Professional Speakers

Based in Cape Town, Max du Preez is a celebrated South African journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker known for his fearless pursuit of truth. As founding editor of Vrye Weekblad, he exposed apartheid-era atrocities, earning prestigious honours such as Harvard’s Louis M. Lyons Award and the Nat Nakasa Award for Courageous Journalism. His acclaimed books, including Pale Native and A Rumour of Spring, provide sharp analyses of South Africa’s political journey. A dynamic speaker and skilled moderator, Max brings clarity to complex topics, inspiring audiences worldwide. With over four decades of impact, he remains a vital voice in shaping South Africa’s national conversation.

Cape based, Maya Fisher-French is a financial journalist and consumer advocate widely recognised for translating complex financial systems into clear, decision-ready insight for business and public audiences. She is the author of Money Questions? Answered and has built a long-form career across print, digital, broadcast, and live platforms. Her work focuses on personal finance, regulation, and consumer behaviour, grounded in rigorous economic analysis. With professional experience spanning journalism, private banking, and stockbroking, she brings a rare dual perspective that balances institutional understanding with public accountability, making her a credible, trusted voice for conferences addressing financial literacy, regulation, and economic change.

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Melinda Ferguson is an acclaimed South African publisher, author, fearless storyteller, and transformational speaker known for her electrifying insights on addiction, recovery and radical reinvention. Based in Cape Town, she is the bestselling author of 'Smacked', 'Hooked', 'Crashed' and 'Bamboozled', and has won numerous awards for her journalism and publishing work. With over 25 years in recovery, Melinda delivers keynote talks and moderates panel discussions with raw honesty and stirring humour. Her gripping journey from addiction to empowerment resonates across corporate, wellness and leadership events, making her a sought-after voice on resilience, personal transformation, and navigating life’s toughest crossroads.

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Michael Charton is a celebrated South African storyteller and speaker who lives in Cape Town and travel extensively. He is acclaimed for his compelling retelling of overlooked historical moments that inspire unity, reflection and nation-building. A former finance professional turned orator, Michael has crafted immersive 55-minute keynote stories such as 'Leave Some for the Honey Badger', 'You Strike the Rock', and 'A Ripple of Hope', all rooted in real events and told with empathy, precision and purpose. His presentations are ideal for leadership summits, heritage observances and corporate events seeking rich, thought-provoking content that connects audiences to South Africa’s diverse and shared past.

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An entrepreneur who transformed a fictional television character into a functioning food brand, he built a restaurant and mobile catering business rooted in township enterprise. He later launched a food accelerator supporting emerging hospitality entrepreneurs, providing structured mentorship and market access. With a Master’s degree in Business and an early career in information technology, he combines operational discipline with brand insight. He speaks on entrepreneurship, inclusive growth, township economies and scalable business models, drawing on lived experience of building ventures from concept to revenue in constrained environments for established companies and development institutions.

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A communications strategist and narrative adviser with more than twenty five years’ experience, she co founded and leads a pan African public relations and advisory firm. Her work spans Africa, Europe and the United States, including advisory mandates linked to multilateral institutions and philanthropic foundations, and involvement in resource mobilisation efforts during the Ebola response. An adjunct professor at a European business school and author of two books on influence and African markets, she addresses narrative strategy, cultural intelligence and reputation management, equipping senior leaders to communicate with clarity, context and credibility in complex environments.

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With more than 25 years in financial services, his experience spans banking, fintech and large scale business operations across multiple markets. He has led card and payments strategy at executive level and currently serves as chief executive within a listed technology driven financial services group. A graduate of Harvard’s Advanced Management Program and an MBA holder from Henley Business School, he writes and speaks on ethical leadership, culture, performance and transformation. His book Blazing a Trail reflects his focus on values based leadership and societal impact, themes that resonate strongly with boards and senior executives navigating complexity.

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London-based Lionel Marumahoko is a globally respected business strategist, keynote speaker, and corporate advisor with over 25 years’ experience leading high-impact growth at The Coca-Cola Company and beyond. As Managing Partner of BPL Africa Connect, he advises multinationals on market entry, transformation, and expansion across more than 50 countries. His leadership spans mergers, IPO readiness, and operational excellence across technology, FMCG, and agri-tech sectors. A compelling speaker on strategy, sustainability, and African growth, Lionel also serves on global boards advancing innovation, digital inclusion, and youth development. His sharp insight and real-world expertise make him a standout choice for corporate events worldwide.

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