Mandy Wiener is one of South Africa’s most acclaimed and influential journalists, celebrated for her fearless reporting and dedication to truth. As an investigative journalist and award-winning author, Mandy has spent years exposing societal injustices, uncovering corruption, and shedding light on some of the nation’s most pressing issues.
Known for her integrity and credibility, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her keynote addresses, inspiring audiences to challenge norms, uphold truth, and embrace transparency in both public and private sectors. Mandy’s unique blend of storytelling, ethical insights, and passion for societal change makes her a compelling keynote speaker for any event.
Mandy Wiener’s expertise stems from over two decades of groundbreaking journalism and investigative work that has made her a trusted name in South Africa. As an author and correspondent, she has covered high-profile stories, from political scandals and corporate corruption to social justice movements. Mandy’s work with premier news organizations has led her to become a leading voice in investigative journalism, a field where credibility and precision are paramount. Her books, including Killing Kebble and The Whistleblowers, are lauded for their in-depth research, factual integrity, and compelling narratives. These works not only exemplify her investigative acumen but also demonstrate her commitment to shedding light on issues that others might avoid.
Mandy’s background includes a degree in Journalism from Rhodes University, a leading institution in media studies, and extensive experience as a senior reporter with EWN (Eyewitness News), a respected news source in South Africa. Her comprehensive understanding of current affairs, combined with a rigorous commitment to accuracy, has cemented her as an authority in her field. By combining her academic foundation with years of on-the-ground reporting, Mandy possesses a depth of experience that enables her to speak authoritatively on topics of media ethics, transparency, and leadership.
With a portfolio that includes coverage of some of South Africa’s most impactful stories, Mandy Wiener has a reputation that speaks volumes about her experience and capabilities. She has been at the forefront of stories involving crime, justice, and socio-political issues, often delivering exclusive insights that shape national discourse. Mandy’s voice reaches millions of readers and listeners, and her role as a public commentator gives her unparalleled insight into the issues affecting modern society.
Mandy is also a published author of five critically acclaimed books, each contributing to her standing as an influential figure in South African journalism. Her experience as a bestselling author has expanded her platform, allowing her to share powerful lessons on ethics, resilience, and transparency with a global audience. Her experience makes her an ideal speaker for events where credibility, leadership, and accountability are focal points.
Mandy Wiener’s reputation as a journalist and author has established her as an authoritative figure in media and leadership discussions. Her investigative reporting has won numerous awards, and she has been invited to speak at prestigious conferences and universities, both in South Africa and internationally. Her authority is further underscored by her published works, which serve as seminal texts for those interested in understanding the complexities of media and justice in South Africa.
Mandy’s authority is also recognized within her profession. She has been a mentor and advisor to upcoming journalists, often advocating for freedom of the press and ethical reporting standards. Event organizers looking for a keynote speaker who brings genuine authority on topics like ethical leadership, transparency, and social accountability will find Mandy Wiener to be an ideal choice.
Mandy Wiener is a distinguished journalist, author, and public speaker who brings unrivaled expertise in ethical journalism, investigative reporting, and social justice. Her career has been defined by a commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability, which resonate powerfully in today’s complex world. Mandy’s keynotes are thought-provoking, engaging, and actionable, making her a sought-after speaker for events focused on leadership, ethics, and societal change.
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Bronwyn Nielsen is a Senior Anchor at CNBC Africa and Group Executive Director of the ABN Group (CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa). She has been part of the CNBC group since its launch in 2007.
As one of the first faces to join the channel, Bronwyn comes with over thirteen years of experience in the South African broadcasting industry, with numerous accolades to her name, including the 2006 Telkom ICT Journalist of the Year.
She is best known for her weekday evening program, Business Tonight, which wraps up the business news on a daily basis whilst speaking to some of the most influential business personalities.
Some of her highlights include hosting the live CNBC Africa Debate at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2013 and January 2014, as well as presenting Captains of Industry – a program which features weekly interviews with the top leadership of African companies.
Since her appointment of Group Executive Director of the ABN Group in 2012, Bronwyn Nielsen has set the content agenda for all of the companies within the ABN Group i.e. CNBC Africa, Forbes Africa – ABN Publishing, ABN Pictures, ABN Digital and ABN Productions.
She also works closely with senior management on all strategic growth opportunities.
