The Soweto Comedy Festival proudly announces its 18th Annual Comedy Festival, themed “The Heavy Hitters.”

From its humble beginnings in 2009 at Change Rooms in Pimville, Soweto, the festival has evolved into a cornerstone of South Africa’s comedy scene, showcasing the nation’s most brilliant comedic talents.

This milestone celebration marks a historic return to the iconic Soweto Theatre in Jabulani. The festival was the first-ever official comedy production to be staged within this world-class venue, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of comedy enthusiasts. Over the years, the festival has hosted legendary acts such as Trevor Noah, Kagiso Lediga, Roni Modimola, Eugene Khoza, Trevor Gumbi, and Kedibone Mulaudzi. Since its inception, the festival has traversed iconic local spaces, including Ster-Kinekor Maponya Mall, Changeroom (now Konka Pub), Disoufeng Pub in Meadowlands, and the renowned Vilakazi Street, beautifully encapsulating the vibrant spirit of Soweto’s culture.

Our 31 July and 1 August line-ups are packed with individual award winners, venue fillers, and massive headliners. Frankly, the comedians on this year’s lineup are guaranteed to be funnier than the Madlanga Commission, funnier than all the Bafana Bafana haters around the world, and significantly funnier than the current petrol price which, let’s be honest, is not funny at all. Bringing these talents together for two nights of rib-cracking jokes and tear-inducing laughter promises a historic comedy event we will talk about for decades. Missing these legendary nights is simply not an option.

Event Details:

• Dates: Friday, 31 July and Saturday 1 August, 2026
• Venue: Soweto Theatre, Jabulani (next to Jabulani Mall)
• Time: 19:30

Friday, 31 July, 2026

• Dillan Oliphant (Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedian of the Year and Solo Show of the Year. Such a show-off!)

• Jay Boogie (One of SA’s greatest comedians—yet to win an award, but we still love him)

• Modipane A-Lister (Unstoppable and highly due to win an award for his viral skits. Seriously, when are the comedy awards coming?)

• Zicco Sithole (SA Comedy Awards winner, and soon to be a multiple-award winner)

• …and other Heavy Hitter!

Saturday, 1 August, 2026

• Jason Goliath (A-list comedian and multiple-award winner, making comedians who only won one award look silly)

• Nicholas Goliath (Multiple-award winner, who also makes comedians with only one award look silly)

• PelePele Mchunu (Comics’ Choice Award winner, although his award is slightly older than Dillan’s)

• Kedibone Mulaudzi (Gold Medalist at the Delphic Comedy Championship and a Loerie Awards winner—they might be different fields, but they are still awards!)

• …and other Heavy Hitter!

Ticket Information: Tickets are priced at R200 for General and R350 for VIP, and can be purchased online and directly at the Soweto Theatre box office.

This event is proudly brought to you by Premium Comedy and the Soweto Theatre, promising an unforgettable experience that will conclude the winter comedy entertainment calendar in style. Don’t miss the laughter, camaraderie, and sheer entertainment at the 18th Annual Soweto Comedy Festival. Get your tickets now for an unmissable celebration of South Africa’s rich comedic heritage.

Thato Kobile
kobilet@sowetotheatre.com
079 356 6280
Soweto Theatre – Joburg Theatres
https://www.sowetotheatre.com/soweto-comedy-festival-the-heavy-hitters/