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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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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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Caster Semenya is a winner. The 29-year-old South African is the two-time women’s 800m Olympic champion, a three-time 800m world champion and a double Commonwealth Games middle distance gold medallist. To wrap those figures in further context, when Semenya won the Doha Diamond League 800m in May 2019, it was her 30th consecutive victory over the distance.
Put simply, when fit, in-form and free to run without distraction, Semenya is almost unbeatable over the 800m. But these are not circumstances often afforded to Semenya, who lives with a condition in which her body produces a much higher level of testosterone than most other women.
In 2009, on the eve of the women’s 800m World Championship final, it was revealed that World Athletics (then the IAAF) had asked her to undergo gender verification testing. Semenya was permitted to compete in the final and won gold but was subsequently stopped from competing for nearly a year.
In 2011 the IAAF established official rules restricting female athletes with elevated levels of testosterone, arguing it presents an unfair advantage. From 2011 to 2019 Semenya was locked in a cycle of appeals and court cases until the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of IAAF regulations stating that female athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) are required to take testosterone-reducing medication to compete in track events from 400m to the mile.
Caster Semenya has appealed against this judgement to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. But in March 2020 the soft-spoken athlete revealed on social media that she now aims to compete in the 200m.
“My dream has always been, and will continue to be, to compete at the highest level of sport and so in order to pursue my goals and dreams I have decided to change events and compete in the 200m,” said Caster Semenya, whose personal best in the 200m at the time was 23.49 seconds.
Do not bet against Caster Semenya lowering that to the Olympic qualification mark of 22.80 seconds in time for Tokyo 2020. This, after all, is an athlete who won the 400m, 800m and 1500m in the space of three hours one extraordinary afternoon at the 2016 South African National Championships.
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Keith Lockwood completed a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1986, majoring in Economics and Business Information Systems.
He was awarded the B Com Honours Degree in Economics (through part-time studies) in 1989, which entailed the advanced courses in Macro- and Micro- economics, Development Economics, and the Development of Economic Thought.
His Honours Degree dissertation was titled “Investment – The Key to Development”. Keith has spent more than a decade as a senior economist at both the SA Chamber of Business and the erstwhile SA Federated Chamber of Industries.
Keith Lockwood currently a part-time lecturer in the Economics Department of Rand Afrikaans University and at the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
Since commencing work as an economic consultant Keith Lockwood has participated in research and advisory projects across a number of different sectors and policy fields, ranging from financial services, construction, infrastructure, and local economic development to skills development, regional integration, tax policy and industrial policy.
In many cases this has necessitated an integration of detailed quantitative analysis (often of data generated through surveys that were unique and integral to the studies concerned) with qualitative
perspectives arising from interactions with business people, academics and policy-makers.
Some of the more significant of these studies include: a detailed study of foreign direct investment in South Africa for the Presidency; evaluation of the pricing of, and access to, different types of consumer credit products in South Africa for the National Credit Regulator; an assessment of the impact of Gauteng’s Blue IQ initiative on the structure and performance of the Gauteng economy; the development of policy proposals.
Together with PWC – for the VAT treatment of merit goods on behalf of National Treasury; an assessment of the sensitivity of the Expanded Public Works Programme to changes in labour standards; the development of regional economic development plans for development regions within the Johannesburg Metro; and the identification of business opportunities in Africa for Blue IQ.
Keith Lockwood also authored the “Infrastructure Expenditure Tracker” for the Support Programme for Accelerated Infrastructure Development (SPAID) and recently developed a National Investment Promotion Strategy for Trade and Investment South Africa.
In 2010, was appointed to a five-person expert review panel to assess the sector skills plans of SETAs, and more recently was a member of a task team established by the Human Resources Development Council to review the skills system and make recommendations for its reform.
In response to the rapid increase in rhino poaching, Keith Lockwood developed a model of the market for rhino horn to assist in developing appropriate policy choices, and has been appointed to serve on a panel of experts to advise the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs in the lead up to the next
CITES Congress of the Parties in 2016.