Bronwyn’s Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Cape Town has given her credibility in a highly competitive arena.
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Solly Moeng is a widely experienced professional with a career that has seen him manage a variety of projects in various sectors and in countries spanning several continents. He is an established independent media professional with specialisation in Reputation Management, Stakeholder Engagement Strategies, Strategic Internal & External Communications, PR and Media Relations.
As a destination brand management expert, Solly Moeng founded and currently convenes the fast-growing Africa Brand Summit – www.africabrandsummit.co which serves as a platform to assess areas, e.g. education heath, business development, social justice, etc. in which Africa can be strengthened to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its peers in order to better support African populations.
2021 – Lectures ‘Social, Company and State Protocol’ and ‘(Online) Reputation Management’ at the EU Business School – Top Business School in Europe | EU Business School (euruni.edu).
UNITAR-INSEEC-HEIP (Hautes Etudes Internationales & Politiques) Solly Moeng gave a series of lectures to Master Students on the “History of Conflict
Resolution” with a focus on the Tools, e.g., Key UN Resolutions and Geneva Conventions, Key Players in Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention and Creating Conditions for Sustainable Peace.
Also French-speaking, Solly Moeng lived and studied in France (where he obtained a French Master’s Degree at the Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon) before working in Canada and the US as South African Tourism’s marketing manager and country manager, respectively, managing South Africa’s country image and, while in the US, rolling out SA Tourism’s growth strategy in the US and Canada.
He was Head of Corporate Communications & PR at Woolworths – South Africa’s high-end Food, Clothing, and General Merchandise retail business – leading a team with the brief to protect and enhance corporate reputation. Prior to that, he had been Marketing & Communications Manager at the National Botanical Institute (now South African National Biodiversity Institute – SANBI) and the Cape Nature Conservation Board (whose rebranding to current CapeNature was driven by Solly Moeng)
Solly Moeng also acted as Corporate Affairs Head at the Central Energy Fund (CEF). He was later appointed as a special media advisor to the CEO of the Strategic Fuels Fund, a subsidiary of the CEF. In addition, he has worked as Business Development & Marketing Manager of Mesure, a South African facilities management subsidiary of French Multinational Construction company, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Basil Read. This position also enabled him to return to France, where he was based at the company’s vast campus in St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, just outside Paris. He also travelled to Nigeria with the company’s special project negotiating team.
Solly is an experienced columnist and media commentator, judge in various industry awards. Former part-time reputation management lecturer at UCT (Film & Media Studies Department), he is yet to complete his PhD at UCT, which is currently on hold until 2022. The focus of his PhD research is on the political communication around the SA government’s defunct nuclear newbuild procurement process; the relationship between government/political communicators and the media.
He completed the IMM’s Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing and attended courses at the respected Vega School of Branding.
Solly has led strategy development processes and provided corporate communications and reputation management advice to a number of international brands in retail, oil & gas, nuclear energy, biodiversity management, transport, destination management, lifestyle, logistics, development banking, territorial and country brands, etc. He has spoken at industry conferences and seminars in South Africa, Russia, Armenia, Switzerland, Zambia, and India, where he was also invited as Co-host for the India Brand Summit in late 2016.
He is former Vice-President of the Davos, Switzerland, based World Communication Forum Association (WCFA) and is an Independent Director of the Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR), in South Africa. As a member of the Management Committee, he chaired the company’s marketing, media, and communications sub- committee.
More recently, in April 2022, he led a full day media training workshop for the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa, as well as his entire Executive Mayoral Committee members and support staff.
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Stephen Grootes stands at the forefront of South African political journalism, renowned for his ability to dissect and explain the intricacies of the nation’s political dynamics. As a seasoned broadcaster and writer, he has earned a reputation for his unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable.
His work is characterized by a relentless pursuit of clarity in a political environment often marked by complexity and opacity. Through his radio shows, television appearances, and written commentary, Grootes provides audiences with a nuanced understanding of current affairs, making him an indispensable figure in South Africa’s media landscape.
Stephen Grootes began his journalism career in the mid-1990s, a period that coincided with South Africa’s transition to democracy. This formative era instilled in him a profound appreciation for the role of the media in shaping public discourse and promoting accountability. Over the years, he has held various positions in both radio and print media, consistently demonstrating a keen ability to analyze and interpret political developments.
