South Africans voiced their discontent when Top Billing featured actress Simz Ngema alongside her partner Tino Chinyani on the latest episode.
The award-winning show made headlines upon its return to SABC3 after a six-year absence.
Previously, fans had commended TikToker Sinemivuyo Mpulu for successfully landing a presenting role on the show.
Social media user @PalesaMogorosi noted on her X account on Thursday, 30 April 2026, that Tino and Simz Ngema did not fit the show’s profile.
“Top Billing used to be for a certain calibre of people and not just anyone, yoh,” said Mogorosi.
This feedback followed a clip shared on the show’s X account that introduced Chinyani and Ngema as guests on its Thursday, 30 April 2026, episode.
X users voice their thoughts on Tino and Simz’s appearance
@melelo_x remarked:
“They are just pushing views. This is new management, and it’s not gonna last.”
@PalesaMogorosi_ responded:
“Very underwhelming with this lower tax bracket, yoh.”
@ati_enkosi stated:
“I think social media has made celebrities more accessible. So Top Billing would need another angle.”
@EleganceGB commented:
“I think we have gained so much proximity to ‘celebs’ that we view them as ‘anyone’. ‘Ordinary’ celebs were regular features on TB. Londie London and Lunathi Mampofu were once featured. Furthermore, a couple that’s raising their kids together is worth the time in SA.”
@OM_Basquiat expressed:
“Now! Top Billing wasn’t playing! When they say rich, you never met them or seen them!”
@MadibanaMatome quipped:
“They went around the streets and collected anything they found, and then the camera started rolling. I mean, what is this all about now, because this show used to be about class and a different side of life, not this one.”
@PalesaMogorosi_ replied:
“So everyone was a tsotsi? (thief), Literally every single person throughout all of those years?”
@SaniExplore asked:
“What do you guys want, mara?(though). Hey?”
@kingbee2312 replied:
“Yes, that could be so, things change, this is more relatable and caters to more of us, who are also just ‘anyone’s.”
@LMkumla reacted:
“Trust them to showcase a house on sale… as a lived-in home by a ‘rags to riches’ story!”