In addition to his consulting work, Keith Lockwood is also an adjunct faculty member of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) – ranked in the top 40 for corporate education globally by the Financial Times and regularly makes presentations to some of South Africa’s leading corporations.
Economic and business consultancy work has included:
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BadWolf – Corporate Band is a fresh 5piece band from Johannesburg created purely to rearrange top 40 and other highly recognizable songs with a hip, groove based approach.
BadWolf takes everything from Etta James’ classic “At Last” to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and everything in between.
They hosts some of South Africa’s young stars. Hannah Foster has created a name for herself as one of the most talented vocalists, Cameron Bruce, Idols finalist in 2009 as well as guitarist for 80’s superstar, Jennifer Rush.
Together with Justin Badenhorst (Drummer for Elvis Blue) and Benjamin Jephta (renowned SA Bassist) holding down the rhythm, each song is sure to be tight and groovy.
The cherry on top is their fantastic Trumpet player, Neil Engel, who adds a touch of elegance and class of BadWolf’s sound.
All round that are a great band for any event, function or wedding with their constantly updated repertoire and having the versatility of 2 vocalists they are sure to make your event!
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Carmen Murray is the founder of Boo-Yah! a leading Modern Marketing Business that provides a number of initiatives to ensure businesses become Future Fit™.
She is a marketing activist and torchbearer for Diversity and Inclusion and was recently recognised by Meltwater as the top Women in Tech, Africa, 2019.
She received the most prestigious award, a Black Pixel, IAB Bookmarks 2019 for her best individual contribution to Digital, Africa 2019.
Murray has become a household name among business professionals and flying through the ranks as she applies robust approaches to help businesses become Future Fit™. Her strong background in Content, Digital, Mobile, Innovation and Data Analytics, allows her to identify emerging trends and conceptualise disruptive marketing strategies, deployed with precision.
The customer and their needs are always at the heart of her approach.
Carmen delivers thought-provoking keynotes to fuel creativity and inspire innovation. She has been a keynote speaker in over 40 countries and got to deliver over 250 masterclasses in 3 years to a combined audience of 11,000 business professionals.
Carmen Murray continues to be a popular panelist on both the local and international conference circuit. Murray can also be found on the Digital Airwaves with her charting Podcast in Marketing:
The Carmen Murray Show | #FutureFit Yourself. She interviews Activists, Storytellers, Celebrities, Newsmakers, and Business Experts across the globe.
She also collaborated with John Vlismas and started another podcast:
The IN with the TWO Outsiders.
Industry Contributions include MMA, IAB, DMA, MRMW, AMASA, BOGDM which includes GIBS, AAA School of Advertising, and an array of local and international business schools. She is also the exclusive representative of The Connected Marketer™ in Africa which includes courses on CX, UX, AI, Mobile to name a few. Carmen Murray also lectures at the University of Johannesburg. (UJ)
She served on the following councils:
Carmen started a quarterly Future Fit™ Networking event, powered by Boo-Yah! and joined forces with the University of Johannesburg, Department of Marketing and Management to create an annual #MarketingFit Event for Marketing Professionals of South Africa.
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Dr. Greg Venning is a distinguished chiropractor, author, and wellness advocate based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the founder of Peak Chiropractic, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals unlock their full health potential through holistic and innovative approaches. His passion for empowering others is evident in his clinical practice, writings, and dynamic presentations.
In a world where health challenges are increasingly complex, Dr. Greg Venning offers a refreshing perspective on achieving genuine well-being. His core message emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal and thrive when provided with the right conditions. Through his work, Dr. Venning inspires individuals to take proactive steps toward optimal health, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the wellness community.
Dr. Greg Venning’s journey into chiropractic care began with a profound interest in the body’s natural healing mechanisms. He earned his Master’s degree in Chiropractic and further distinguished himself as a Certified Chiropractic Wellness Professional (CCWP). His commitment to continuous learning led him to specialize in Advanced Biostructural Correction™ (ABC), a technique that addresses structural imbalances to restore the body’s optimal function.
At Peak Chiropractic, located in Claremont, Cape Town, Dr. Venning and his team have been serving the community since 2012. The clinic offers state-of-the-art digital X-ray facilities and utilizes digital posture scan technology to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs. Their approach is patient-centered, focusing on relieving pain, correcting structural issues, preventing future problems, and optimizing overall health.