As the host of several prominent radio programs, including SAfm’s “Sunrise” and 702’s “The Midday Report,” Grootes has engaged with a wide array of political figures, providing listeners with in-depth interviews and thoughtful commentary. His approachable demeanor and incisive questioning have made his shows a staple for those seeking to understand the nuances of South African politics.YouTube+7Famous Birthdays+7Unique Speaker Bureau+7
In addition to his broadcasting work, Grootes is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to publications such as the Daily Maverick. His articles often delve into the underlying factors driving political events, offering readers a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond surface-level reporting. His book, “SA Politics Unspun,” serves as a testament to his ability to demystify complex political processes for a broader audience.
Grootes’ commitment to journalistic integrity and his deep understanding of South Africa’s political landscape have earned him recognition and respect among peers and audiences alike. His work continues to inform and influence public discourse, solidifying his status as a leading voice in political journalism.
Stephen Grootes is a distinguished journalist and commentator whose work has significantly contributed to the public’s understanding of South African politics. His multifaceted career encompasses radio, television, and print media, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to informing and engaging audiences. With his adept communication skills and profound insights, Grootes continues to be a vital figure in the nation’s media landscape, making him an ideal speaker for events focused on political analysis and current affairs.
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Astrid Ascar has worked in the media industry for more than twenty years. Astrid Ascar – Financial Journalist career spans over the television, radio, print and more recently, the mobile and digital mediums.
She began her career as a journalist on radio, working as a reporter and as a presenter in the current affairs, news, business and entertainment genres. She was a news reader on Highveld and SAFM for more than 10 years and she made the transition to television in 1994, as one of the 6 Chief Anchors who guided viewers through the SABC’s week-long live TV coverage of the country’s historic 1994 elections. She spent the following few years as a current affairs TV anchor and producer and she has executively produced dozens of television series for a range of various audiences.
In 1999, Astrid made the transition into management and financial journalism where she joined the BDFM Group and she has two television channel start-ups: DSTV’s Summit and The Home Channel), as well as the launch of a radio business under her belt.
Apart from BDFM and AVUSA, Astrid Ascar has worked with numerous media brands including Carte Blanche, the SABC, Naspers, Multichoice, MNET, CNBC Africa and DSTV Mobile.
She has an MBA from Henley in the UK and in 2009, she went solo as a consultant with a client base that includes listed and non-listed corporates, SME’s, agencies and tertiary education institutions.
She presents talks, facilitates workshops, and she trains consultants in a range of areas including:
Astrid’s media training clients include FNB (a range of business units), Huawei, Momentum Investments, Stanlib, Premier Foods, Pro Sano, Wits Business School, GIBB, Lonmin and Lafarge.
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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 Global Shining Light award for investigative journalism.
Richard has worked as a freelance journalist and writer since 2005. His work has been anthologized numerous times, and he frequently appears on Al Jazeera, BBC, CBC, and elsewhere as a commentator on topics that range from world events to sport: he is considered a go-to voice on the burgeoning Sino-African relationship; on South African politics; and on international cycling.
Richard Poplak is a former Rockefeller Fellow, and a recipient of the Bookmark Award for the best journalist in South Africa. He is also a contributor in the innovative global investigative journalist collective Deca Stories.
As a member in the Gupta Leaks team, Richard Poplak helped break one of the biggest stories in South African media history. The journalistic consortium won the Taco Kuiper Investigative Journalism award, Vodacom Journalist of the Year, and was cited for a Nat Nkasa Bravery in Journalism award. In 2019, the team won the prestigious 2019 Global Shining Light award, the highest honour in investigative journalism.
Before Richard Poplak became a journalist, Richard trained as a filmmaker and fine artist at Montreal’s Concordia University (1992-1995) and has produced an directed numerous music videos, television commercials, and documentary films. He is the co-director of a documentary feature film on the public relations firm Bell Pottinger, called Influence, which is premiering in competition at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.
Keynote Topic
INFLUENCE: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS PUBLIC RELATIONS COMPANY
Synopsis
The feature-length documentary film INFLUENCE charts the recent advancements in weaponized communication by investigating the rise and fall of the world’s most notorious public relations and reputation management firm: the British multinational Bell Pottinger.
