Nostalgia unleashed: the return of 'Top Billing' and its cherished presenters

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.

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 represent 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; it was something more.

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,” 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 and has since become a household name.

Yet, despite his accolades, he’s grounded and effortlessly engaging. “For me,” he says, “the show isn’t just about luxury. It’s about showcasing South Africa’s beauty and inspiring people to dream big. It’s about creating magic.”

A celebration of South Africa’s natural beauty

The reunion special, in partnership with Corona’s 100 Years Under the Sun, highlights South Africa’s stunning coastline, with four of its beaches earning spots on the world’s best beaches list: Nature’s Valley, Kraal Baai, Boulders Beach and Camps Bay.

For Mkhize, this hits close to home.

“The Western Cape has my heart,” he admits. “I came here to study, became a doctor, and fell in love with the city and its people. Seeing these beaches being recognised on a global scale? It’s special.”

Boyton-Lee, another "Top Billing" alumnus, concurs about South Africa’s majestic beauty. “Nature’s Valley is my absolute favourite,” he shares. “The isolation, the rugged natural beauty, is untouched and unspoiled. It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before.”

Boyton-Lee’s passion for South Africa’s landscapes is palpable. As we chat, he reminisces about his time on the show and the unique opportunities it offered.

“When I think of 'Top Billing', I think of cultural moments. Weddings, milestones, celebrations, Top Billing was always there to capture them. It’s not just a show; it’s a part of our lives.”

Brotherhood beyond the camera

The reunion isn’t just about beaches and breathtaking views; it’s also about rekindling the bonds forged during their time on the show.

“The energy we have together is incredible,” Boyton-Lee says in conversation. “It’s less like co-workers and more like siblings. We feed off each other’s energy, it’s playful, it’s fun, and it’s genuine.”

“This feels like coming home,” he says.

Mkhize shares the same sentiment. “We’ve all gone off to do our own things. Ryle got married, I’ve been traveling the world, working with the World Health Organisation, but when we’re together, it’s like no time has passed. It’s amazing to be back with the team, creating magic once again.”

Television has changed significantly since "Top Billing" first aired in 1992. In today’s world of bite-sized TikTok content, the return of a show like "Top Billing" feels almost revolutionary.

“We’re bringing back quality entertainment,” Boyton-Lee asserts. “It’s a chance for the TikTok generation to see what real TV is all about.”

The hosts are excited to blend the classic "Top Billing" magic with a modern twist. “It’s about balancing the old-school elegance with the accessibility of today,” he explains. “We want to inspire people, not just through luxury, but through experiences that are relatable and achievable.”

The reunion special shot on November 4 at Tintswalo Atlantic Hotel wouldn’t have been complete without a toast to the late Simba Mhere, a beloved "Top Billing" presenter who tragically passed away in 2015.

“Simba was half man, half amazing,” the trio says, raising their glasses. “This reunion is for him, too.”

As the night winds down, Basetsana Kumalo, one of the original "Top Billing" presenters, perfectly sums up the sentiment.

“Through the eyes of 'Top Billing', we saw the best of South Africa: the landscapes, the people, the stories. It’s a legacy brand, and it continues to live in the hearts of this country. Thank you to SABC for bringing it back.”

As Boyton-Lee concludes our conversation, he says, “This is the golden age of entertainment, and we’re just getting started.”

• While the "Top Billing Reunion Special" aired on S3 in November, regular episodes are set to return in March 2026.