Mthethwa is passionate about representation and encouraging young women to pursue their ambitions regardless of their backgrounds.

Her love of entertainment, fashion and culture, combined with her lively presenting style, positions her as a strong contender for the Top Billing role.

Nehemiah Tjatji: A presenter with television experience

Nehemiah Tjatji brings experience across presenting, creative production, directing and entrepreneurship.

His interest in the performing arts began early and has developed into a career spanning community radio, acting and television production.

Among his presenting credits is SABC1’s reality competition Verified.

Tjatji’s background gives him experience both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

With his versatility, charisma and interest in people’s stories, he hopes to make an impression in the next stage of the competition.

Ross Marshall: From football to television presenting

Former semi-professional footballer Ross Marshall has reinvented his career through presenting, acting, modelling and creative direction.

His experience also includes working as a corporate master of ceremonies, podcast host and youth mentor.

Marshall is the founder of FortifiedZa and is passionate about helping young people develop confidence and pursue opportunities.

His transition from sport into entertainment reflects his willingness to embrace new challenges.

He brings creativity, warmth and a focus on human connection to the competition.

Who will become the next Top Billing presenter?

With five finalists remaining, the Top Billing Presenter Search 2026 is entering its next stage.

Each contender brings a different combination of experience, personality and perspective.

From established broadcasters and entrepreneurs to sports personalities and digital creators, the finalists reflect the range of talent emerging across South Africa.

One of them could become the newest face of Top Billing as the show begins its latest chapter.

The winner has not yet been announced.

When and where to watch Top Billing in 2026

Viewers can follow Top Billing on S3, SABC1 and SABC+.

The Presenter Search offers viewers an opportunity to follow the finalists as they compete for a place on one of South Africa’s best-known lifestyle television programmes.

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