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Kevin Fine has 25 year career that has spanned Executive Leadership, National Broadcasting, Brand Management, Community Development and Entrepreneurship.
He is a regular speaker on the local and international circuit as well as inside corporates, and the media industry at large. Fine shares his collaborative views through articles, speaking panels, and keynote presentations applying his experience and interests on topics including: Company Culture, the Content Economy, Thought Leadership, Sustainability, Business Growth, Audience Monetisation and Future Trends.
More recently and after 8 years leading the biggest regional radio channel in South Africa – Jacaranda FM, Fine was appointed Managing Director of a new business called “Expedite” within the Kagiso Media Radio division. The business focuses solely on accelerating businesses by innovatively leveraging media resources and inventory. He has since left and stepped in to the Entrepreneurial and speaking world full time.
Kevin Fine was a key part of Jacaranda FM’s success and leaves the station with audience numbers in South Africa’s top 10. Digital engagement and reach achieved unprecedented levels, with both jacarandafm.com and the station’s the biggest YouTube channel in the number 1 spot in the country. Internally during 2019, the station’s culture was qualified as a Gold Best Company to Work For in the Deloitte and Touche survey.
Kevin Fine major achievements were ensuring a strong CAGR, profitability, brand presence and benevolence. Under his leadership, the station also received prestigious accolades, with more than 30 awards, from listeners and industry peers, including: “Commercial Radio Station of the Year” 2015 The Roger Garlick Award, a Gold Loerie, and an International One Show Award for the “More Music You Love” Live Billboard Campaign.
Three major sustainability projects completed included Project Khanya distributing light to 25000 homes, Project Water Drop which delivered millions of liters of water to drought stricken communities before sinking boreholes and wells, and Hearts for Mandela Day ensuring heart surgery for 67 children.
Prior to Kevin Fine time at the station, Kevin was CEO at 101.9 Chai FM, brought in to remodel, reformat and relaunch the station in 2010.
Additionally, Kevin Fine also founded (and is a director of) the Little Champs Sports Academy, A sports development programme for early childhood. His passion for sport, and sports marketing also saw him manage the EA FIFA game Franchise in South Africa for 3 years and running the FIFA Interactive World Cup Event for South Africa. He also went on to head up the Football For Hope Program, Alexandra at the FIFA World Cup 2010.
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Pieter-Louis Myburgh is a multiple award-winning investigative journalist and author.
Pieter-Louis’s recent work on the Department of Health’s dodgy R150-million Digital Vibes contract booted former health minister Zweli Mkhize from his cabinet position.
In 2019, Myburgh’s acclaimed book, Gangster State (Penguin Random House), exposed former ANC Secretary General and ex Free State Premier Ace Magashule’s questionable conduct.
Among myriad issues unpacked in the book, Gangster State — in painstaking and forensic detail — revealed Magashule’s links to a controversial R255-million asbestos audit contract from the Free State’s provincial government. This led to the arrest of Magashule and other officials and businesspeople involved in the deal.
Pieter-Louis Myburgh was also part of the #GuptaLeaks team that in 2017 processed and published damning details from a huge trove of emails and documents pertaining to the shady business dealings of the Gupta family, South Africa’s most notorious state captors.
In that year, Myburgh’s first book, The Republic of Gupta (Penguin Random House), was published.
Myburgh’s first major breakthrough as an investigative journalist came in 2015, when he exposed malfeasance around a botched R3.5-billion locomotives contract at South Africa’s state-owned rail commuter entity, Prasa.
For this, Pieter-Louis Myburgh won his first of three Taco Kuiper awards, South Africa’s most prestigious accolade for investigative journalism.
Myburgh currently plies his trade for Daily Maverick’s celebrated investigations team, Scorpio.
Drawing from his work on some of the country’s biggest news developments and political scandals, Myburgh’s keynote address is an unflinching reflection on South Africa’s corruption and governance crisis.
Pieter-Louis Myburgh is also a regular guest on current affairs and news shows on some of South Africa’s major radio and television stations.
After obtaining a honours degree in journalism from Stellenbosch University in 2009, Pieter-Louis Myburgh kicked off his career as a journalist at Beeld newspaper in Johannesburg before later joining Afrikaans weekly Rapport, where in 2015 he exposed the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) infamous multi-billion rand tall trains scandal. Myburgh has also worked at NEWS24, where he formed part of the #GuptaLeaks team that helped expose South Africa’s most notorious state captors.
