Trevor Noah breaks the internet in South Africa after 'Daily Show' announcement

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Trevor Noah is the toast of South Africa. 

The 31-year-old standup comedian from Soweto, the black township on the outskirts of Johannesburg, has been named Jon Stewart's successor as host of "The Daily Show" on Comedy Central. 

In December, Noah became a "contributor" to the satirical news program, appearing in segments on topics including African stereotypes and Boko Haram in Nigeria.

But now he is slipping into the big seat, and South Africans are cheering him on. 

Little known fact: Noah has previous late-night experience, hosting a show called "Tonight with Trevor Noah" for two seasons on South African television.

Bigger than Mandela?

South African pride

Praise from politicos ...

The US ambassador to South Africa ...

Other comedians ...

Nelson Mandela's grandson ...

And even Mandela's former assistant

But some concerns going forward

Sign up for our daily newsletter

Sign up for The Top of the World, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.