Zelda la Grange’s journey from a conservative Afrikaner upbringing in apartheid South Africa to becoming the trusted personal aide of Nelson Mandela is a compelling narrative of transformation and reconciliation. Her unique experiences offer profound insights into leadership, diversity, and the power of forgiveness, making her an inspiring figure on the global speaking circuit.
Born on October 29, 1970, in Boksburg, South Africa, Zelda pursued a National Diploma in Executive Secretarial studies. She began her career in 1992 at the Department of State Expenditure. In 1994, she joined the office of President Nelson Mandela as a senior ministerial typist. Recognizing her dedication and skill, Mandela promoted her in 1997 to one of his three Private Secretaries.
Upon his retirement in 1999, he personally selected Zelda to continue as his aide, a role she fulfilled with unwavering commitment until his passing in 2013. During these years, she played a pivotal role in establishing the Nelson Mandela Foundation, serving in capacities ranging from Private Secretary to Office Manager, Spokesperson, and Aide-de-Camp.
In June 2014, Zelda published her memoir, “Good Morning, Mr. Mandela,” which became an international bestseller. The book provides an intimate account of her 19-year journey alongside one of history’s most revered leaders, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at Mandela’s daily life and the profound lessons she learned from him.
Her dedication and service have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International. In 2022, she established the Zelda la Grange Foundation, aiming to assist children in protective and foster care to realize their potential.
Event planners seeking a speaker who embodies resilience, transformation, and firsthand insights into leadership will find Zelda la Grange an exceptional choice. Her talks resonate deeply with audiences, drawing from her personal evolution and close association with Nelson Mandela. Zelda’s ability to weave personal anecdotes with universal themes of forgiveness, diversity, and inclusion makes her presentations both relatable and profound.
Her experience navigating complex political and social landscapes equips her to address topics such as ethical leadership, reconciliation, and the importance of embracing change. Her authenticity and eloquence ensure that audiences are not only engaged but also inspired to reflect and act.
In summary, Zelda la Grange’s remarkable journey from a product of apartheid-era South Africa to the trusted confidante of Nelson Mandela offers unparalleled insights into the human capacity for change and understanding.
Her experiences underscore the transformative power of forgiveness, the importance of embracing diversity, and the enduring impact of compassionate leadership. As a speaker, Zelda captivates audiences with her heartfelt narratives and profound lessons, making her an invaluable addition to any event seeking to inspire and educate.
Hashtags: #ZeldaLaGrange #NelsonMandela #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Transformation #Forgiveness #Inspiration #Speaker #Author #GoodMorningMrMandela
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Zipho Sikhakhane is a globally recognized business strategist, keynote speaker, and thought leader whose transformative insights have inspired audiences across six continents. As the first black South African woman to earn an MBA from Stanford University, she brings a unique blend of academic excellence, corporate experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to her engagements. Raised in a township in KwaZulu-Natal, Zipho’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and visionary leadership.
Her keynotes delve into themes of authentic leadership, organizational transformation, and Africa’s economic potential. Drawing from her roles at global firms like McKinsey & Company and Inditex (ZARA), as well as her leadership at EMZ Advisory, Zipho offers actionable strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her storytelling captivates, her insights challenge the status quo, and her presence energizes any event.
Zipho Sikhakhane’s professional trajectory is marked by a series of pioneering achievements and impactful roles. After completing her MBA at Stanford University on a full scholarship, she embarked on a career that spanned continents and industries. At McKinsey & Company, she contributed to strategic initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, including establishing the firm’s presence in Nigeria. Her tenure at Inditex (ZARA) as International Project Director saw her managing projects across five continents, enhancing operational efficiencies and customer experiences.
In 2015, Zipho founded EMZ Advisory, a management consulting firm dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness and productivity. Under her leadership, EMZ Advisory has delivered customized solutions in leadership development, change management, and strategic execution to clients across Africa. Her commitment to fostering inclusive growth is evident in her investments in early-stage ventures throughout East, West, and Southern Africa.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Zipho is a published author and former weekly business columnist for South Africa’s Sunday Times. Her thought leadership extends to board roles, including positions at Allan Gray Group and E Squared Investments, where she influences decisions on asset management and impact investing. Her TEDx talk, “The Poetry of My Africa,” delivered in the USA, reflects her passion for redefining Africa’s narrative and potential.
