Keynote speaker, Master of Ceremonies, media presenter
Corporate leaders, transformation teams, global brands, diversity advocates, business conferences, and high-profile events seeking a polished, globally experienced MC or keynote presence.
Jo-Ann Strauss is one of South Africa’s most respected media figures and corporate voices, rising to national prominence after beginning her on-camera career in 2000. Best known as a presenter on the iconic lifestyle show Top Billing, she has since built a multifaceted career as a presenter, producer, speaker, entrepreneur, and board-level leader. Her work spans television, digital media, global events, and corporate advisory roles, positioning her as a dynamic and credible voice across industries.
Beyond broadcasting, Strauss has established a powerful presence in the business landscape. She serves on the boards of leading South African companies including Media24 and M&C Saatchi Abel, and she was appointed to the advisory board of the University of Stellenbosch Business School. Her academic foundation—a BCom (Law) from Stellenbosch University—complements her strategic insight and ability to bridge communication, business, and culture.
As a keynote speaker and Master of Ceremonies, Strauss is trusted by blue-chip brands worldwide, among them Adidas, Audi, BMW, Unilever, and major financial institutions across South Africa.
Jo-Ann Strauss has become one of South Africa’s most recognized media personalities since embarking on her career in front of the camera in 2000.
She is best known for presenting the South African show “Top Billing” and has presented and produced various other shows both on TV and online.
She is an astute businesswoman and this is reflected in the fact that she serves on various boards of well-known South African companies like Media24, M&C Saatchi Abel and most recently her appointment to the advisory board of the University of Stellenbosch’s Graduate School of Business (USB).
She holds a B Comm (Law) degree from Stellenbosch. As a Master of Ceremonies (MC) and speaker on various topics including gender issues, the new business environment and corporate transformation.
She has traveled the world and has been hailed as one of the best public speakers by various blue-chip companies ranging from Adidas, Audi, Unilever to BMW and all the major banks throughout South Africa.
Jo-Ann Strauss has also MC’ed various charity events for members of royal families from HRH Princess Caroline and HSH Prince Albert of Monaco’s Amade Mondiale to HRH Prince of Wales, Prince Charles’s Wool Foundation initiative.
Since winning the Miss South Africa pageant in 2000, she has appeared on the covers of most of SA’s top magazines and also became the face of Lux– following in the footsteps of glamorous women across the globe from Marilyn Monroe to Ashwariya Rai.
Her sense of style has also won her various awards.
Jo-Ann is passionate about the welfare of the most vulnerable in society and has been appointed a celebrity advocate for UNICEF in 2015. She also works with Stop Hunger.
Now and designed a range of baby clothing with one of SA’s top clothing retailers channeling all the proceeds into feeding underprivileged families.
Jo-Ann Strauss is married to an orthopedic surgeon and is the mother of a 1-year-old boy. She enjoys living a full life and strives for balance above all.
Both in South Africa and worldwide, she is renowned for her ability to seamlessly integrate her witty charm and take audiences on an insightful and entertaining journey throughout the proceedings she hosts.
She has been the brand ambassador of Lufthansa, Samsung and BMW in South Africa and also sits on the boards of Media24 (one of Africa’s biggest media companies), M&C Saatchi Abel (award-winning advertising agency), Village and Life (a property and tourism company) as well as the advisory board of one of Africa’s top business schools, the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
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In this engaging segment, Jo-Ann Strauss joins the Expresso team to discuss her SocialStar initiative, created in collaboration with Samsung to support the next generation of South Africa’s digital creators. She begins by emphasising her passion for entrepreneurship and how social media has become a powerful, democratic platform where hard work directly connects to opportunity. Jo-Ann recounts launching the original version of SocialStar in 2012, initially as a presenter search, before evolving it into a program focused on helping emerging social media personalities turn their online presence into a viable career.
She explains how recent years have proven that social media offers young people meaningful avenues to start businesses and gain visibility. In the previous cycle, SocialStar partnered with influencers such as Minnie Dlamini, the most followed South African woman on Instagram, and Gareth Pon, Africa’s top Instagrammer. Together they travelled to Mauritius, providing hands-on learning experiences in authenticity, monetisation, and content creation.
This year’s competition offers even greater opportunities. Jo-Ann outlines that the winner receives a remarkable prize package: R50,000 per month for six months, significant brand collaborations, premium Samsung products, and an immersive trip to Mauritius. She highlights that due to strong interest, she is extending the entry deadline. Entrants simply need to upload a 30–60 second Instagram video explaining why they deserve to travel with her and why their content inspires followers.
This full-length Top Billing insert celebrates Jo-Ann Strauss’s remarkable journey as a presenter, highlighting the versatility, courage, and professionalism that made her one of the show’s most memorable personalities. The segment begins with the narrator noting that Jo-Ann could have pursued medicine after receiving an offer to study at Stellenbosch, yet her decision to enter media shaped an entirely different legacy. Early clips show her taking on extreme on-location assignments, including skiing down 45-degree desert dunes in searing heat and braving the Zambezi River rapids—an experience that left her humbled by nature’s force.
The insert emphasizes Jo-Ann’s adaptability, glamour, and sharp interviewing skills. She recounts her first encounters with celebrities at Vienna’s Life Ball, where she was tasked with identifying stars on the spot and interviewing icons like Elton John. Additional segments follow her through Europe, Africa, and Asia—from cycling islands in Stockholm to historical adventures in Valencia, hot-air balloon rides outside Paris, and charming coffee breaks with local hosts. Her ability to pair poised presentation with genuine curiosity shines through each encounter.
Humorous moments reveal the unpredictability of travel shoots, such as confusing Sweden with Norway during a final link, bathing elephants in Thailand, and walking along the wing of a 747 to test its flexibility. She also takes on adrenaline-filled tasks including driving and racing a 22-wheeler truck, diving with sharks, and learning gladiator combat from Hollywood stunt trainers.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
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