Professional Speakers

Professor Bonang Mohale is a leading South African business icon, celebrated for his commitment to ethical leadership, transformation, and inclusive economic growth. He is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Chairperson of Bidvest and ArcelorMittal SA, and former President of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). A prominent voice in corporate governance and values-based leadership, he was recently honoured with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by The Future of Leadership Awards. As a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and respected strategist, Prof. Mohale continues to inspire South Africa’s business community to lead with integrity and purpose.

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A serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, facilitator and author whose work explores the intersection of technology, marketing, leadership and human behaviour. Over more than two decades, he has helped organisations navigate disruption, adapt to changing customer expectations and make better strategic decisions in an increasingly digital world. His entrepreneurial journey includes building and scaling multiple ventures, creating innovative digital products and guiding businesses through periods of significant transformation. Author of 52 Big Questions for Business Leaders, he also hosts The One-Eyed Man, a podcast featuring thoughtful conversations on business and technology. He holds a Master's degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Wayne Duvenage, CEO of OUTA, explores the forces shaping South Africa's future and the critical role that active citizens, businesses and civil society play in driving accountability and meaningful change. Drawing on decades of experience in civic activism and governance oversight, he demonstrates how ordinary people and organised civil society can challenge the abuse of power, influence decision-making and achieve tangible results. The session examines South Africa's immense potential for growth and prosperity. While uncertainty and negative headlines can often fuel despair, Wayne argues that the country's future should not be defined by the actions of a few individuals. Instead, he offers a practical and optimistic perspective on navigating current challenges while preparing for a more capable, accountable and prosperous future. Audiences leave with renewed confidence in the power of collective action, responsible leadership and active citizenship to help shape a better South Africa.

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Dr Adam Pantanowitz is a biomedical and electrical engineer, entrepreneur and Adjunct Professor in Engineering at University of the Witwatersrand. Best known for leading the world-first Brainternet project, he works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and human performance. His innovations include eye-controlled wheelchairs, thought-driven robotics and AI-powered healthcare technologies. As a technology entrepreneur, he has co-founded ventures focused on solving practical challenges through innovation. Having delivered more than 900 presentations across five continents, he brings a distinctive combination of academic expertise, commercial experience and future-focused thinking to discussions on innovation, healthcare, emerging technologies and the future of work.

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Cape Town based, Simon helps organisations understand the technologies transforming business and how to turn disruption into opportunity. An entrepreneur, author and technology commentator, he has co-founded pioneering fintech businesses including Luno, 22seven and Curve. He is the author of In Math We Trust and Beyond Bitcoin, and has spent years translating emerging technologies into practical business insight through broadcasting and public speaking. Covering artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital currencies and innovation, Simon combines first-hand entrepreneurial experience with engaging storytelling to help leaders separate hype from reality and prepare confidently for what comes next.

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An attorney of the High Court with specialist expertise in banking, finance and financial regulation, his work focuses on fintech, payments, anti money laundering and complex regulatory compliance. He advises multinational clients on cross border transactions and emerging financial frameworks, combining legal precision with commercial awareness. He holds an LLB, an LLM and a Master’s degree in Business and Economics from Tsinghua University in Beijing. Fluent in six languages, including Mandarin, he brings rare cross cultural insight to discussions on law, innovation and economic development, offering audiences a grounded perspective on navigating regulated markets responsibly.

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A former banking chief executive who led a major retail bank through sustained digital transformation, he oversaw its recognition as the World’s Most Innovative Bank in 2012 by a respected global financial publication. He now chairs a digital banking challenger and an investment firm focused on technology ventures, and serves on the investment committee of a national SME funding initiative. Based in Cape Town, he undertakes speaking engagements exclusively in that city. He addresses digital banking, fintech disruption, venture capital and entrepreneurial scaling, drawing on direct experience across corporate leadership, regulated markets and early-stage investment.

Dr. Roelof Botha is a leading South African economist with over 40 years of experience in economic policy and analysis. His career includes roles as Chief Economist at SAFCO and advisor at National Treasury. A recipient of the 'Finmedia Economist of the Year award', Dr. Botha is known for his engaging presentations that demystify complex economic trends. He lectures at GIBS and serves as Economic Advisor to the Optimum Financial Services Group, making him an invaluable speaker for conferences focused on economic outlook and policy. His sense of humour is an added bonus.

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