Homba Mazaleni crowned Top Billing Presenter Search 2026 winner
Biokineticist and broadcaster Homba Mazaleni beat more than 3,000 hopefuls to become the new presenter on the long-running lifestyle show Top Billing.
Homba Mazaleni is the newest face of Top Billing. She was named winner of the 2026 Presenter Search on Thursday, 29 October, according to IOL.
The announcement was made in Johannesburg, with Zanele Potelwa serving as host for the evening. The search drew more than 3,000 auditions and was brought to viewers by Lucky Fish.
From online audition to the winner’s seat
Mazaleni works as a sport scientist and biokineticist, and also creates digital content and does sports broadcasting. She entered through the online auditions and moved on through the Top 40 and the Top 10 before reaching the final five. IOL reports that viewers warmed to her charisma and her natural ease in front of the camera.
The other finalists were:
- Talitha Bothma
- Karen Mthethwa
- Nehemiah Tjatji
- Ross Marshall
In her last presenting task, Mazaleni did a feature on motorsport and met racing driver Chloe Stuart. The piece looked at the obstacles women meet in an industry that has long been dominated by men. It drew on her love of sport and on the people-centred storytelling the show is known for.
Mazaleni said she had not taken the usual path into presenting. She described winning a spot on a show she grew up watching as
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
