Radio host and TV presenter Penny Lebyane did not think twice before taking up the offer to be part of Showmax Roast Of Minnie Dlamini alongside Robert Marawa, Shaman Rasmkisoon, Da Les, Siv Ngesi, Lasizwe Dambuza, Trevor Gumbi and Celeste Ntuli.

LAUGH IF OFF

This year, the highly vocal radio personality wants to show a different dimension of her life instead of the activist, who stands up for women's rights and speaks up on political matters. Penny wants to show her fun and lighter side. "I have been doing this for more than two decades and I want to show the side of me that is fun, playful and funny. Having been in the game for as long as I have, you need to take a moment to look back and laugh at things," she tells ZiMoja. "Plus, I really like Minnie and thought it would be great to be part of her roast, something fun and not as malicious as some people think it may be."

USED TO BULLIES

Penny says she is an easy target on social media for people who are always quick to criticise her. "But I know it's the price of fame, so I am not fazed by the negativity at all." On the roast, she knows what the other panelists will roast her about. "My swimsuits which cause a stir on social media are going to come up. My ex-lover - but which one?" she jokes. "I know they will come for me about the meme of me crying in the car. There is not that much but enough." Penny says she also has a few jabs for Minnie up her sleeve. "First, she never invited me to her wedding. But I have a punchline that I am saving and don't want to reveal."

A THICK SKIN

Penny says a roast is meant to be fun, but she knows maybe someone might hit a nerve. "I have got nothing to hide. I am on X (formerly Twitter) and people there say the nastiest and most hurtful things. You take it and move on. I have developed a thick skin and that has made me the way I am," she says. "I just want to explore something different. I am tired of being the problem solver and mediator. I am also fun. I am not a Twitter gogo (granny), I am the coolest girl ever."