Homba Mazaleni has been named the winner of the Top Billing Presenter Search 2026, securing a place on the presenting team of one of South Africa’s best-known lifestyle television shows.
The sport scientist, biokineticist, digital content creator and sports broadcaster emerged as the winner after a nationwide competition that attracted more than 3 000 auditions and reached an audience of more than 56 million people during its first three months. The search was sponsored by Lucky Fish.
Mazaleni, who hails from the Eastern Cape, was an early audience favourite after submitting her online audition. Her warmth, confidence and natural on-camera presence helped her progress through the Top 40 and Top 10 stages to the final five.
Her background combines sport science, rehabilitation and broadcasting. She holds a degree in Human Movement Science from Nelson Mandela University and postgraduate qualifications in Sport Science and Biokinetics. She has also built a profile as a digital content creator and sports broadcaster, interviewing athletes and telling stories through sport.
Iconic TV show
A Top five finalist in Miss South Africa 2023, Mazaleni has pursued opportunities across several disciplines, bringing together her interests in sport, wellness, travel, adventure and lifestyle.
“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,” she says.
Her final presenting challenge took her into the world of motorsport, where she interviewed racing driver Chloe Stuart about ambition and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The assignment brought together her sporting interests and the people-focused storytelling that has characterised Top Billing.
According to Patience Stevens, managing director of Cardova Productions, Mazaleni stood out among more than 3,000 applicants for her ability to connect with audiences.
Warmth and curiosity
“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,” says Stevens.
The other finalists were Talitha Bothma, Karen Mthethwa, Nehemiah Tjatji and Ross Marshall. Each brought a different set of strengths to the competition, which gave aspiring presenters from across the country an opportunity to demonstrate their talent.
The search generated more than 5.4 million social media interactions and reached more than 56 million people in its first three months.
Vishen Naidoo, head of Lucky Fish, said the competition had showcased the depth of presenting talent in South Africa.
“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,” he says.
Top Billing congratulated all the finalists and thanked Lucky Fish for its support of the competition.