Zipho’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science with first-class honors from the University of Cape Town and has completed leadership programs in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Russia, and South Africa. Her educational background equips her with a global perspective and a deep understanding of diverse business environments.
Her accolades include the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from the UNESCO Center for Global Education and recognition by the Independent Pan-African Youth Parliament. These honors underscore her influence as a leader committed to driving positive change and empowering the next generation.
Zipho Sikhakhane embodies the qualities of a transformative leader: resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to empowering others. Her journey from a township in South Africa to global stages exemplifies the power of vision and determination. As a speaker, she offers more than insights; she provides a roadmap for individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change. Booking Zipho ensures an event marked by inspiration, engagement, and lasting impact.
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Zolani Mahola is a South African Storyteller – she is a singer, an actress, an Inspiration Speaker and an agent for social change. Zolani Mahola aka The One Who Sings
Born in Port Elizabeth in 1981, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town where she met musicians with whom she would later form pan-African multi-cultural multi-genre band Freshly Ground in 2002.
17 years and 7 albums later Freshly Ground has gone on to become a household name in South Africa and is one of Africa’s most acclaimed and successful bands. They have captured the heart of the continent and have also claimed global recognition.
One highlight of their near two decade career was a collaboration with pop superstar Shakira with whom they recorded the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010 and performed it at the opening and closing ceremony for a global audience of over a billion people. The band has to date opened stages for and collaborated with such artists as Stevie Wonder, BB King, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Robbie Williams, Oliver Mtukudzi, Vusi Mahlasela and Busi Mhlongo to name but a few.
Zolani Mahola is well loved and respected by South Africans for unifying the country through music and bridging social, racial and cultural divides. As an artist, she explores themes of identity and belonging and she shares a message of individual agency and responsibility.
She firmly believes that though we are all connected and have much in common, “our individual stories are unique; we must be curious about them, to find the reason we were put on this planet and to realise our full expression.”
She has been a judge on the acapella show The Sing-Off (2009) and guest judge on Idols (2010) and The Voice (2016), encouraging uniqueness and a good work ethic in the contestants. She sang the lead in a new South African musical “Calling Me Home” (2017) at Joburg Theatre.
Recently collaborated with Zip Zap Circus School, for whom Zolani Mahola is an ambassador and board member, and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra at Joburg Theatre in the boundary breaking production“ Journey Beyond” (2019).
Zolani is passionate about sharing her experience for the good of her community and has expanded her portfolio to include what she terms Inspiration Talks. In these talks she shares intimately about her life story, challenges and wins … encouraging others to investigate their own stories and to share them too. She believes that this sharing and listening leads to empathy and will lead to healing pain caused by division in our societies globally.
Zolani Mahola is currently recording her debut solo material with Grammy nominated producer JB Arthur who, together with acclaimed bass player Victor Sibusiso Masondo produced Freshly Ground’s biggest selling album to date.
She will release the material in the latter part of 2019. The artist is also currently developing a theatrical production called “The One Who Sings” which will see its debut release staged at the Baxter theatre in Cape Town in November 2019. 2020 will find Zolani staging the production all over the country as well as globally.
The next phase of Zolani Mahola’s career will see her staging her musical productions in concert halls, auditoriums, concert spaces and theatres the world over as the world joyfully discovers The Next Chapter of this global icon.
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Briony Liber is a South African executive and career coach with an inspirational and deeply human-centered message: individuals can become their own most important project. With a base in Houghton, Gauteng, she delivers powerful insights and practical frameworks that enable mid- and senior-level STEM professionals to cultivate authentic self‑leadership and career prominence. Her core message centers on empowering clients to reclaim their vision, grow beyond burnout, and harness the power of consciousness, courage, and creativity for purposeful impact.
With over two decades of experience in mining and natural resource sectors and more than 5,000 hours of coaching under her belt, Briony embodies both technical expertise and empathetic leadership. Her coaching philosophy, the “6 C’s”: Consciousness, Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage, and Connection which guides professionals toward building careers that reflect their values, purpose, and strengths. Whether on stage, in workshops, or through media platforms, her voice resonates with transformation, clarity, and bold authenticity.
Briony is the founder and Director of The Briony Liber Coaching Group (Pty) Ltd, a 100% female‑owned coaching firm established in 2017 in Johannesburg. Before transitioning into coaching, she held a leadership role in mining consultancy, partnering in an international resource firm and directing teams of scientists, a two‑decade trajectory that shaped her deep insight into STEM career dynamics.
