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David Kau grew up in Kroonstad – a small and conservative town in the Free State. His mother was a prison warder. His grandmother wanted him to be a priest.
He doesn’t know where his father is. He was always trying to make people laugh – in between dodging tear gas and going to a local catholic school.
In standard two he wanted to be a doctor. In standard nine a civil engineer. Book through Speakers Inc
After Matric he studied at Pretoria Tech towards a career in electrical engineering, but got bored and went to UCT to be an actor instead.
He was discovered by accident while doing a corporate gig, and less than a year later took his own solo stand up show – The Rainbow Nation Tour – to the Grahamstown Arts Festival, and nicknamed himself Previous Lee Disadvantaged.
In the year 2000, he took on a second personality, that of the people’s poet, in “Introducing the People’s Poet”, which ran for two weeks at the Baxter Theatre in 2000.
David Kau was picked for the 2001 ‘Just for Laughs’ comedy fest in Montreal and made the Gala Evening “best of the fest” line-up after storming at his regular venues. Follow Speakers Inc on Twitter
Tech requirements: A good PA system with a good quality mic; good lighting and a stage (if necessary) required …
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The Jazz Company Band fronted by vocalist Andrew Massey, Jazz Company is a group of educated jazz musicians who produce a truly distinguished classic sound and style of Jazz Company
Their music ranges from ‘Brazilian Bossa Nova’ and ‘Funk’ to ‘Straightahead’ cool jazz with a strong vocal element.
The ‘loungy’ feel of the music could easily be categorized together with that of vocal legends, Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Junior.
The Jazz Company – Conference Entertainers is an ideal live musical entertainment solution for banquets, Christmas parties, year-end functions, private parties, corporate launches, weddings and the like.
An atmosphere of intimacy, class and elegance will be a definite!
The group consists of:
Andrew Massey – vocals
Andre Behnke – piano
Cesare Cassarino – bass
Wynand van der Walt – drums
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Christo Brand is a South African former prison guard who was one of several that were responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978 when he was 19 years old.
In 1982 he was transferred along with Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over the course of many years. He is the co-author of his book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend (2014). Christo retired from Robben Island on 31st July 2018 to pursue his storytelling on a full-time basis.
How was it possible for these two men from such seemingly different backgrounds to develop a relationship which was to become so much more – a lasting friendship based on a mutual trust and respect for each other?
Surely, they should have hated each other. One was a white, 18-year-old Afrikaans speaking prison guard representing the oppressive, apartheid regime of the time; the other – a black, 60-year-old Xhosa speaking terrorist serving a life sentence.
Rather than join the army for National Service as was compulsory for every South African white male, Christo Brand decided to join the prison service. After training for a year in Kroonstad, he applied for a post on Robben Island because he wanted to be close to home.
His application was successful and at the age of 19 he was sent to work on Robben Island in 1978. That was when Christo first came across Nelson Mandela who at that time was 60 years old. This was where they formed a relationship which was to become so much more. A close friendship built on trust and mutual respect for each other.
In 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison. On 13th March that year, Christo married Estelle. Soon afterwards, Christo was transferred to Pollsmoor and was responsible for guarding Mandela for the next 6 years.
Encouraged and supported by Nelson Mandela, in 2014 Christo wrote his book “Doing Life with Mandela – My Prisoner, My Friend”, with co-author Barbara Jones.
In the Foreword, Ahmed Kathrada writes: “My lasting impression of Christo Brand is that he’s a very good human being. He’s not a politician; he’s just a very caring man who took chances for other people, which could have brought him trouble.
I sincerely hope that Christo’s book will receive the respect and attention it deserves. It is a valuable addition to the writings about imprisonment in the apartheid era, and it is written by a fine man.
It is also unique in that it is the most honest account I have read by a warden relating their interaction with Nelson Mandela, and for that alone it deserves credit. I wish Christo Brand all the success in the world.”
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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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The Fanatics is an Afro Jazz / Pop duo/trio providing you with top quality popular jazz, afro jazz, afro pop and popular music.
The perfect choice for a tasteful musical backdrop for cocktails or dinner, the Fanatics are available for banquets, conferences, fundraisers, corporate functions, country clubs, private parties, wedding receptions, restaurants, hotels and other special occasions.
The Fanatics guarantee a night of great atmosphere including or excluding professional sound. Some of the artists included in The Fanatics Repertoire are: Miriam Makeba, Jill Scott, Lira, Al Green, John Legend, Brenda Fassie, Judith Sephuma,Selaelo Selota and Mimi.
Thulile Zama – Vocals
Thulile is a vocalist with years of experience at corporate events and weddings. She is the lead vocalist of the popular all-female jazz band Heels over Head with which she has done many performances all over the country. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Popular and Jazz Music – majoring Jazz Voice from the University of KwaZulu Natal.
Andile Mnikathi – Keys
Andile Mnikathi is a classically trained pianist, who was tutored by Tania Rousine and mentored by Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor, Naum Rousine, whose baton he played under for nearly a decade. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College – which is recognized as an Honours degree, and is majoring in Arranging & Composition in Jazz.
Phumlani Mtiti – Saxophone
Eastern Cape saxophonist, Phumlani Mtiti is part of the SAMA Award winning jazz band, Ological Studies. He started the saxophone at age 16, and that’s when he met Zim Ngqawana, who mentored him. He toured with him to Norway, and also went on a tour of Europe during his matric year. He is currently majoring in Jazz at the University of Kwazulu Natal.
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