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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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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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Nomonde White-Ndlovu is a seasoned Technology executive who currently heads up Risk, Governance & Compliance for Absa’s Groups Information Technology Office.
She has also been the joint-CIO for the organisation’s Infrastructure Services and Head of Technology for Absa Regional Operations (previously known as Barclays Africa Regional Management).
She began her career in Technology at UCS Solutions and later moved on to other multinational organisations such as British American Tobacco.
As the Chairperson of Wired4Women and in partnership with ITWeb and BCX, Nomonde is able to advocate for the upliftment and recognition of women at an industry level. In this role she is able to actively pursue gender parity and equality in the workplace.
Her MBA from GIBS (Gordon Institute of Business Science), a BA Law degree from Wits University and expedient courses from institutions such as MIT, Harvard and the London School of Economics and Political Science as a foundation, Nomonde is continuously growing her skill in the Technology industry, with a strong focus on business strategy, leadership, organizational design and efficiencies.
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Mike Walsh is the CEO of Tomorrow, a global consultancy on designing companies for the 21st century. A global nomad, futurist and author of the bestselling book, The Algorithmic Leader, he advises some of the world’s biggest organizations on digital transformation and disruptive innovation in this new era of machine intelligence.
A prolific writer and commentator, Mike’s views have appeared in a wide range of international publications including Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, BusinessWeek, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. Each week he interviews provocative thinkers, innovators and troublemakers on his podcast, Between Worlds.
His latest book, The Algorithmic Leader: How to be smart when machines are smarter than you, offers a hopeful and practical guide for reinventing leadership and organizations.
Mike’s other books include Futuretainment (winner of the design award by the Art Director’s Club in New York), published by Phaidon, and The Dictionary Of Dangerous Ideas.
Mike travels over 300 days a year worldwide: researching trends, collecting case studies and presenting on the future of business and leadership.
Take a moment to sign up for Mike’s newsletter and receive a weekly thought piece on how leaders can leverage emerging technologies, new ways of working and transformative mindsets to reinvent their organizations and their role in them.
FUTURIST
Rather than focusing on the distant future, Mike takes an anthropological approach – scanning the near horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, and then translating these into pragmatic plans for digital transformation. A prolific writer and commentator, Mike’s views have appeared in a wide range of international publications including BusinessWeek, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal.
Global Nomad
Constantly traveling the world for the best ideas, Mike Walsh spends more than 300 days a year on the road interviewing innovators, entrepreneurs and corporate revolutionaries to provide his clients and audiences with a fresh and compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.
Speaker
Mike Walsh has delivered close to a thousand keynote speeches around the world to companies in almost every industry. His customized presentations leave audiences prepared and inspired to transform the way they do business.
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A critically-acclaimed urban-pop group, Gang of Instrumentals – Entertainers was founded in 2002.
Their innovative musical style is a mixture of street rap, hip hop, soul, pop, ragga, R&B and rock, with elements of house and kwaito.
They won the coveted ‘Best Urban Album’ in 2009 at the SAMAS (the South African Music Awards) due to their fusion of different sounds and they have high profile performances such as the Cape Town Jazz Festival, the Presidential Inauguration, Miss World, Africa Day, the Indian Cricket League under their belts.
The band member, Tumi ‘Lady Naturelle’ Masemola, Mandla N-Pimville Spokesman and ‘Bongo’ Riot Zungu also write, produce and act in ‘City Ses’la’ which is the second largest local show on TV (after Generations). ‘City Ses’la’ has had various seasons and they received 7 out of the 8 awards that they were nominate for at the SAM Film & Television Awards in 2009, making the show the most successful comedy show in South Africa.
Gang of Instrumentals – Entertainers awards include:
⦁ ‘Best Urban Album’ at the 2009 South African Music Awards (SAMA)
⦁ 2 SAFTA Golden Horns for ‘Best Soundtrack’ in a TV comedy – 2006 & 2007
⦁ 2 Channel O nominations for ‘Best Group’ & ‘Best Video’ in 2005
⦁ A SAMA nomination for ‘Record of the Year’ in 2008
⦁ ‘Band of the Year’ at the KORA Awards in 2008
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Dave Starke’s smooth crooner voice and gentle guitar playing style provide a classy musical backdrop to compliment the elegance and style of your event.
He can provide a selection of popular music from the 1950s to the present day including hits by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Jack Johnson, Johnny Cash, Rodriguez and many more…
Having grown up in Cape Town, Dave studied music at school and later went on to graduate with a degree in Drama and Classical studies from the University of Cape Town. He has been based in KZN since 2007 and has performed at many of the province’s favourite venues in Durban, Ballito, Zululand and The Midlands.
Dave has 20 years’ experience in live entertainment and was a contestant on the first season of The Voice South Africa. What sets Dave apart from many other musicians is his commitment to professionalism at all times – this includes punctuality, responsive communication, smart and stylish appearance, high quality equipment and a service oriented attitude.
Dave generally performs as a soloist using guitar, looping technology, trumpet and percussion to create performances that are both musically and visually impressive. Should you wish to hire a full Jazz band, this can be arranged for an additional fee.
Dave Starke believes that the way a performer looks is just as important as the way he sounds and he is able to accommodate a variety of styles requests to compliment the feel of your wedding – this can include style and colour of clothing and guitars.
In addition to corporate and wedding entertainment, Dave Starke composes music for television and film and tours extensively, having performed in Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Johannesburg and Swaziland.
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Bruce Fordyce is a well known name in Athletics after his record run in the Comrades Marathon over the years.
In 1977, when Fordyce ran his first Comrades Marathon, he placed 43rd out of 1,678 entries. He placed 14th in 1978, 3rd in 1979, 2nd in 1980, and he was the winner for an unprecedented eight consecutive years from 1981 to 1988; he won again in 1990. No other runner in the history of the Comrades has achieved this feat.
Bruce also held the record time for the “up” run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and his record of 5:24:07 for the “down” run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban) stood for 21 years from 1986 until it was broken in 2007 by Russia’s Leonid Shvetsov.
Presentations:
Bruce Fordyce delivers an insightful presentation called “In the Long Run”.
It is an inspiring 40 minute talk incorporating exciting visuals of South Africa and the World Cup. In it, Bruce invites his fellow South Africans to remember how great we were in 201 0 and encourages us to maintain that positive energy.
Bruce Fordyce will inspire your conference through his talk on how to push past barriers to achieve greatness.
It’s the most exciting challenge a runner can face: that first big marathon. With this practical guide to everything from physiology to great gear—now updated for this third edition—novices can train themselves up from scratch to their first six mile race and then on to half, full, and ultra-marathons.
Full-color diagrams, detailed text, fact-filled charts, and superb action photographs explain running science in an accessible and inspiring way.
All the crucial information is here: an analysis of how muscles work and injuries occur, advice on choosing the right running shoe, suggestions for a proper runner’s diet, plus practical training schedules and pacing tables for measuring progress.
Even an absolute beginner will be ready to take on that big run in six months!
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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.
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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