As a certified Master Coach Practitioner through COMENSA, Briony Liber has coached more than 5,000 hours and supports individuals, teams, and organizations across Africa and Europe. Her specialized focus includes executive coaching, group mentoring, and career growth within technical industries such as mining, engineering, and construction. She supports professionals facing pivotal transitions: shifting from technical mastery into strategic leadership, overcoming burnout, and gaining clarity on visibility and confidence.
Briony Liber stands out as a speaker who brings strategic insight, empathy, and transformational coaching experience to every engagement. With a roots in mining and science leadership, extensive coaching hours, and a clear, values‑driven framework, she equips professionals to transform their visibility, confidence, and career trajectories.
Her voice is compelling not just because she speaks well, but because she embodies the journey she advocates leading herself with consciousness, curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage, and connection. Whether through spoken engagements, workshops, podcast interviews, or retreats, Briony empowers people to step into their own professional eminence project and lead with intention, clarity, and impact.
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Dr. Sherylle Calder, renowned as “The Eye Lady,” is a distinguished sport scientist and performance coach with over 30 years of experience in visual-motor performance. Her pioneering work in visual performance skills training has revolutionized the way athletes and professionals enhance their performance across various domains. As the founder and CEO of EyeGym, an innovative online visual intelligence training program, Dr. Calder has empowered individuals to see faster, decide smarter, and act quicker.
Dr. Calder’s journey began as an international field hockey player for South Africa, where she earned 50 international caps. Her on-field experiences led her to recognize the critical role of visual skills in athletic performance, prompting her to delve into the science of visual-motor coordination. This passion culminated in a PhD in Visual Performance Skills Training, laying the foundation for her groundbreaking work.
Over the years, Dr. Calder has collaborated with elite sports teams globally, contributing to three World Cup victories in rugby and cricket. Her clientele includes the South African Springboks, the All Blacks, England Rugby, the Miami Dolphins, Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas, and golfer Ernie Els. Beyond sports, her expertise extends to corporate environments, where she enhances decision-making and performance through visual intelligence training.
Central to Dr. Calder’s methodology is the EyeGym program, designed to improve visual awareness, eye-tracking, decision-making, and reaction times. This program has been instrumental in refining athletes’ abilities to process visual information swiftly and accurately, leading to enhanced on-field performance. Her work underscores the trainability of visual skills, debunking the myth that such abilities are innate and unchangeable.
Event planners seeking a speaker who combines scientific expertise with practical applications will find Dr. Calder to be an exceptional choice. Her extensive experience with top-tier athletes and corporate leaders allows her to offer unique insights into the significance of visual skills in achieving peak
Dr. Calder’s presentations are not only informative but also transformative. Attendees gain a deeper understanding of how visual skills impact daily tasks and high-pressure situations alike. Through engaging anecdotes and evidence-based strategies, she demonstrates how training the eyes and brain can lead to better decision-making, improved concentration, and heightened situational awareness.
Moreover, her approachable demeanor and ability to tailor content to diverse audiences ensure that participants leave with actionable insights applicable to both personal and professional contexts. Whether addressing athletes aiming for excellence or professionals seeking a competitive edge, Dr. Calder’s expertise resonates universally.
Summary
Dr. Sherylle Calder stands at the forefront of visual performance training, bridging the gap between science and practical application. Her pioneering work with EyeGym has transformed the way individuals approach visual skills, emphasizing their trainability and profound impact on performance. As a speaker, she offers unparalleled expertise, engaging delivery, and actionable strategies, making her an invaluable asset to any event focused on excellence and peak performance.
Hashtags: #VisualIntelligence #PerformanceCoach #EyeGym #SherylleCalder #VisualSkills #PeakPerformance #SportsScience
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Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson is a physician leadership development and executive coach, international speaker, and podcast host who brings a fresh, deeply compassionate lens to the future of healthcare leadership. With more than two decades in medicine, she has held leadership roles in international non-profits, private practice, and the pharmaceutical industry , positioning her as a powerful voice in the global movement to rehumanise healthcare.
Holding an MBChB and MSc, Dr. Makhunga-Stevenson is the world’s first medical doctor certified in Ubuntu Coach. This groundbreaking distinction shapes her coaching and speaking with the African philosophy of shared humanity, dignity, and connectedness. Her work integrates systems thinking, executive coaching, and storytelling to address the moral injury, identity fragmentation, and disconnection experienced by many healthcare workers today.
