Political Commentators

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.

Pieter-Louis Myburgh | Current Affairs Speaker

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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  • Current Affairs

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 | Current Affairs

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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  • Current Affairs

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

Solly Moeng | Political Commentator

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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  • Political Commentator
Justice Malala an award-winning journalist, political commentator, and keynote speaker offering sharp insights into South African politics, leadership, and democracy.
  • Political Commentator
Conrad Koch is a leading international ventriloquist and corporate anthropologist who uses comedy, puppetry and cultural insight to spark brave conversations, shift mindsets and energize organizational culture.
  • Political Comedian

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 arts training and socio-political insight, Zapiro captures the complexities of power, justice, and accountability in single frames that are both humorous and hard-hitting.

Renowned for his sharp wit and unyielding honesty, Zapiro’s work resonates with audiences far beyond South Africa, bringing global recognition to his craft. As a keynote speaker, Zapiro takes audiences behind the scenes of his creative process, using his art to provoke thought, inspire change, and encourage critical thinking on issues that affect us all. His unique perspective, delivered with a touch of humor and profound insight, makes him an unforgettable addition to any event.

Zapiro | Political Cartoonist

Jonathan Shapiro, better known by his pen name, Zapiro, is a household name in South Africa and a globally recognized political commentator. With over three decades of experience, Zapiro has been at the forefront of political satire, expertly blending humor with hard-hitting insights to critique power structures, promote democracy, and spotlight social justice issues. A graduate of Fine Arts from the University of Cape Town and a Fulbright Scholar, he deepened his craft at New York’s School of Visual Arts, where he trained under celebrated cartoonist Art Spiegelman. His rigorous academic foundation in art, combined with a dedicated commitment to truth-telling through satire, positions him as a leading authority on political discourse and visual storytelling.

Zapiro’s work resonates due to its accuracy, depth, and ability to distill complex issues into single frames. His background in socio-political analysis, coupled with his unique satirical voice, has made his cartoons staple commentary in publications like Mail & Guardian, The Sunday Times, and The Times. Through this medium, he has adeptly commented on major events, from the end of apartheid to the ongoing challenges facing South Africa, showing both his expertise and unwavering dedication to justice and free speech. For any audience keen on gaining insights into political landscapes, Zapiro’s presentations bring a wealth of knowledge combined with an unforgettable wit and wisdom.

Zapiro’s career has evolved in tandem with South Africa’s dynamic political history. Since 1994, his sharp eye has captured critical moments in the nation’s democratic journey, including pivotal events such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, leadership changes, and policy debates. His cartoons are an archive of South Africa’s political climate and serve as essential reflections for understanding societal shifts.

His influence is underscored by numerous accolades, including the International Publishers Association’s Freedom to Publish Award and multiple wins for the Standard Bank Sikuvile Journalism Awards for Editorial Cartoons. These honors are testament not only to his skill but also to his dedication to challenging political and societal norms, proving his relevance in today’s discourse. Zapiro’s experience as a keynote speaker extends beyond South African borders, as he shares his perspective and process at conferences, universities, and public forums globally. Event attendees gain access to not only his illustrations but also his in-depth analyses of South Africa’s past, present, and potential future.

Zapiro’s authority as a speaker lies in his rare ability to critique power through satire without compromising on truth or integrity. His fearless commentary on political, economic, and social issues has often sparked debate, even leading to legal battles and censorship attempts, yet his work has remained steadfast, respected, and widely acclaimed. Zapiro’s keen insight into South Africa’s political climate, as well as his profound understanding of international affairs, has earned him respect as a thought leader.

His presence in major publications, including The Daily Maverick and Mail & Guardian, reinforces his reputation as one of South Africa’s top political minds. As a keynote speaker, Zapiro’s content is not only timely and impactful but also serves as a wake-up call to audiences about the importance of free expression and the role of media in safeguarding democracy. His mastery of satire, combined with a fearless approach to addressing the most contentious issues of our time, make him an unparalleled authority in political commentary.

