Lerato Mbele is an acclaimed economic journalist, seasoned broadcaster and international event emcee known for her sharp analytical skill, warm stage presence and deep understanding of African and global markets. Her career spans more than two decades across major news platforms, beginning at the South African Broadcasting Corporation in 1999, where she anchored News at 10, Public Interest and The Ambassadors. Her ability to translate complex economic themes into clear, compelling dialogue quickly set her apart as one of South Africa’s strongest broadcast voices.
She later became a Senior Business Anchor at CNBC Africa before joining the BBC in 2012, where she hosted influential programs on economics, entrepreneurship, policy and markets. Her interviews have featured some of the most prominent figures in global leadership and finance, including Christine Lagarde, Jim Kim, Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote, John Kerry, Kofi Annan and Muhammad Yunus. She has also interviewed sitting African presidents across multiple regions, giving her rare insight into continental priorities and decision-making.
Lerato Mbele joined the BBC in 2012. Prior to that, Lerato served as a Senior Business Anchor for CNBC Africa. She hosted a variety of business programs and discussions related to the economics, business strategy, stock markets, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Lerato Mbele began her journalism career in 1999 at South Africa’s state-owned broadcaster The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
She eventually served as an anchor for the channel’s daily news show News at 10 and also fronted the weekly show, Public Interest and The Ambassadors.
Lerato Mbele has interviewed notable international figures, including Christine Lagarde, Jim Kim, Bill Gates Aliko Dangote, John Kerry, Nobel laureates Kofi Annan and Mohamed Yunus.
She has also interviewed several African presidents such as Paul Kagame, John Dramani Mahama, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, James Michel and more.
She is also a recipient of a literary award from the World Association of University of Women.
Lerato Mbele is a regular speaker and event host at international conferences that focus mainly on economics and investments in Africa.
She has hosted moderated plenaries and hosted television debates, at World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, African Development Bank, the United Nations, Nigerian Economic Summit and various international platforms.
Lerato Mbele is a Chevening Scholar who holds an MSc degree in Development Studies from The School of Oriental and African Studies, at the University of London.
She completed her undergraduate and Honours degrees from the Universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch respectively.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In this interview, Lerato Mbele provides a clear, grounded analysis of South Africa’s most urgent economic issue: job creation, particularly for young people. She opens by noting that South Africa’s population is predominantly youthful, with roughly 30 to 35 million people under the age of 40. The demand for employment opportunities is therefore immense, and overwhelmingly concentrated among people who want to participate fully in a democratic, economically fair society.
Lerato emphasises that “jobs, jobs, jobs” is a universal acknowledgement across government, labour and business. But recognising the problem is not enough: South Africa needs far stronger alignment around creating an environment that supports expansion, entrepreneurship and investment. She explains that government cannot directly create the volume of jobs required; instead, it must enable conditions for businesses to grow, invest and hire.
She outlines the barriers dampening investor appetite. A sluggish economy limits returns, making South Africa a difficult sell for investors. Frequent labour protests and industrial action create uncertainty. Credit ratings downgrades push up borrowing costs, forcing firms to retreat rather than expand. These factors collectively slow economic momentum and restrict the job market young people depend on.
Despite these constraints, Lerato notes that South African youth remain resilient and determined, as reflected across youth-focused radio stations and media platforms. She believes that even in difficult conditions, young people are actively shaping their own futures and refusing to be deterred.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
Leeanda Reddy won a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) in 2016 for Best Lead Actress in a Soap. She is a popular screen and stage actress, well known for her role as Priyanka Kumar on SABC 3’s Isidingo.Her film credits include featuring alongside Naomi Watts in Diana, a supporting role alongside Boris Kodjoe […]
With a captivating blend of elegance, grace, and charm, Ursula Chikane reigns as a prominent figure in the realm of event hosting. Renowned for her illustrious tenure as the face of SABC3’s prestigious magazine program, Top Billing, and her electrifying presence on MTN Gladiators, Ursula, fondly referred to as “Brown Sugar,” exudes charisma and sophistication. […]
With close to 30 years in keynote speaking and consulting, Grant Driver has made a significant mark on workplace culture and employee engagement. His deep understanding of organizational dynamics, coupled with extensive experience in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), has positioned him as an authority in optimizing workplace environments. His approach combines neuroscience-backed insights with practical techniques, […]
Lesang Tshoke is an intelligent and creative individual, who strives for perfection in all that he sets out to accomplish, no matter the scale of the challenge. Spending most of his childhood raised by a single mom and his elder sister, Lesang’s colourful ventures in life begin in 1998, where he discovered his love for […]
Harry Sideropoulos is an award-winning stage actor, singer, voice- over artist, speaker, business man and foodie, celebrating over 20 years on stage. He started his public career many years ago on 94, 7 Highveld Stereo’s Rude Awakening Breakfast Show and soon became an integral part of the show for 6 successful years, before resigning to […]
Andy Klee tenacity and talent has seen her go to international heights. She has entertained in the hottest nightclubs in some of the fastest growing cities in the world, alongside British and Australian bands, namely Hong Kong and Dubai. Andy has shared the stage with and opened performances for with great international bands including ‘The […]
Alfred Adriaan is a young comedian flying up the ranks in the SA comedy scene with two consecutive South African comics’ choice nominations under his belt in the best New Comedian & best Intermediate comedian categories. This is significant considering he has only been on the comedy scene for the last 3 years. This dynamic […]
Kagiso Mokgadi or KG as he is affectionately known is the son of a Sangoma and a nurse. KG takes his audiences on a unique comedy journey with a glimpse into the “behind the scenes” practices of a Sangoma and what it’s like having one that you call “dad” , a nurse for a mom […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