She is known for creating transformational experiences for healthcare professionals, corporate leaders, and mission-driven organizations. Her keynotes offer not just inspiration but actionable insight. With warmth and authority, she helps audiences’ question long-held beliefs about success, hierarchy, and healing, while guiding them toward clarity, courage, and purpose-driven leadership.
Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson’s signature speaking style is both grounded and catalytic. She speaks to the soul of her audience while offering practical strategies that meet the demands of complex systems. Her ability to weave data, story, and Ubuntu wisdom makes her a sought-after speaker for events focused on leadership, wellbeing for healthcare providers and the future of healthcare.
Beyond the stage, she is a regular guest on podcasts and hosts her own series where she facilitates honest, often difficult conversations about purpose, power, and professional identity in medicine with healthcare provider guests.
At the intersection of medicine, coaching, and Ubuntu, Dr Nondumiso Makhunga-Stevenson is more than a speaker , she is a force for healing. Through her work, she challenges audiences and institutions alike to move beyond performance and perfectionism, and toward compassion and community.
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Tumi Morake has steadily grown into one of South Africa’s most sought after comedians, earning the title of South Africa’s Comic of The Year 2016. Named Free State Icon in 2011, Morake’s edgy brand of comedy has earned her a place as a headliner in comedy festivals all over South Africa.
She’s bold, she’s sassy and you simply cannot ignore her. The first woman to host Comedy Central Presents On African soil, Tumi has become relentless in her quest to maintain her footing as a comedy tour de force. Not one to be limited by borders, Tumi’s comedy has seen her wow audiences in Wimbledon, Ghana, Australia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Following the success of her debut one woman show Her story in 2011, Tumi took to Scotland in 2013 to tick off a bucket list item: A one-woman show at the famed Edinburgh Festival.
2015 saw her one man show return with Tumi Or Not Tumi, which toured in a new form in 2017 and is travelling to Australia in 2018.Beyond her comedy, Tumi has been the face of major campaigns with Vodacom and Kelloggs. As a producer, Tumi Morake work has been nominated in various categories at the South African Film and Television Awards, which she also hosted in 2013 and 2014. She also hosted the prestigious SAMA Awards in what was dubbed “the most popular SAMA broadcast”.
Tumi has also had some critical recognition thrown her way, from being named one of The Free State Province’s Icons, to the Entertainer of the Year at the 2012 Speakers of Note Awards. She is a recipient of the the Mboko Women In The Arts Award for Excellence in Comedy 2013.
Tumi’s crowning glories have been her nominations for coveted Comic of The Year at the 2013, 2014, 2015 and finally winning it in 2016 at the Comic’s Choice Awards. 2015 saw her nominated in the Glamour Woman Of The Year Awards. She was voted You Spectacular Favourite Comedian 2016.Tumi’s continental claim to fame began as the host of The Big Brother Hot Room, a comical round up of Big Brother Africa. She also spent two seasons on the judging panel of etv’s She’s The One.
Tumi Morake the star continued to rise as host of the ever trending Our Perfect Wedding for a record 3 seasons after a public demand for her return. Since 2015 she has reigned as Madame Speaker, hosting SAFTA Award-winning game show Point Of Order. She also hosts Red Cake on SABC 2 and her own late night talk show, #WTFTUMIon SABC 3.
Tumi Morake, in true multitasking woman style, has channelled her comedy into writing, acting and producing. She has begun making waves in radio as well, moving from online radio to the airwaves on breakfast radio.
Tumi Morake relocated to Johannesburg from the North West in order to follow her passion for the Arts. The multi-lingual powerhouse studied Drama at Wits from 2000 to 2003 which launched her into her first job travelling with AREPP Theatre Life, a touring educational theatre company, working across South Africa.
After paying her dues on the road, in 2005 Tumi Morake arrived back in Johannesburg with her heart set on making a name for herself in the comedy world. Breaking out in 2006 Tumi is one of the most successful female comedians and highly sort after on the commercial and corporate circuit.
She has worked with the likes of David Kau, Mark Lottering, Barry Hilton and Chris Forest on stages such as the Heavyweights Comedy Jam, Blacks Only, Have A Heart, Just Because Comedy Festival, The Tshwane Comedy Festival, The Lifestyle SA Festival and Old Mutual Comedy Encounters.
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