Summary and Conclusion
Zapiro’s extraordinary career as a political cartoonist and commentator positions him as an essential voice in any discussion on social justice, democracy, and freedom of speech. Through his fearless satire and unwavering commitment to truth, he has built a legacy that resonates with audiences worldwide. As a keynote speaker, he brings a wealth of expertise, authority, and authenticity, making him a transformative presence at any event. With each presentation, Zapiro inspires audiences to engage critically with the world, providing insights that are both educational and motivational.

Booking Zapiro through Speakers Inc ensures that event planners can access his unique perspective seamlessly and professionally. As a trusted bureau, Speakers Inc specializes in curating impactful speakers and creating unforgettable experiences. With Zapiro on stage, audiences are guaranteed a memorable and enlightening experience that resonates long after the event.

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  • Political Cartoonist

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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Max du Preez | Political Commentator

  • Political Commentator
Global emcee and keynote speaker Laura Schwartz brings White House level event mastery, media insight and high energy storytelling to inspire audiences and elevate conferences worldwide.
  • Current Affairs
Constitutional law expert and governance strategist Prof Richard Calland empowers leaders and institutions with deep insights on transparency, accountability, sustainable development, and democratic resilience.
  • Ethical Politics

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 career as an entrepreneur instead.

Over the ensuing decades he built a business empire that included companies in the cosmetics, construction, real estate, retail, energy and financial services fields. His success earned him an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the Central University of Technology in 2013.

During this time, Mashaba also chaired the Free Market Foundation – a public benefit organisation founded on classical liberal principles with the aim to promote and foster an open, democratic society based on the rule of law, personal liberty, and economic freedom.

In 2015, Mashaba decided that he was no longer satisfied with being an armchair critic and entered politics as Mayoral Candidate for the City of Johannesburg for the DA, South Africa’s largest opposition party.

In the historic election of 2016, Mashaba was elected as the Executive Mayor of a 7-party multi-party coalition government with a mandate for change.

Herman Mashaba | Political Leader

Herman Mashaba stepped-back from corporate life in order to focus fulltime on leading the City government. He has received acclaim for his hands-on approach to service delivery, innovative partnerships with the private sector, and zero-tolerance for corruption and maladministration.

Herman Mashaba corporate approach to municipal governance introduced a new era in the City as Mashaba worked to turn the corner on the decay and deterioration that had become associated with Johannesburg. In doing so he won the hearts and minds of the City’s residents, who recognised his desire to serve the residents of the City and to get Joburg working.

On the 21st of October 2019, Mashaba announced his resignation from the Democratic Alliance, and consequently as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, effective 27 November 2019.

Shortly after his resignation Herman Mashaba launched The People’s Dialogue on the 6th of December 2019, a platform to engage ordinary South Africans about the solutions required to fix South Africa and build a shared future for all its people.

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  • Political Leader

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 advised companies and governments across Africa on strategy and change management – as well as public service, where he was head of research and speechwriting for the Minister of Home Affairs and Finance. 

In four years in government, Mandla wrote speeches for Parliament, investors, foreign diplomats and communities, among other stakeholders.

Mandla Isaacs

He also wrote two budget speeches – the October 2017 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement Speech, and the February 2018 Budget Speech – which are two of the most closely followed communications on the national calendar. 

He regularly provides analysis on South Africa-focused political economy, international relations and development issues in online columns, on radio and TV. 

He is a former champion debater and coach in British Parliamentary-style university debating.

Mandla Isaacs – Political Economist was educated in the United States (BA Political Science, Howard University) and South Africa (MA International Relations).

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  • Political Economist
Award-winning financial journalist and storyteller making complex economics engaging, insightful, and accessible for every audience.
  • Current Affairs
Ambassador Tony Leon an award-winning author, orator, and former South African opposition leader who delivers globally informed insights on democracy, leadership, and political transformation.
  • Current Affairs

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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MANDY WIENER

  • Political Journalist

Aubrey Matshiqi is a Financial Mail rated political analyst. He was a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Policy studies (CPS) in Johannesburg until March 2011, and was a research fellow at the Helen Suzman Foundation until December 2016.

