Political

Daniel Silke is recognized as one of South Africa’s foremost political economy analysts, futurists, and compelling keynote speakers. His unique blend of economic acumen and political insight delivers presentations that are not only accessible but also deeply insightful. As the Director of Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town, Silke has garnered acclaim for his outstanding […]

Justice Malala is an award-winning journalist, political commentator and current affairs speaker, television host and newspaper columnist. He writes regular weekly columns for The Times newspaper, the Financial Mail magazine, a monthly column for DESTINY MAN magazine and regular columns for the Guardian newspaper in London. He is the resident political analyst for e.tv and […]

Tim Cohen, a seasoned business editor and journalist, has profoundly shaped South Africa’s economic reporting landscape with his incisive analysis and commitment to truth. Before joining the highly respected Daily Maverick as Business Editor, Cohen served as the editor of Business Day, one of South Africa’s premier financial newspapers. His career began on the pages […]

Conrad Koch is a double International EMMY nominated South African ventriloquist, with a master’s degree in corporate anthropology, who uses humor to inspire conversations in organizations. The CBC in Canada said “my face hurt from laughing so hard”, describing Conrad’s work as “absolutely delightful and technically brilliant”, “Koch throws away more laugh lines than many […]

Ziyanda Ngcobo is a seasoned senior politics reporter at Newzroom Afrika, where her insightful coverage and incisive commentary on political affairs have solidified her reputation as a respected broadcaster and moderator. With a career deeply rooted in journalism, Ziyanda’s journey began at VOW FM (Voice of Wits), marking the inception of what would evolve into […]

Investigative Journalists

Richard Poplak is an award-winning author, journalist, and filmmaker. He has become one of the most widely read and controversial political journalists in South Africa, editing at large for the Daily Maverick. Poplak has reported from over 25 developing countries, for the Financial Times, Atlantic Monthly, The Guardian, among others. He was recently part of a team that won the prestigious […]

Ferial Haffajee is a South African editor and journalist. She is currently editor-at-large, Huffington Post SA and also editor of the African National Centers for Investigative Reporting (ANCIR) and is a researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute. Previously, Ferial was editor-in-chief at the Mail and Guardian and City Press.  She is a regular analyst […]

Herman Mashaba grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Pretoria during the dark days of apartheid South Africa. Mashaba embraced independence early in life, having lost his father at the age of two. When his studies were interrupted by state security forces during the struggle against apartheid, Mashaba decided to pursue a […]

Mandla Isaacs is a public speaker, and facilitator. He is Managing Director of Zehuti Advisory, a communications and strategy firm.  His main areas of expertise and interest are: political economy, business strategy/trends, South African and African development, international relations, public policy/administration and politics. His career has spanned management consulting, including with McKinsey – where he […]

Dr. Roelof Botha is an acclaimed economist and sought-after keynote speaker known for his exceptional insights into global political and economic trends. With decades of experience analyzing market forces, government policies, and global financial ecosystems, Dr. Botha has established himself as a guiding voice in economics. His presentations are celebrated for their clarity, depth, and […]

Judith February is a lawyer, governance specialist and columnist. She is based at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) as a Senior Research Associate and is a Visiting Fellow at the WITS School of Governance. Prior to that she was executive director of the Human Sciences Research Council’s Democracy and Governance unit and also head […]

Max du Preez is a veteran journalist and television personality with a strong reputation for his independent thinking,  understanding of the political and social dynamics of South Africa and abilities  to communicate complex issues simply and clearly. He was born in the Free State in 1951 and educated at Stellenbosch University. His career in journalism […]

Stephen Grootes is an Award-winning journalist and political commentator, is the host of the Afternoon Drive show and former host of the Midday Report. Stephen Grootes is also a regular contributor to Daily Maverick, is very active on Twitter and has published a book, S.A. Politics Unspun which offers a roadmap to guide the reader through […]

Prof Richard Calland teaches constitutional and human rights law, and some administrative law. He specializes in the law and practice of the right to access to information and whistleblowing protection; in administrative justice; in public ethics; and in constitutional design – largely derived from his work as programme manager of the Political Information & Monitoring […]

Jonathan Shapiro, famously known as Zapiro, stands as one of South Africa’s most influential and fearless voices in political satire. For over three decades, Zapiro’s cartoons have served as a powerful commentary on the nation’s evolving social and political landscape, from the end of apartheid to today’s pressing issues. With a background that combines fine […]

Dr Mzukisi Qobo is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the NRF Research Chair on African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg. He serves on the Boards of Corruption Watch and Johannesburg Development Agency. At the Johannesburg Development Agency, he has chaired the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee (REMCO) and also sat on […]

Dr Anthony Turton has a high media profile, most notably regarding the issue of acid mine drainage (AMD) and water quality arising from waste water mismanagement. He works into the mining space where he is part of a team developing a new investment case for Brownfields site rehabilitation. He holds two Professorships: in the Centre […]

Ambassador Tony Leon is an author, speaker and consultant, and careers in both front line South African politics and international diplomacy.