Sport scientist, biokineticist and digital content creator Homba Mazaleni has been announced as the winner of the Top Billing Presenter Search 2026, joining one of South Africa’s most recognised lifestyle-television brands.
The search, sponsored by Lucky Fish, attracted more than 3 000 auditions and ran for several months before Mazaleni, who hails from the Eastern Cape, was named the winner on Friday.
Growing up in Gonubie, East London and the rural town of Dutywa, Mazaleni studied Human Movement Science at Nelson Mandela University before completing postgraduate studies in Sport Science and Biokinetics. Her career in sports rehabilitation ran alongside a growing presence in digital content creation, athlete interviews and sports broadcasting.
She was also a top-five finalist in Miss South Africa 2023.
“Top Billing is such an iconic part of South African television. It was one of those shows that made you feel like you could experience the world through your screen. I didn’t take the traditional route into presenting, so to be given the opportunity to step onto a platform that I grew up watching is an incredible full-circle moment.”
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The Top Billing Presenter Search 2026 reached more than 56 million people in its first three months and generated over 5,4 million social media interactions. Mazaleni progressed through the Top 40, Top 10 and ultimately the final five, which also included Talitha Bothma, Karen Mthethwa, Nehemiah Tjatji and Ross Marshall.
During the final presenting challenge Mazaleni covered a motorsport feature, meeting racing driver Chloe Stuart in a story about ambition and breaking into a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Patience Stevens, Managing Director of Cardova Productions, said Mazaleni’s on-screen qualities set her apart from the field. “Out of more than 3 000 auditions, Homba stood out for her warmth, her curiosity and her natural ability to connect with people on screen. Her journey reflects exactly what Top Billing is about: real South African stories and the people behind them. We can’t wait for viewers to see her bring her energy and personality to the show.”
Lucky Fish Head Vishen Naidoo said the search had exceeded expectations. “It has been a privilege to be part of this world-class Presenter Search with Top Billing, and we have been inspired by the talent of the final five. Fortune favours the bold and Homba certainly creates her own luck; she is set for a successful career in television. We are all looking forward to watching her adventures on our screens.”
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S3 Head of Channel Sane Zondi said Mazaleni’s unique background made her a strong addition to the presenter team. “Homba’s distinct blend of biokinetics, sports expertise and passion for storytelling makes her a valuable addition to the Top Billing presenter ensemble. Leveraging her voice and talents, together with our partners Lucky Fish, we look forward to bringing Top Billing fans bespoke features and exclusive stories over the coming months. We are committed to nurturing her talent across the wider SABC network and ecosystem. We wish her an extraordinary and memorable journey ahead.”
Mazaleni’s interests in travel, adventure, fashion, cars and lifestyle align closely with Top Billing’s editorial focus on South African achievement, creativity and experience. Her appointment follows the show’s return to the search format, which last ran before 2026.
Top Billing airs every Thursday at 19:00 on S3, with repeats on Sundays at 13:00 on S3 and Tuesdays at 21:30 on SABC1. The show is also available on SABC+.