In 2010, he was invited to take up a research fellowship at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies (Stias). At CPS he specialised in South African Politics with a special focus on the ANC and the Alliance, the re-alignment of opposition politics, electoral system reform and the state of democracy in South Africa.

At Stias he did research on historical memory and politics in post-apartheid South Africa. In May 2014, Aubrey Matshiqi was invited to speak at a symposium held in honour of Nelson Mandela at the Uppsala university in Sweden, and in October 2016 he was invited to speak in London at an investment conference on South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria.

Aubrey Matshiqi is a former Mathematics, Science and English teacher, strategist at the Premier’s Office in Gauteng, as well as, spokesperson for the MEC for education in Gauteng. He holds a degree in History and English Literature. He is also a former member of the United Democratic Front, African National Congress, Umkhonto we Sizwe (the military wing of the ANC) and the South African Communist Party.

He writes a monthly column for Engineering News and polity.org. He also writes regularly for other publications in and outside South Africa.

Aubrey Matshiqi | Political Speaker

He has written book chapters, policy briefs and research papers on the following topics:

  • The one party state in Africa and lessons for South Africa.
  • The re-alignment of opposition politics in South Africa.
  • The implications of the Jacob Zuma corruption trial for the South African criminal justice system.
  • The performance of the public service.
  • Development at local level.
  • South Africa’s foreign policy and the United Nations Security Council.
  • BRICS.

Aubrey Matshiqi has also given lectures at the National Defence College on South Africa, the UN Security Council and the International Balance of Forces. He has also guest-lectured to the MBA class at the Gordon Institute for Business Science (GIBS) on The Political Environment of Business.

Aubrey Matshiqi serves as a political analyst are used by academic institutions, research institutions, foreign embassies, ratings agencies, political parties and private companies.

Aubrey Matshiqi is currently writing two books one on the ANC and the state of the nation, and a second on his spiritual journey and becoming a sangoma/healer.  In November 2012 Matshiqi’s e-book, The Zuma Moment and the Road to Mangaung, was published and is available on amazon.com and on Kindle books.

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  • Political Speaker

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 the Audit and Risk Committee.

Mzukisi has completed Board Leadership Development Programme with the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa, where he completed the following programmes: Becoming a Director Parts 1 to 5: governance; ethics, strategy, integrated reporting, governance of ethics, and financial insights, among others. He is a member of the Institute of Directors (M.Inst.D).

Mzukisi has fulfilled leadership roles that span government, policy think tanks, and academia. In his former role as Chief Director responsible for trade policy at the Department of Trade and Industry, he drafted South Africa’s current trade policy.

In his strategic advisory roles, he has helped organisations develop strategies to respond to political risks, public policy issues, and frame effective stakeholder engagement approaches across financial services sector, telecommunications, and mining.

Dr Mzukisi Qobo | Current Affairs

Dr Mzukisi Qobo was project leader on a programme aimed at helping the South African government undertake risk assessment related to money laundering and corrupt practices, as well as to fulfill its commitments to the G20 High Level Principles on Transparency in Beneficial Ownership.

The work entailed identifying critical risk factors, strengthening anti-money laundering legislation, and curbing the use of corporate vehicles and trusts as conduits for illicit financial flows.

Mzukisi also co-teaches an MBA elective on emerging markets at the Wits Business School, where he covers the structure of the international political economy, economic globalisation and the 4th industrial age, political risk and institutional voids in emerging markets, and culture and institutions in cross-border business.

Dr Mzukisi Qobo is also a founding director at Afgrain Food Group, a company dedicated to supporting emerging and cooperative farmers in rural communities, with a view to helping the to integrate into the food value chain. He is a regular columnist with the Daily Maverick.

He has in the past been a columnist for the Business Day and Sowetan newspapers. Mzukisi obtained his PhD from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom; MA from the University of Stellenbosch; and BA from the University of Cape Town.

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  • Current Affairs

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.

Richard Poplak | Current Affairs

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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  • Current Affairs
Political economist and keynote speaker Daniel Silke delivers clear, data-driven analysis of global, African, and South African political and economic trends to help organizations navigate risk, volatility, and future opportunity.
  • Political Economist

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