Myburgh joined The Daily Maverick’s investigations team, Scorpio, in early 2019.
Sifting through heaps of records, documents and exclusive source interviews, Pieter-Louis Myburgh explores Magashule’s relationship with the notorious Gupta family and other tender moguls; investigates government projects costing billions that enriched his friends and family but failed the poor; reveals how he was about to be arrested by the Scorpions before their disbandment in the late 2000s; and exposes the methods used to keep him in power in the Free State and to secure him the post of ANC secretary-general.
Most tellingly, Myburgh pieces together a pack of leaked emails and documents to reveal shocking new details on a massive Free State government contract and Magashule’s dealings with a businessman who was gunned down in Sandton in 2017.
These files seem to lay bare the methods of a man who usually operated without leaving a trace. Gangster State is an unflinching examination of the ANC’s top leadership in the post– Jacob Zuma era, one that should lead readers to a disconcerting conclusion: When it comes to the forces of capture, South Africa is still far from safe.
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Sara-Jayne King is a mixed-race South African/British journalist and radio presenter whose career has taken her across the globe in search of remarkable stories and fascinating characters.
Her career began as a junior journalist in local radio in London and since then has included roles in the Middle East and Africa, most recently as a senior editor for news channel eNCA and presenter for Primedia’s talk radio station Cape Talk.
Born Karoline King in 1980 in Johannesburg South Africa, Sara-Jayne King (as she will later be called by her adoptive parents) is the result of an affair, illegal under apartheid’s Immorality Act, between a white British woman and a black South African man.
Her story reveals the shocking lie created to cover up the forbidden relationship and the hurried overseas adoption of the illegitimate baby, born during one of history’s most inhumane and destructive regimes.
Killing Karoline follows the journey of the baby girl who is raised in a leafy, middle-class corner of the South of England by a white couple. Plagued by questions surrounding her own identity and unable to ‘fit in’ Sara-Jayne begins to turn on herself.
She eventually returns to South Africa, after 26 years, to face her demons. There she is forced to face issues of identity, race, rejection and belonging beyond that which she could ever have imagined.
She must also face her birth family, who in turn must confront what happens when the baby you kill off at a mere six weeks old returns from the dead.
Sara-Jayne King is passionate about issues relating to identity, race, adoption, mental health and addiction and addresses all of those factors in her talks.
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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 includes serving as the political correspondent of the Financial Mail, Sunday Times and Business Day.
In 1988 he was the founder and editor of the first anti-apartheid Afrikaans newspaper Vrye Weekblad which became famous for its fearless reporting and exposés of the apartheid government’s death squads.
He joined the SABC in 1994 and pioneered and presented such programmes as the Special Report on the Truth Commission and Special Assignment.
He was dismissed by the SABC in 1999 “for disrespecting SABC management”, a charge he could not deny.
Max now works as a syndicated columnist, a documentary film maker, a political analyst and popular public speaker.
He has written nine highly acclaimed books on South African history and politics. The updated and revised edition of his memoir, Pale Native – Memories of a Renegade Reporter, as well as its Afrikaans equivalent, Dwars – Mymeringe van ‘n Gebleikte Afrikaan, have just been published.
Among his other published books are Of Warriors, Lovers and Prophets, Of Tricksters, Tyrants and Turncoats, Oranje Blanje Blues, Essence of a Land, The World According to Julius Malema (with Mandy Rossouw) and Oor Krygers, Korrelkoppe en Konkelaars.
He has just been commissioned by Penguin Books (UK) to write The Rough Guide to Nelson Mandela
Max du Preez is a Fellow in Applied Leadership Values at the University of Fort Hare and an honorary research associate at the Centre for Film and Media Studies at the University of Cape Town.
Among his many awards are the Pringle Award from the South African Society of Journalists, the Louis M Lyons Award from the Nieman Fellows at Harvard University, the Excellence in Journalism Award from the Southern African Foreign Correspondents Association and an honorary degree from the University of Cape Town.
Max du Preez was the 2006 Yale Globalist International Journalist of the Year and the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Nat Nakasa Award for integrity and courage in journalism from the SA National Editors Forum.
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