Keynote Topics
Ambassador Tony Leon Leon’s best-selling new book “Future Tense – Reflections on my Troubled Land ” (Jonathan Ball Publishers, South Africa; Icon Books, London) contains rich data, telling anecdotes and the backstories which have led South Africa to the edge-of-the-cliff in 2021.
Tony Leon tells all in this riveting address.
Tony Leon led and grew the official opposition party in South Africa from the brink of extinction in 1994 to the second largest party and government in the Western Cape in a period of 13 years.
His close-up encounters with some of the leading figures in the country -from Mandela to Ramaphosa -and in the wider world give him unique access and authority to ask how to lead in the toughest times. The future, in our Covid-cratered world,’ is not what it used to be’.
Ambassador Tony Leon offers key lessons in resilience from business to the battlefields in how strong and empathetic leaders meet the challenges of change.
The two largest economies and military forces in the world – the United States and China are on a collision course in the Pacific with global implications for the whole world.
Tony Leon, who served as an ambassador and diplomat and was awarded a Fellowship at the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, weighs the odds on whether the cold war between these superpowers can engulf us in escalating conflicts or be resolved or tempered.
Ambassador Tony Leon is an author, speaker and consultant, and careers in both front line South African politics and international diplomacy.
Ambassador Tony Leon is an award-winning author, noted speaker and consultant, and has had two highly successful careers in both front line South African politics and international diplomacy.
Currently the Chairman of Resolve Communications (Pty) Ltd., he also consults to business in South America and South Africa, writes columns for South Africa’s leading newspapers, and speaks to various audiences.
For nearly twenty years Tony Leon was a Member of Parliament in South Africa, and for thirteen years he led the Democratic Alliance. He is the longest serving Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, since the advent of democracy in April 1994.
A trained lawyer, Leon actively participated in the critical constitutional negotiations that led to the birth of a democratic South Africa. He has been at the forefront of national and international events, both as a front-ranking parliamentarian and renowned orator and writer and as a Vice- President of Liberal International. He has addressed many international conferences, institutes and think tanks from the Council on Foreign
Relations (Washington DC, and New York City) and the Royal Institute for International Affairs (Chatham House), London, to the German Council on Foreign Relations, Berlin, the European Parliament in Brussels and to the World Economic Forum, Oxford Union and Yale Political Union.
Ambassador Tony Leon has been widely published in academic journals and in the media and has authored articles for inter alia, Time Magazine, The Spectator, Harvard International Review, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Financial Times, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Daily Telegraph, and the New Statesman.
He has published five books: “Hope and Fear: Reflections of a Democrat” (Jonathan Ball 1998), the SA bestsellers “On the Contrary: Leading the Opposition in a Democratic South Africa” (Jonathan Ball 2008), which won the prestigious Recht Malan Prize for nonfiction that year.
Pan MacMillan published “The Accidental Ambassador”, in April 2013. In May 2014, he launched his new book “Opposite Mandela – Encounters with South Africa’s Icon”, to critical acclaim. In 2021, his latest book “Future Tense -Reflections on my Troubled Land” was published in both South Africa and in the United Kingdom. Historian Niall Ferguson wrote, “Anyone who wants to understand South Africa today…simply has to read this book.”
After standing down from the leadership of the opposition in 2007, Ambassador Tony Leon was awarded a Fellowship at the Institute of Politics, John F Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He led a study group and seminar series on Development and Democracy in Africa”. In 2008 he was invited as a fellow to the Cato Institute in Washington DC, where he published a paper on liberal democracy in Africa:
On the nomination of the President of South Africa, he served as South African Ambassador to Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, based in Buenos Aires, from 2009 to 2012.
In 2016 and 2017, Ambassador Tony Leon was visiting professor of political practice at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy, IDC, Herzliya, Israel.
In February 2015, on the occasion of its 90th anniversary, Rotary Club of Durban awarded Ambassador Tony Leon the Paul Harris Fellowship “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
Nelson Mandela said of Ambassador Tony Leon on his retirement from political leadership
(2007):”Your contribution to democracy is enormous, you have more support for all you have done than you might ever read about.”
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Shimmy Isaacs is a trailblazing South African comedian, actress, and writer, celebrated for her sharp observational humor and compelling storytelling. With a career spanning stand-up comedy, television, and theatre, she has won multiple awards and performed on some of the biggest comedy stages in the country. Her ability to weave personal experiences, cultural nuances, and […]
Stafford Masie is a computer scientist who has been involved in the IT industry for more than 25 years. He has been closely involved in such pre-eminent ICT companies as Telkom, Dimension Data, Novell and Google. His passion for technology led to him being appointed to senior executive positions at Novell USA (based in Utah for 7 years) […]
Letshego Zulu is a renowned South African event emcee, published author, and keynote speaker, widely recognized for her poise, eloquence, and powerful storytelling. With an innate ability to connect deeply with audiences, Letshego has graced the stage at numerous high-profile events, blending her multifaceted experiences with an engaging, compassionate style. A well-known public figure, she […]
Alan Committie is a comedic force of nature, revered as one of South Africa’s leading comics with a stage presence that is both dynamic and endearing. A master of multiple crafts—stand-up comic, actor, director, producer, and even a fully qualified high school teacher—Alan blends wit with wisdom in a way that few performers can. With […]
Hailed as The Jazz Maestros, Chilli ‘n Lime – Entertainment is a vibrant, young jazz band that has firmly established itself on the South African jazz scene and they have become one of the most popular jazz bands in the country. Since their inception in 2006, Chilli ‘n Lime have performed alongside great South African artists including […]
Jason Greer is an event emcee and voice artist, well respected in his industry. His strong vibrant presence and reputable voice have kept him busy over the past decade. Jason has recently hosted M-net’s latest gameshow, Spellbound and he has presented a number of other successful shows including Top Travel and the award-winning, All Access. […]
Chris Bertish is a renowned professional speaker, ocean pioneer, and international best-selling author whose extraordinary feats have captivated audiences worldwide. With a spirit as boundless as the ocean itself, Chris exemplifies courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams against all odds. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon for adventure and […]
With over two decades of stage experience, Kurt Schoonraad has become a household name in South Africa’s entertainment landscape. Celebrated for his infectious humor, magnetic stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life, Kurt brings a refreshing blend of observational comedy, cultural insight, and pure charisma to every event he […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
