South African comedian Trevor Noah, who will replace Jon Stewart on The Daily Show on Comedy Central, is a gifted artist, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Monday, congratulating the comedian.

“Trevor Noah is a highly gifted young artist who epitomises artistic freedom of expression and its role in social cohesion. No doubt this is a big global development for Mr Noah’s career,” Mthethwa said in a statement.

“Above all, Noah’s achievement makes a resounding statement that South Africa has the artistic talent of international stature and calibre.
We wish to congratulate Noah on this significant achievement.”

Noah’s publicist Jill Fritzo confirmed to Sapa that he would replace Stewart, but said there would be no further statement. Earlier, Noah tweeted: “No-one can replace Jon Stewart. But together with the amazing team at The Daily Show, we will continue to make this the best damn news show!”

Mthethwa said that over the years, Noah proved that laughter was the best medicine.

“In fact, he has helped our country and its people to find healing, including through laughing at themselves,” he said.

“South Africa is a microcosm of the world and there is no doubt that a global audience will find resonance in his humour.”

On Monday, Noah retweeted articles confirming he would replace Stewart.
The Daily Show tweeted: “Very excited to welcome our next host: @Trevornoah! That’s right – another guy in late night from Soweto.”

On its website, The Daily Show announced: “Trevor Noah has been selected to become the next host of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning The Daily Show.”

“It’s an honour to follow Jon Stewart,” Noah said in a statement.

“He and the team at ‘The Daily Show’ have created an incredible show whose impact is felt all over the world,” Noah said.

Noah joined The Daily Show in 2014 as a contributor and made his United States television debut in 2012 on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. SAPA