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Venning is the author of “Thrive!: Only for those who want to be healthy,” a book that delves into practical strategies for achieving lasting health. His writing reflects his philosophy that true wellness encompasses more than the absence of disease; it involves a holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Dr. Greg Venning’s influence extends to the digital realm, where he engages with a broader audience through social media platforms. On Facebook, he shares insights and updates related to health and wellness, fostering a community of individuals committed to improving their well-being.
Dr. Greg Venning’s dedication to promoting holistic health and empowering individuals to thrive positions him as a leading figure in the wellness community. Through his clinical practice, authorship, and speaking engagements, he has positively impacted countless lives. Booking Dr. Venning for your event ensures that your audience will gain valuable insights into achieving optimal health and unlocking their full potential.
Hashtags
#DrGregVenning #ChiropracticCare #HolisticHealth #WellnessAdvocate #PeakChiropractic #ThriveBook
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Michael Scholz is an accomplished speaker and has MC’d hundreds of events over the past few years.
He has also assisted a number of auction memorabilia companies with incorporating and auctioning auction items at golf days and fundraising events.
Michael Scholz is a professional golfer and current member of the Sunshine Tour.
In the past, he has competed extensively on a number of the major professional golfing circuits around the world, namely the European Tour, the Asian Tour, the European Challenge Tour and of course, on the South African Sunshine Tour.
Master of Ceremonies
Michael is an accomplished speaker and has MC’d hundreds of events over the past few years.
He has also assisted a number of auction memorabilia companies with incorporating and auctioning auction items at golf days and fundraising events.
He can adapt the genre of the event’s requirements from comedy functions through to formal and gala evenings.
The Show
Typically the trick shot show is around 40 minutes, but can be adapted to be longer or shorter. No less than 30 minutes is required for the full entertainment value to be achieved.
Michael’s trick shot show incorporates various trick shots, including hitting golf balls:
Off a skateboard
Backwards
Left-Handed & Right-Handed
One-Handed
Off One Knee
Off Both Knees
With the back of a Club
Off one Leg
Off a Beer Bottle
Off a cellphone
High Tees
Michael’s show also features various impersonations of some of the world’s legendary golfers, many of whom he has played and socialised with.
The impersonations include Gary Player, Ian Woosnam, David Feherty, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, John Daly, Phil Mickelson and a few others.
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Durban-born singer/ songwriter Natalie Rungan is a popular performer in Jazz and Gospel circles, who graduated from the University of Natal with a Masters in Music. She taught jazz vocals at the University of Natal for seven years in the jazz studies programme.
Her smooth vocal styling honed by hours of tireless practice and superior knowledge of jazz saw her travel from Harare, Zimbabwe to Boston, New York, Germany, Scotland and Sweden as a student. Natalie recorded her second album “This is me” with South African Victor Masondo, featuring world-renowned saxophonist Gerald Albright and Kwaito star, Mandoza.
Natalie is invited to perform at numerous local and national events, festivals and corporates. She has a very special way with audiences that always leaves them astounded.
This was noted at the reception dinner for Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene, as well as her visit to Sydney, Australia, where she performed for a black tie charity ball, wowing audiences and winning new fans.
One of the greatest highlights was Natalie Rungan being invited to sing at the official memorial service for our nations father, Nelson Mandela in Soweto, alongside PJ Powers, Zahara, Danny K, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Sibongile Kumalo, Ernie Smith, Abigail Kubekha,
She has performed with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra on several occasions, alongside Loyiso Bala, Toya Delazy and Melanie Lowe.
This industrious singer songwriter now has four albums under her belt, having written, produced and arranged her last two, “Heart Aflame & Grace is shouting out”.
Both albums have received considerable success, with songs being used on Isidingo as well being playlisted on local radio stations. In addition to this Natalie is in the process of starting her Phd in Music Education, specialising in music therapy.
