Rory Petzer, affectionately known as the Minister of Champions, is a comedian, Comrades hero, and general all-round gees generator when it comes to South African sport. He has lived in Durban for 12 years, and by now the city has more or less adopted him. Rory built his reputation as one of South Africa's most dynamic comedic voices while working by day as an Executive Producer at East Coast Radio, and by night using his sharp, high-energy sets to unpack the beautiful chaos of everyday South African life.
In December 2025, after 20 years in radio, he left East Coast Radio to chase his dreams as a comedian and pursue his role as Minister of Champions full-time. What started three years ago as videos filmed from the driver's seat, celebrating South African wins with a comedic twist, has grown into a full-blown national movement, one where South Africans everywhere now greet each other as "Champions" - and Rory has become, somewhat accidentally, the country's unofficial Minister of Champions.
A four-time Comrades Marathon finisher and passionate fitness enthusiast, Rory often jokes that he runs ultras to "close the tabs in his head" - the same restless energy that fuels his comedy. Proudly South African, proudly Mzansi, and always looking for the next reason to celebrate.
