Trevor Noah Headlines SA Festival of Comedy with Bafunny Bafunny

South Africa’s most iconic comedian, Trevor Noah, is teaming up with the Bafunny Bafunny squad for the debut edition of the South African Festival of Comedy. Billed as a national tour with numerous shows in some of the country’s biggest arenas, viewers can expect a festival that positions stand-up comedy with the same energy, pride and collective spirit typically reserved for big sporting events.

While traditional sports do their job at uniting the people, there’s nothing like laughing at our daily struggles that makes us feel truly South African. Here’s everything guests need to know.

More about SA’s Festival of Comedy

At the centre of South Africa’s Festival of Comedy is Trevor Noah, stepping in as Lead Curator and Captain of the SA National Team of Comedy (or Bafunny Bafunny). He is joined by Vice Captain Eugene “Today is Tuesday” Khoza, a 15-year veteran of the local and international comedy scene, to lead the fully South African team of up-and-coming and established comics who are performing at this inaugural festival.

Since the event’s reveal in May, announcements have been made regarding additional tour dates and new talent, styling each update as it if was a Premier League-level transfer, building up to the final “squad reveal”. The tour officially kicks off in Pretoria at SunBet Arena on 5 September 2026, before heading to GrandWest in Cape Town on 26 September 2026.

South Africa’s Festival of Comedy intends to meet audiences where they are, across live spaces, digital platforms and social moments, rather than limiting the experience to just the stage.

Meet the squad

The festival is a big homecoming for Trevor Noah, South Africa’s very own comedy superstar. After years of experience as the host of The Daily Show and international stand-up shows, Noah returns to familiar territory: poking fun at Mzansi’s streets, politicians, and magical moments.

Vice-captain Eugene Khoza is another known quantity among South African comics, speaking six languages and known for his sharp cultural commentary which has seen him perform in local theaters and New York City’s legendary Comedy Cellar.

The Festival of Comedy lineup also includes Thabiso “Two Touch” Mhlongo, who won Comedy Central’s Grab The Mike and Roast Battle competitions in 2016, and has since played a huge role in establishing the viral People Need Comedy podcast and regularly performs all around Johannesburg. Lindy “Vula Vala” Johnson rose to prominence after winning Savanna’s Show Us Your Apple open mic competition and featuring in Noah’s Nationwild comedy series, quickly becoming a mainstay on the local comedy circuit.

Rounding out the team is the up-and-coming talent and 2026 Comics Choice Award Nominee, Panch “Dancing Feet” Gasela, and the breakout champion of 2025’s Jive Funny Championships, Mbali “Spy Two” Gudazi.

How to book tickets

With the South African Festival of Comedy being one of the biggest entertainment events of the year, guests can expect high-quality production, a stacked cast of characters, and the kind of jokes that make you feel like you’re part of Team South Africa.

All wheelchair seats need to be booked telephonically with Quicket staff. Please contact Quicket Support on 021 424 9308 or email [email protected].