Celebrating the return of SA’s iconic lifestyle series

THE room buzzed with nostalgia and excitement as I sat down with Dr. Fezile Mkhize, Jonathan Boyton-Lee, and Ryle De Morny, three of South Africa's most charismatic television personalities, ahead of the much-anticipated Top Billing reunion special.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

For those unfamiliar, Top Billing wasn't just another TV show; it was South Africa’s aspirational lifestyle bible, gracing our screens for an impressive 27 years before its final episode in 2019. Now, it’s back, and the reunion promises to be as glamorous, inspiring, and quintessentially South African as ever.

The conversation, held at Boulders Beach Hotel in Simon's Town, unfolded like a warm catch-up between old friends. The camaraderie among the hosts was infectious. They reminisced about their time on the show, shared their favourite memories, and reflected on what it means to present South Africa’s beauty to the world. Whether it was Boyton-Lee sipping his espresso or Mkhize passionately describing his love for the Western Cape, it was clear that this wasn’t just a job for them.

A legacy of excellence

For nearly three decades, Top Billing was synonymous with elegance and aspiration. It captured South Africa’s heart with its lush visuals, dream destinations, and the celebration of the finer things in life.

“Say Top Billing, and you immediately think upper echelon,” Dr Mkhize says, his eyes lighting up. “It was aspirational in every sense of the word. Growing up, you’d watch and dream of the homes, the travels, the experiences.”

Fez, as his mates call him, a medical doctor and 2024’s Mr. Supranational South Africa, embodies that aspirational spirit.

He joined the Top Billing family after winning Presenter Search on 3