These Top 10 finalists were selected from the 40 potential applicants who entered the competition and are now one step closer to a life-changing opportunity in television.
From broadcasters and actors to journalists, creatives, athletes and entrepreneurs, the finalists bring diverse experiences, personalities and perspectives – united by a passion for storytelling, connecting with people and taking their place in front of the camera.
MEET THE TOP TEN TOP BILLING PRESENTER SEARCH FINALISTS
Talitha Bothma: Human capital and brand strategist, speaker, storyteller and founder of Worth in Motion. With more than a decade of experience across technology, fashion, media and business in Africa, Talitha is passionate about people, purpose and using storytelling to help shape Africa’s future.
Nasi Hako: Multimedia journalist, content producer, voice-over artist and actress. Her career has taken her from energy and power journalism into freelance media, television and film, with credits across Showmax, Netflix and Cartoon Network. She is passionate about stories that entertain, inspire and connect with audiences.
Timothe Muteba: MC, public speaker and model with almost eight years of experience in public speaking and a genuine passion for people and storytelling. Known for his natural charisma and ability to connect with different personalities, Timothe brings warmth, curiosity and a love of new experiences to everything he does.
Ross Marshall: Actor, presenter, model, creative director and youth mentor passionate about storytelling, leadership and the performing arts. With experience across television, commercial campaigns, live productions and hosting, Ross is also the founder of Fortified ZA, a youth initiative focused on helping young people discover their identity and confidence.
Homba Mazaleni: Presenter, content creator and sports scientist with qualifications in Human Movement Science, Sport Science and Biokinetics. A former Miss South Africa 2023 Top 5 finalist, Homba has built a community of more than 200,000 followers and is passionate about sport, travel, fitness and developing a career in sports broadcasting.
Shaun Farrell: Chartered Accountant, endurance athlete and adventurer from Pretoria. A Tropika Island of Treasure contestant and 2026 Top 3 Men’s Health Cover Guy finalist, Shaun’s journey from childhood stuttering to finding his voice on camera has made presenting deeply personal to him. He is driven by curiosity, adventure and connecting with people.
Disego Mogale: A creative storyteller from Polokwane whose unconventional journey has taken her through mathematics, technology, community work, art, consulting and now presenting. Proudly Pedi and African, Disego is passionate about culture, creativity and discovering the stories and experiences that connect people.
Karen Mthethwa: Radio broadcaster associated with a Gauteng-based youth station, with experience spanning radio and live presenting. Karen has developed her skills across different forms of media and is now looking to take the next step into television and build a career in presenting.
Nehemiah Tjatji: Television presenter, creative producer, director and storyteller with experience both in front of and behind the camera. His career has included acting, television, radio, live events and producing reality and entertainment television. Nehemiah brings natural curiosity, infectious energy and a genuine love for people to his work.
Candice Weber: Presenter, actress, voice artist and MC with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, both locally and internationally. Candice has a passion for lifestyle, fashion, wellness and supporting local talent. Her Top Billing Presenter Search journey also has a special connection: she entered the competition in the year Jonathan Boynton-Lee won and is making a return in this years search.
A JOURNEY THAT COULD CHANGE THEIR LIVES
For the finalists, this is about more than winning a title. Top Billing could open the door to new opportunities, invaluable industry experience and a career in television, giving them the chance to learn, grow and work alongside some of South Africa’s leading television talent and professionals.
The Top Ten will also feature in live Expresso takeovers on Tuesday, 29 September and Thursday, 1 October, before the competition reaches its next major milestone.
On Thursday, 8 October, the Top 5 will be revealed on Top Billing.
