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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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In 2003 Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers launched their debut album, Jika Jika under their own Freeground Records label, the immediate success of which firmly cemented the band as one of South Africa’s most successful young acts.
Freshlyground formed in early 2002, and is made up of seven talented and diverse musicians from South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Fronted by the diminutive but dynamic Zolani Mahola, the band exudes a live performance energy that has been the bedrock of their success.
The experienced rhythm section of Peter Cohen (drums) & Josh Hawks (bass) is complimented by guitarist Julio Sigauque, keyboardist Seredeal Scheepers, Simon Attwell (flute, mbira, sax and harmonica) and violinist Kyla Rose Smith.
Although hailing from diverse backgrounds, between them the band’s members weave a musical magic that is highly infectious and undeniably groovy.
Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers released their second studio album Nomvula in July 2004. Nomvula was recorded and produced by JB Arthur and Sibusiso Victor Masondo.
The album sparked interest from Sony BMG Africa, who signed the band and released Nomvula in September that year. Radio quickly picked up on the single ‘Doo Be Doo’ and the catchy song went on to become a crossover favorite amongst a diverse spread of stations and their listeners.
‘Doo Be Doo’ was the most played song in South Africa in 2005.
The major success of ‘Doo Be Doo’ was followed by the singles ‘I’d Like’, ‘Zithande’, ‘Things Have Changed’ and the title track of the album Nomvula.
The album sold 300 000 units in South Africa alone- earning it multi-platinum status. The success and broad appeal of the band was celebrated in November 2006 when Freshly Ground-Conference Band Entertainers won the MTV Europe Award in the category Best African Act.
The award placed the band firmly on the international music map and earned them further recognition on home soil as significant South African cultural exports.
The success of Nomvula was followed by Ma Cheri – Freshlyground’s third studio album, released in September 2007.
The album’s release was followed by a major South African tour attended by over 25 000 people across four cities. The tour was produced by Freshlyground and supported by Volkswagen South Africa .
The tour successfully raised the performance and production standards of local touring, putting the band on par with international acts in terms of production scale and value.
Ma Cheri has sold 80 000 units to date in South Africa and the single Pot Belly is another major crossover success, and is play listed on all South African radio stations.
Five years on Freshlyground – Conference Entertainers are a still a sensation. In South Africa audiences of every race cram in to see them. Old people get up and dance.
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Tucan Tucan resulted from the desire of a group of musicians from different cultures and nationalities such as South Africa, Argentina and Mozambique, to unite and fuse different styles of music.
Through its music, TUCAN TUCAN overcomes boundaries, breaks down barriers, brings people together and embraces diverse cultures.
TUCAN TUCAN uncovers and explores music in all its aspects: A wealth of ideas, rhythms, sound, instruments and songs.
More vibrant than ever, TUCAN TUCAN strives to entertain audiences from all walks by bringing rhythms and melodies that are appealing to a wide audience and yet incorporating a taste of something new that will open a magical door to new musical experiences.
The show is an enchanting journey that captures the audience with soulful sounds to energetic up-tempo compositions, colourful exotic dancing and band-audience interaction.
The band’s musical style has been described as a kaleidoscope – where and whenever you listen to this music, it’s colourful variety fascinates and captures the listener.
Latino rhythms like salsa, samba and bossa nova, and African elements such as those utilised in Kwasa Kwasa, Marrabenta and Ju Ju are used in the compositions.
With these elements, a unique sound is created, which appeals to both local and international audiences. With lyrics in Spanish, Portuguese, English and African languages (including Sesotho, Xhosa, Zulu, Ronga and Shangaan), Tucan Tucan aims to promote interaction between diverse cultures.
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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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Martin Kuscus is a sought after speaker in the secular and church environments. With relative ease and a generous dose of humor, he has the ability to communicate on a diverse range of sometimes very difficult topics in a precise, practical, compelling and persuasive, yet graceful manner.
He has this rare ability to captivate his audience with honesty and humility borne out of a challenging life journey. His talks are thought provoking that empower his audience with actionable steps that can be put into action right away, to improve the way they lead.
Martin Kuscus emerged as one of the rare breed of credible leaders that shaped the South African democratic landscape. He was the former MEC of Finance in the North West Provincial Government from 1994 – 2004. Prior to that, he spent 17 years in the nursing profession.
This was arguably the most important formative years in his life that prepared him for his future leadership assignments. In June 2004 he became the CEO of the South African Bureau of Standards, a position he held until September 2009.
He then started his own business ventures in the telecoms, information technology and human capital development industries.
Martin was also the Chairperson of the first Board of Trustees for the Government Employee Pension Fund, overseeing a portfolio of R890 billion ( the seventh biggest pension fund in the world by then) from June 2005 to July 2009.
