Meet Thato Bogatsu well-known as John Jay, a comedian born and bred in Rustenburg, North West, who is officially breaking boundaries and rewriting the script. From local jokes to national stages, John Jay has been selected as one of the Top 20 comedians performing at the Savanna Newcomer Comedy Showcase 2026, one of the biggest comedy platforms in South Africa.
On 8 February 2026, John Jay will take the stage in Sandton, standing shoulder to shoulder with the country’s sharpest new comedic voices. A moment that proves talent doesn’t need a big-city postcode — it just needs consistency, courage, and belief.
“This is a dream come true, and I’m honored to represent Rustenburg and the North West on a national stage,” says John Jay. “I want to show every young comedian from a small town that your voice matters, and your story is worth telling.”
This is more than comedy. This is a message to every kid in the North West who thinks their dreams are too big for their surroundings.Where you come from does not limit where you can go. John Jay’s journey is a reminder that township stories matter, small towns produce greatness, and hard work speaks louder than excuses.
“If I can make it from Ledig to Sandton, you can make it anywhere,” John Jay says with a smile. “Believe in yourself, put in the work, and the world is yours.”
If you’re from Rustenburg, the North West, or anywhere that feels overlooked — this win is yours too. Let’s show love, let’s show support, and let’s make noise for one of our own as he represents the province on a national stage.
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