Natalie’s solo career b egan with the NU Afro Jazz Band headed by Prof. Darius Brubeck in 1998. Her smooth vocal styling honed by hours of tireless practice and superior knowledge of Jazz saw her travel from Harare, Zimbabwe to Boston, USA.
In New York, Natalie Rungan jammed with greats like Larry Ridley, Brian Steele and Michael Rossi.In Scotland, while visiting the University of Strathclyde with South African stalwarts Melvin Peters, Concord Nkabinde, Mageshen Naidoo and Bernard Ayisa, Natalie was warmly received in local Jazz clubs. Natalie was also afforded the opportunity to perform for the presidential dinner of former South African president, Thabo Mbeki.
This industrious singer songwriter now has seven albums under her belt, having written, produced and arranged “Heart Aflame”, “Grace is shouting out”, “One Heart”, and “Caught in the middle” which features Neil Gonsalves (keyboards), Bruce Baker (drums) and Talent Mbatha (bass).
This live album recording has 8 brand new songs, which were written, arranged and produced by Natalie Rungan.
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Desiree-Anne Martin believes in the inherent ability of anyone to change. Her mantra is that there is hope, always, and she is a Change Catalyst and Inspirational Speaker.
Desiree-Anne is a prize-winning published author and poet. Her writing on racial identification, GBV, the myths of parenthood, sex and feminism has appeared in numerous print anthologies and corporate annuals. Her self-published poetry book/ journal ‘believe more deeply’, print journals, e-zines and poetry websites are home to several of her poems.
Her memoir ‘We Don’t Talk About It. Ever’ has been described by Barbara Boswell, acclaimed academic and award-winning author of ‘Grace: A Novel’ as “brilliantly-written and wrenching… whose prose transports you through a whirlwind of emotions”.
It chronicles Desiree-Anne Martin life struggles, including childhood sexual abuse, family dysfunction, multiple addictions, toxic relationships, struggles in recovery, and mental health concerns.
This led her to become an intravenous heroin addict and sex worker. It is ultimately, however, a story of redemption, resilience and hope. She has now garnered over 17 years of sobriety.
Desiree-Anne obtained her Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Care (with Honours) from the University of Cape Town in 2019, at the age of 42, with no undergraduate degree and obtaining admission on Recognition of Prior Learning.
She has gone on to become a Supervisor for students undertaking their MA in Creative Writing at the University of Cape Town, offering guidance and support with the process of writing and completion of their final dissertation.
She is an addiction, mental health and trauma-informed counsellor, and works together with adults and adolescents to help them overcome drug and alcohol dependence, eating disorders, sex, gambling and other self-defeating behaviours for the past 14 years.
Working with family members affected by addiction too, as no lives are ever left untouched by the illness.
Desiree-Anne Martin also helps individuals work through trauma associated with physical, sexual and emotional abuse. She also imparts skills for how to deal with intense emotions, high levels of stress and a variety of mental illnesses.
She is the co-founder of The I AM Collective, a South African non-profit that is actively contributing to changing the narrative around gender-based violence.
A member of the Life Righting Collective, an NPO whose vision is to heal South Africa’s fractured past through the writing and sharing of personal stories. She has been an Industry Mentor for the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation since 2020.
As the director of her own company and a group practice, a lecturer, workshop facilitator, wife, full-time mother and part-time warrior woman, Desiree-Anne Martin would like to share with you what she has learnt about building resilience and transforming adversity into opportunity and purpose.
She would like to show you how to unveil your unshakeable truth, find your authentic voice and speak your truth. She would like to show you that there is no failure in asking for help and no shame in showing vulnerability.
Desiree-Anne Martin offers follow-up Corporate Wellness packages that are tailor-made to suit the needs of any organisation’s employees, including individual counselling and interventions, stress and emotional management, education around addiction, mental illness and trauma as well as support, and access to ongoing group or individual therapy.
She is also available to address high school learners and offers workshops on issues such as healthy versus unhealthy relationships, boundaries, high-risk behaviours and sexual consent.
Desiree-Anne Martin is a vocal advocate for the DE stigmatization of addiction, trauma and mental illness.
She believes that everyone is impacted in some way by one or more of these issues. She wants you to know that help is available. Sometimes it finds you.
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