During his tenure, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund, a 675 million USD fund and served as its Chairperson from 2007 – 2009. From June 2006 – May 2009 served on the PRI Board, a United Nations Compact Initiative on Principles for Responsible Investments.
Here Martin Kuscus gained intensive exposure to international best practices on corporate governance, the intricacies of global capital markets and optimization of the investment value chain.
One of the highlights of his speaking engagements was to share a platform with the revered John Maxwell on five occasions during his visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
On the 9 June 2008 Martin Kuscus had the rare privilege to speak at the United Nations General Assembly during a thematic debate on Global Private Investments and Climate Change.
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Gilan Gork is an internationally acclaimed mentalist, keynote speaker, and influence specialist known for his extraordinary ability to reveal and develop latent skills in individuals and leaders. Gilan’s unique approach goes beyond mere entertainment, focusing on unlocking personal and professional potential by enabling leaders to see themselves in ways they never have before.
From CEOs to high-performance teams, Gilan empowers audiences with the tools to influence, communicate, and lead effectively in today’s complex world. His keynotes are both mind-bending and insightful, inspiring audiences to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges with a renewed sense of purpose and capability.
Gilan’s expertise in the fields of mentalism, influence, and behavioral dynamics has been honed through years of intensive study and practical application. His mastery of influence began with a fascination for the psychology of human interaction, and he has since spent over a decade refining his skills under the mentorship of world-renowned influence experts and behavioral psychologists. Gilan’s foundation is rooted in disciplines such as cognitive psychology, non-verbal communication, and persuasive technology. This multidisciplinary knowledge is further enriched by his deep understanding of corporate dynamics, making him an ideal guide for leaders looking to elevate their communication and influence strategies.
Gilan has translated his expertise into a system that helps leaders identify the hidden forces shaping their behaviors and beliefs. His programs offer insights into human motivation and persuasion, enabling leaders to foster a culture of influence and trust within their organizations. Over the years, Gilan has trained thousands of professionals, providing them with tools to decode complex interpersonal dynamics and to build meaningful, strategic relationships. His teachings have been applied across diverse industries, including finance, healthcare, and tech, where the power of influence is crucial for success.
With a career spanning over 15 years, Gilan Gork has become a leading figure in mentalism and influence for professional development. He has delivered keynote presentations across more than 30 countries and trained C-suite leaders, sales teams, and organizations seeking to strengthen their influence, communication, and decision-making skills. Gilan’s background in mentalism and corporate consulting makes him uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between theory and practical application. His influence training programs are based on real-world challenges faced by executives, giving him an insider’s perspective on the high-stakes world of corporate leadership.
Gilan’s experience extends to authoring a bestselling book on influence, which has been widely used as a reference in professional development. He has also been featured in numerous media outlets, where he shares his insights on human behavior, influence, and ethical persuasion. His credibility as an expert in influence and mentalism has led him to consult for multinational corporations, where his knowledge continues to drive impactful transformations.
Gilan’s authority in the field of influence and mentalism is underscored by his impressive client roster, which includes some of the most respected companies in South Africa and globally. His ability to captivate and educate through live demonstrations of mentalism has earned him recognition as one of the world’s top mentalists. He is consistently invited to speak at high-profile events and conferences, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in influence and behavioral dynamics.
Gilan’s status as an authority is enhanced by his deep understanding of ethical influence. He places a strong emphasis on teaching leaders how to use their influence responsibly to build trust and foster positive outcomes. This ethical approach has made Gilan a preferred keynote speaker for companies that prioritize integrity and long-term impact in their leadership training.
Gilan’s commitment to ethical influence sets him apart as a trusted speaker and consultant. He has a well-documented track record of working with organizations in an ethical and transparent manner, consistently delivering value-driven insights that align with each client’s unique goals. Gilan’s approach is collaborative and grounded in respect for his audience, fostering an environment where learning and transformation can take place securely.
Over the years, Gilan has built enduring relationships with clients by maintaining a standard of excellence and consistency in all his engagements. His integrity is reflected in the high rates of client retention and repeat bookings, a testament to the lasting impact he leaves on organizations. Gilan is known for his follow-through and his commitment to supporting clients long after the event concludes, offering additional resources and guidance to ensure that the lessons learned are successfully implemented.
Gilan Gork is a premier keynote speaker who brings unparalleled expertise in influence, mentalism, and human behavior to audiences worldwide. His approach is both practical and transformative, offering leaders the tools they need to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change. With over 15 years of experience and a track record of delivering impactful presentations, Gilan has established himself as a trusted authority in the fields of influence and behavioral dynamics.
Booking Gilan Gork through Speakers Inc ensures a seamless experience for event planners and a captivating experience for audiences. His professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to ethical influence make him an ideal choice for organizations seeking to elevate their leadership training and development programs. Choose Gilan Gork for your next event and provide your audience with a journey into the power of influence and the art of seeing what others miss.
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