As the sun set over the Atlantic, guests raised their glasses to a new dawn for 'Top Billing', one that celebrates South Africa’s coastal beauty, craftsmanship and culture, all under the glow of the golden hour.
Image: Supplied
Under the golden hues of Cape Town's iconic sunset, I found myself at Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5-star boutique hotel hugged by the sweeping curves of Chapman’s Peak.
The November 4th night wasn’t a Met Gala, but it carried the same star-studded energy. This was the much-anticipated "Top Billing Reunion Special", a celebration of one of South Africa's most iconic lifestyle TV shows and its enduring legacy.
I spent the evening darting between familiar faces, catching presenters in their natural element. It wasn’t the Met Gala (though the elevated sunset cocktail dress code did its best), but it gave off that same vibe with people you’ve admired for years simply there, chatting, laughing, teasing each other like old friends.
And somehow, I found myself in conversation with two South African icons: Janez Vermeiren, the original smooth operator from "Top Billing", "Top Travel" and "The Cave Man", and Chad le Clos, our Olympic golden boy who has been part of the show’s most memorable segments.
It was an evening that felt like a full-circle moment not just for the presenters and stars of the show, but for every South African who grew up watching the glossy, aspirational world of "Top Billing".
If you’ve had a TV in the last two decades, you’ll recognise the magnetic smile and effortless elegance of Vermeiren.
Vermeiren has since stepped behind the camera, building a media empire with his production company, SuperKind.TV, and content creation platform, Filmer.tv.
But that night, as he leaned back, he wasn’t an entrepreneur or a mogul; he was simply Vermeiren, reflecting on the journey that brought him here.
This exclusive look into the Top Billing Reunion Special reveals insights from iconic presenters Janez Vermeiren and Chad le Clos, showcasing a celebration of nostalgia, legacy, and the vibrant culture of South Africa.
Image: Instagram
“When I think about Top Billing, I think about its legacy,” he said, his voice warm with nostalgia. “It was the most well-produced show on South African television.”
“The show was always top tier, the best homes, the best chefs, the best design. 'Top Billing' is aspirational. It has to stay Michelin-star level.”
For Vermeiren, the show wasn’t just about luxury; it was about storytelling that inspired. He fondly recalled the travel inserts, the architectural marvels, and the uplifting stories of creatives and visionaries.
“What I hope for the new season is a balance of what worked back then and some fresh, modern flavour. The world’s changed, and so has the way we tell stories. I want to see new presenters bring their own tone, their own voices, and connect with audiences authentically.”
As someone who’s spent years in front of the camera, Vermeiren shared how stepping away from the screen gave him the chance to help others shine. “I’ve worked with so many incredible talents, from Lunga Shabalala to Siv Ngesi. Watching them grow has been more fulfilling than being in front of the camera myself.”
Would he ever return to hosting?
He chuckled, “If the right opportunity came along, maybe. I love the energy of production, the people, the travel, the magic of storytelling.”
Later in the evening, I stole Le Clos for a quick chat just as the night air started to settle. South Africa knows him as an Olympic legend: four Olympic medals, 18 Commonwealth Games medals, 222+ World Cup medals, and a Guinness World Record.
But here, he was simply a boyish, excited fan of the very brand that once documented his rise.
“My mom told me to get a picture tonight,” he laughed. “She’s a huge fan of the show. I told her: Mom, relax, I’ll do it!”
Le Clos has been featured on the show through every milestone, his 2012 Olympic triumph, his 21st birthday celebration, and his new Cape Town apartment. Vermieren even raced him once… though Chad still jokes about Janez having better abs at the time.
“It’s been like 15 years of being connected to the show,” he told me. “I don’t want to say I’m part of the brand… but I kind of am.”
For him, the reboot represents more than nostalgia. It's a legacy.
“It’s premium lifestyle TV. Accessible, but aspirational. It inspired so many South Africans, myself included. 'Top Billing' has been part of my life for years.”
“What I loved about 'Top Billing' was how it made luxury and success feel accessible. It wasn’t just about showcasing beautiful homes or exotic locations; it was about showing South Africans what’s possible.”
He paused, reflecting on the return of the show. “The show is a premium brand. And I mean, even in reruns, it’s still one of the most-watched shows. That says something.”
As the night unfolded, it was clear that this wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of what "Top Billing" represents. The dress code was “elevated sunset cocktail,” and the evening lived up to the promise. Guests sipped champagne on the deck while the sun dipped into the horizon, a live saxophonist serenading the crowd.
Canapés and oysters flowed freely as presenters Jon, Fez, and Ryle shared an exclusive trailer for the relaunch.
Walking away from Tintswalo Atlantic that night, I felt a renewed appreciation for what "Top Billing" has given us: a window into a world of beauty, ambition, and possibility. And as it gears up for its grand return, one thing is clear: its legacy is in good hands.
• "Top Billing Reunion Special" airs on November 27 on S3 at 7pm.