Roslyn is the Head of Business Development at PayFast and runs the Startups Portfolio on the Silicon Cape Community Council. She has degrees in both Software Development and Financial Analysis, and extensive experience working in and with SMMEs. With combined knowledge of money and tech, she is uniquely positioned to understand, navigate and shape the exploding startup space in South Africa. She presents on e-commerce and entrepreneurship at conferences and workshops around the country, including Wordcamp, Tech4Africa, Sparkup and Seedstars World.

Allon Raiz is regarded both locally and globally as a pioneer and maverick in the business incubation industry. He is the founder and CEO of Raizcorp, the only privately held, unfunded, profitable business incubator on the African continent, currently supporting in excess of 500 businesses. Allon is the author of two bestselling entrepreneurial books – Lose the Business Plan and What to Do When You Want to Give Up. He is the co-founder of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation South Africa and Rural Roots, and sits on the advisory and judging boards of numerous local and international NGOs and entrepreneurial awards. Allon’s passion and focus on the development of entrepreneurs attracted the attention of the World Economic Forum (WEF) which, on 11 March 2008, awarded Allon as a Young Global Leader. In 2013, Allon received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Oliver Transformation and Empowerment Awards. The following year, he was recognised as the country winner, regional winner and continental winner of the Titan Award for Building Nations.

Charles has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of CGIC since 2013. He is a qualified chartered accountant with over 24 years international experience in corporate risk and insurance. Charles started his insurance career at Alexander Forbes Risk Services and also served as marketing director at Guardrisk. Prior to joining CGIC, Charles was Managing Director of the Risk Management Practice at Marsh Africa. CGIC is the leading trade credit insurance company in South Africa, insuring R200 billion in global trade conducted by South African policyholders into more than 140 countries, with CGIC underwriting the credit risk of more than 150,000 counterparties.

Mr Vika Mpisane is the CEO of .ZA Domain Name Authority, and has been with ZADNA since 2006. He graduated with a B. Proc degree in 1997 and LLB (Honours Law Degree) in 1998 from University of Kwazulu Natal (UKZN). He has extensive experience in the Internet services, policy and regulation especially in the domain name industry. He also has extensive policy development development and implementation experience in trade and industry, economic policy, labour, education and ICT development. Since 2006 he has served in the Board of Directors (Excom) of Africa Top Level Domains (AfTLD) – the association of African ccTLDs. Between 2009 and 2012 he served as the AfTLD’s President/Chairman. He was elected into the council of the ICANN country code Names Supporting Organisation (ccNSO) in 2009 and continued as a ccNSO councillor until 2015.

Graham Mitchell founded GROW as a leading business coaching firm with a team of six coaches who are working with over 85 business each month across South Africa. He is a Gazelles Certified Coach and is the Regional Advocate for Gazelles International Coaches in Sub-Saharan Africa. Before starting GROW, Graham was recognised as the number one coach in South Africa for a global coaching firm. Graham quickly made a name for himself and was recognised as and ranked in their top 50 coaches worldwide. He is now a senior coach within the Gazelles International Coaching Community. He also held the position of Chief Operating Officer for Houses for Africa, a newly formed pan-African housing developer. He was responsible for securing $55 million of funding to establish a large-scale housing project in Lusaka, Zambia and for expanding the company’s operations into Abuja, Nigeria.

Louw Barnardt CA (SA) is the co-founder and managing director of Outsourced CFO, a multi award-winning financial consultancy that specialises in CFO and cloud accounting services for scaling tech and innovation companies. A voice for entrepreneurship and finance, Louw drives multiple conversations around the use of technology, raising of capital and scaling up of business ventures across multiple platforms. The current Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, a top 35 under 35 Chartered Accountant and a young business leader in South Africa, Louw speaks, writes, records and promotes entrepreneurship as a catalyst for social change while championing one of the most exciting scale-up companies in the finance industry today.

Khosi Tyobeka, the founder and CEO of Zimasa Travel Pty Ltd which is a 100% black female owned entity focusing on travel management and conferencing based in Rustenburg, North West. Khosi has 7 years marketing experience which has ignited her passion for tourism. Khosi has a Bachelor of Administration Degree & Diploma in Project Management, which has taught her a lot about business skills, marketing and finances which she implements now in her current business. She saw the need to utilise the expertise to grow Zimasa Travel to be a full functional entity, so she acquires a domestic fares and ticketing as well as reservations certificate to ensure that, as founder, she had the technical ability to fulfil the core function of the business. Through her leadership, Zimasa Travel won the best performing SMME fo SAICA/JP Morgan flagship program 2018, special MEC award at provincial Lilizela Awards 2018, ETEYA Provincial Finalist- Lilizela Awards 2018

Vishen Pillay is a partner in the patent department of Adams & Adams Attorneys, the largest intellectual property (IP) law firms in the South Africa. He has a background in electronic engineering (UKZN) and is an admitted attorney as well as a qualified patent attorney. Vishen has approximately 14 years of experience in IP and specialises in assisting his clients to protect their inventions in the fields of electronics, software, artificial intelligence, quantum communication, quantum computing, telecommunications, mechanical engineering, electro-mechanical engineering, and bio-medical engineering. In particular, he deals with all matters relating to filing and prosecution of patent and design applications in South Africa and abroad, as well as IP strategy. Vishen has drafted and prosecuted patent and design applications on behalf of many South African Universities, Science Councils, US Fortune 500, and South African Top 100 companies.

