Political

Daniel Silke is recognized as one of South Africa’s foremost political economy analysts, futurists, and compelling keynote speakers. His unique blend of economic acumen and political insight delivers presentations that are not only accessible but also deeply insightful. As the Director of Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town, Silke has garnered acclaim for his outstanding […]

Justice Malala is an award-winning journalist, political commentator and current affairs speaker, television host and newspaper columnist. He writes regular weekly columns for The Times newspaper, the Financial Mail magazine, a monthly column for DESTINY MAN magazine and regular columns for the Guardian newspaper in London. He is the resident political analyst for e.tv and […]

Aubrey Matshiqi is a Financial Mail rated political analyst. He was a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Policy studies (CPS) in Johannesburg until March 2011, and was a research fellow at the Helen Suzman Foundation until December 2016. In 2010, he was invited to take up a research fellowship at the Stellenbosch Institute […]

Judith February is a lawyer, governance specialist and columnist. She is based at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) as a Senior Research Associate and is a Visiting Fellow at the WITS School of Governance. Prior to that she was executive director of the Human Sciences Research Council’s Democracy and Governance unit and also head […]

Prof Richard Calland teaches constitutional and human rights law, and some administrative law. He specializes in the law and practice of the right to access to information and whistleblowing protection; in administrative justice; in public ethics; and in constitutional design – largely derived from his work as programme manager of the Political Information & Monitoring […]

Ziyanda Ngcobo is a seasoned senior politics reporter at Newzroom Afrika, where her insightful coverage and incisive commentary on political affairs have solidified her reputation as a respected broadcaster and moderator. With a career deeply rooted in journalism, Ziyanda’s journey began at VOW FM (Voice of Wits), marking the inception of what would evolve into […]

Conrad Koch is a double International EMMY nominated South African ventriloquist, with a master’s degree in corporate anthropology, who uses humor to inspire conversations in organizations. The CBC in Canada said “my face hurt from laughing so hard”, describing Conrad’s work as “absolutely delightful and technically brilliant”, “Koch throws away more laugh lines than many […]

From her roots as the White House Director of Events to her globe-trotting career as an emcee and keynote, Laura Schwartz brings her exuberant spirit and professional-speaking expertise to live events in person and virtual around the world. Laura keeps an audience engaged while achieving your event’s objectives. She taps into her experience to forge […]

Dr Roelof Botha is currently Joint Managing Director of GOPA Group SA, a multi-disciplinary research company that specialises in development facilitation. He has been an economic adviser to PriceWaterhouseCoopers for the past 17 years and is an experienced presenter & sought after consultant.  In 2005, he received the Sake-24/ABSA award for Economist of the Year, […]

Max du Preez is a veteran journalist and television personality with a strong reputation for his independent thinking,  understanding of the political and social dynamics of South Africa and abilities  to communicate complex issues simply and clearly. He was born in the Free State in 1951 and educated at Stellenbosch University. His career in journalism […]

Dr Anthony Turton has a high media profile, most notably regarding the issue of acid mine drainage (AMD) and water quality arising from waste water mismanagement. He works into the mining space where he is part of a team developing a new investment case for Brownfields site rehabilitation. He holds two Professorships: in the Centre […]

Zapiro was born in Cape Town in the 1950’s, Johnathan Shapiro couldn’t quite make up his mind as to what he wanted to do – career wise. He would never have imagined a career in cartooning. A political satirist from whom no politician is safe – not even the President, Zapiro has had no shortage […]

Stephen Grootes is an Award-winning journalist and political commentator, is the host of the Afternoon Drive show and former host of the Midday Report. Stephen Grootes is also a regular contributor to Daily Maverick, is very active on Twitter and has published a book, S.A. Politics Unspun which offers a roadmap to guide the reader through […]

Ambassador Tony Leon is an author, speaker and consultant, and careers in both front line South African politics and international diplomacy.

Before joining Daily Maverick as Business Editor, Tim Cohen was the editor of Business Day. He began his journalism career on Dome newspaper, the official student newspaper of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, whose production schedule was largely dependent on the availability of beer. He graduated to the last outpost, The Natal Witness, which was fuelled […]

Richard Poplak is an award-winning author, journalist, and filmmaker. He has become one of the most widely read and controversial political journalists in South Africa, editing at large for the Daily Maverick. Poplak has reported from over 25 developing countries, for the Financial Times, Atlantic Monthly, The Guardian, among others. He was recently part of a team that won the prestigious […]

Mandla Isaacs is a public speaker, and facilitator. He is Managing Director of Zehuti Advisory, a communications and strategy firm.  His main areas of expertise and interest are: political economy, business strategy/trends, South African and African development, international relations, public policy/administration and politics. His career has spanned management consulting, including with McKinsey – where he […]

Dr Mzukisi Qobo is an Associate Professor and Deputy Director at the NRF Research Chair on African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg. He serves on the Boards of Corruption Watch and Johannesburg Development Agency. At the Johannesburg Development Agency, he has chaired the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee (REMCO) and also sat on […]

Ferial Haffajee is a South African editor and journalist. She is currently editor-at-large, Huffington Post SA and also editor of the African National Centers for Investigative Reporting (ANCIR) and is a researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute. Previously, Ferial was editor-in-chief at the Mail and Guardian and City Press.  She is a regular analyst […]

Herman Mashaba grew up in a small village on the outskirts of Pretoria during the dark days of apartheid South Africa. Mashaba embraced independence early in life, having lost his father at the age of two. When his studies were interrupted by state security forces during the struggle against apartheid, Mashaba decided to pursue a […]