{"id":57399,"date":"2026-04-28T04:19:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T04:19:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/?p=57399"},"modified":"2026-04-28T04:19:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T04:19:21","slug":"2026-04-28-basetsana-kumalo-on-the-full-circle-return-of-top-billing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/2026\/04\/28\/2026-04-28-basetsana-kumalo-on-the-full-circle-return-of-top-billing\/","title":{"rendered":"Basetsana Kumalo on the full-circle return of Top Billing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Media mogul and <i>Top Billing<\/i> executive producer Basetsana Kumalo says the return of the iconic lifestyle show marks a powerful moment, nearly three decades after she first appeared on the programme.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">After a six-year hiatus, <i>Top Billing<\/i><i> <\/i>is set to return to SABC3 on Thursday with a refreshed format and an expanded presenter line-up that reflects both legacy and new talent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">For Kumalo, the return is deeply personal. \u201c<i>Top Billing <\/i>is SA\u2019s longest-running and most iconic show. It was on air for 25 years, and its return after six years is due to the audience\u2019s overwhelming requests to have the show back on air,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s a brand that South Africans love, and to have it return in 2026 is a full-circle moment; one that is really humbling, heartwarming and moving.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cTo know that the country is still embracing a show that they found resonance with all those years ago is just amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/FJRRZP7V7NGKPIN2P6UHS3GCGY.jpg?auth=ebea5771a29e12152c78e6685d8d00321c24fd3df2161830f4b2235164972dc0&amp;width=274&amp;height=411&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/FJRRZP7V7NGKPIN2P6UHS3GCGY.jpg?auth=ebea5771a29e12152c78e6685d8d00321c24fd3df2161830f4b2235164972dc0&amp;width=400&amp;height=600&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/FJRRZP7V7NGKPIN2P6UHS3GCGY.jpg?auth=ebea5771a29e12152c78e6685d8d00321c24fd3df2161830f4b2235164972dc0&amp;width=768&amp;height=1152&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/FJRRZP7V7NGKPIN2P6UHS3GCGY.jpg?auth=ebea5771a29e12152c78e6685d8d00321c24fd3df2161830f4b2235164972dc0&amp;width=1024&amp;height=1536&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/FJRRZP7V7NGKPIN2P6UHS3GCGY.jpg?auth=ebea5771a29e12152c78e6685d8d00321c24fd3df2161830f4b2235164972dc0&amp;width=1440&amp;height=2160&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Basetsana-Kumalo-on-the-full-circle-return-of-Top-Billing.jpg?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Media personality Basetsana Kumalo. <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(Supplied) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">While she remains part of the show, Kumalo is intentionally stepping back to make space for a new generation. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cI am excited about the new talent on the show: Zozibini Tunzi, Arno Greeff and Bryoni Govender. They will be bringing in their own unique flavour and signature to the show,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cI will present every so often, but not every week. It\u2019s time for the young people to shine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">She described the new presenters as unique and reflective of a changing audience. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThey are fun and engaging, and represent a cross-cultural audience that appeals to a new market,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Behind the scenes, Kumalo continues to play a hands-on role in shaping this next chapter. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cI was very involved in the selection process. We were looking for authentic young people who can represent the content pillars meaningfully,\u201d she said, referencing the show\u2019s focus areas, including decor and design, travel, food, wellness, fashion and celebrity stories.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Kumalo added that <i>Top Billing<\/i> has always been more about possibility than luxury. <\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThe show is aspirational. It was created to celebrate SA and the achievements of talented South Africans while casting audiences\u2019 eyes towards wider horizons,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThe show left audiences upbeat and positive about the country and its people; it was an essential high point of the week\u2019s viewing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">Kumalo believes the show has an opportunity to evolve for a new generation of viewers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cIt can certainly become a trusted source of information, open today\u2019s viewers and digital audiences to a world of possibilities, underpinned by thorough research,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"c-media-item b-article-body__image\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"custom-image-placeholder\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/MAY5WVWRVZBYBNINGYRXGOWFRI.jpg?auth=12f26ddd7cfbf0dc81ad7d63a34cf14a1d61f0d3b361a19e8cb60efe566d7fc9&amp;width=274&amp;height=182&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 274px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/MAY5WVWRVZBYBNINGYRXGOWFRI.jpg?auth=12f26ddd7cfbf0dc81ad7d63a34cf14a1d61f0d3b361a19e8cb60efe566d7fc9&amp;width=400&amp;height=266&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 400px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/MAY5WVWRVZBYBNINGYRXGOWFRI.jpg?auth=12f26ddd7cfbf0dc81ad7d63a34cf14a1d61f0d3b361a19e8cb60efe566d7fc9&amp;width=768&amp;height=512&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 768px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/MAY5WVWRVZBYBNINGYRXGOWFRI.jpg?auth=12f26ddd7cfbf0dc81ad7d63a34cf14a1d61f0d3b361a19e8cb60efe566d7fc9&amp;width=1024&amp;height=682&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"\/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sowetan.co.za\/resizer\/v2\/MAY5WVWRVZBYBNINGYRXGOWFRI.jpg?auth=12f26ddd7cfbf0dc81ad7d63a34cf14a1d61f0d3b361a19e8cb60efe566d7fc9&amp;width=1440&amp;height=960&amp;smart=true\" media=\"(max-width: 1440px)\"\/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-chromatic=\"ignore\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1777349960_548_Basetsana-Kumalo-on-the-full-circle-return-of-Top-Billing.jpg?w=640&#038;ssl=1\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"c-media-item__fig-caption\"><span class=\"c-media-item__caption\">Top Billing will be returning to our screen on April 30. <\/span><span class=\"c-media-item__credit\">(Supplied.) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">With content now being flighted across multiple platforms, Kumalo stressed the importance of balancing local identity with global relevance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThe show aims to showcase and celebrate the best of both worlds: national pride and international relevance,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThe beauty of content today is that it lives and is consumed on multiple platforms. Everyone has a television screen in the palm of their hands and can watch anywhere at any time, so digital integration is paramount.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">At the heart of it all, she says, is a commitment to nurturing talent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cOne of the things that is important to me is to unearth and nurture new talent; that is what my partner of 32 years, Patience Stevens, and I pride ourselves on,\u201d Kumalo said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"c-paragraph\">\u201cThe jobs we have created over the years and continue to create daily bear testament to our belief in the potential of our country and its people. That is the most fulfilling part of this journey with <i>Top Billing<\/i>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- Africa tv video display -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1669381584671856\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"3579572842\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\">\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n#Basetsana #Kumalo #fullcircle #return #Top #Billing<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Media mogul and Top Billing executive producer Basetsana Kumalo says the return of the iconic lifestyle show marks a powerful&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":57400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mzansi"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57399"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57399\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57401,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57399\/revisions\/57401"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eduzim.co.zw\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}