Panch Gasela is a stand-up comedian and actor with 10 years of experience in comedy. He has performed on Comedy Central, Funny People South Africa, Laugh Africa Festival, and America’s Don’t Tell Comedy, and he’s a 2026 Savanna Comics Choice Breakthrough Award nominee. His acting credits include Netflix’s Justice Served and Soon Comes Night, while his new one-man show, Open Heart, draws from his personal experience with open-heart surgery. Most recently, Panch joined the National Team of Comedy lineup as part of the Savanna Serves South Africa’s Festival of Comedy, featuring Trevor Noah as captain and lead curator.

We had the pleasure of asking him a few questions about comedy, his journey and what’s next.

1. National Team of Comedy brings together some of Mzansi’s biggest comedic voices. What do you think makes this particular squad special?

I think this is the best comedy lineup I’ve seen in a long time. Not only is everyone funny, but they have different perspectives on life that leave the audience not only laughing but also learning.

2. You’ve been doing comedy for 10 years. Looking back, what do you think has changed most about you as a comedian?

I  think the changes in my comedy are fully inspired by the changes in my life. The last two years after my open-heart surgery have made me far more reflective in life, and that’s made my comedy more relatable and moving for the audience.

3. Savanna has been closely associated with South African comedy for decades. What do you think makes the relationship between comedy and Savanna work so naturally?

Savanna wants to bring joy to people, and there’s nothing better than laughter for doing that.

4. Every squad has someone who takes the banter a little too far. Who on the National Team of Comedy is guilty of that?

Me, I always want to find another punchline, even when there are no punchlines left. Maybe that’s why my name is Panchnai.

5. What should people expect to take home from the final leg of South Africa’s Festival of Comedy… besides the bill?

They’ll leave the show having seen comedians who will quickly become their new favourites.

From the stage to the screen and now the Bafunny Bafunny squad, Panch Gasela continues to make his mark on South African comedy. With a Savanna Comics Choice Breakthrough Award nomination under his belt, we’re excited to see what comes next.