Beauty has over 19 years of ICT industry experience. Currently responsible for leading the Mobile, Telkom ISP network and IT service delivery technical teams. Responsible to the Telkom Mobile network strategy, architecture, planning and deployment.

Born in 1959, Herman Mashaba’s academic dream was shattered in 1980 in his second year of a B.A. at the University of The North when the University was shut down due to political unrests. When the University was reopened after two months, he decided not to go back. Strong promises to send him out of the country for military training. In February 1985 the first bottle of ‘Black Like Me’ products hit the South African market. Business started with three other partners and his wife with a R30 000 loan, in 200sm SBDC units in Ga-Rankuwa, in the then homeland of Bophuthatswana. He now runs his own investment company, Lephatsi Investments (Pty) Ltd with investments in various sectors of the South African economy; real estate, financial services, insurance brokerage, bullet proof materials, private security, fuel distribution, global cleaning services, facilities management and construction aggregates.  On 12 March 2013, Herman was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by Central University of Technology, Free State

With Honours Degrees in Education and Human Resource Management, along with professional certificates such as a Lean Six Sigma green belt, her academic background is as diverse as the fortune of having been able to change career paths multiple times.

Her background spans teaching (which she maintains she was terrible at), comms, change management, management consulting, process engineering/optimisation, systems thinking, design thinking, and building digital solutions – in a rapid and “failing fast & cheap” manner. Using all her skills, she loves nothing better today than finding solutions to solve customer problems, particularly for small business owners finding it difficult to break into the market and work their way up from ground 0. She is passionate about mentorship and coaching and the role that it plays within growing women in business and leadership, by adding the skills, sound-boarding, and bravery that no one person achieves on their own. Covid-19 has shown her just how quickly one can draw on the expertise of others to solve problems and turnaround solutions that would otherwise have taken months, if not years, to deploy

Marco has been training martial arts since he was 9 years old and opened his first Chinese martial arts centre at just 19.

He achieved his South African colours in 1989 and has travelled and competed extensively internationally, as well as training the South African team who have brought home numerous trophies under his tutelage.

Since 1999 his focus has shifted from competition to deepening his understanding of the traditions of traditional Chinese Martial Arts, Kung Fu, Tai chi and Chi Gung systems, and passing on these teachings to students both in South Africa and abroad. He has travelled extensively to Taiwan over the years to train with his teacher Master Chen, whose books he is translating from Chinese into English for the benefit of English speaking students around the world.

More recently he has set up Martial arts seminars and focused on technical and cultural exchanges with his and Master Chen senior students. This has helped strengthen the students’ martial arts understanding and helped foster relations between South Africa and China.

Adam is a speaker and Behavioural Scientist whose focus centres around customer behaviour, human irrationality, digitisation, and the strategic application of Behavioural Economics and Behavioural Science within the corporate sector.

Adam has a Master’s Degree from Leiden University in the Netherlands in Behavioural Science and is an international award-winning Project Manager. Adam currently heads up Behavioural Science for Standard Bank in Client Solutions where his focus is on solving for staff and customers by practically applying Behavioural Science in a way that actionable, sustainable and contextually relevant across multiple consumer touch points.

Danny started playing league darts in 1986 in Lenasia affiliated to SADBOC. He was selected in 1989 to represent the then Western Transvaal Darts Association at the South African National Championships in Port Elizabeth. He played for a further 7 years at the SA Championships winning a further 5 gold medals. In 1991 in Kimberly Len Moodley and myself finished runners up in the closed pairs Championships. He managed the District team for 10 years whereby we won the divisional title for 6 years at the National Championships.

Danny was the last general secretary of the Transvaal Darts Association and the first General Secretary of the Gauteng Darts Association. I have held the Tournament Director post for 2 years and I am the current President of the Gauteng Darts Federation. This would be the 10th year that he was in this post.

Danny runs his own accounting and auditing practice and showcases aspects of Accounting, auditing, tax and human resources.

Mapaseka Mokwele is a very popular South African radio and TV presenter. Born in 1976, the mother of five is married to a fellow radio presenter Thabo “T-Bose” Mokwele. Mapaseka presents Kaya FM slot Home with Mapaseka Mokwele and the SABC2 lifestyle programme Motswako. More recently she starred as one of the celebrity dating coaches on the MNet TV show “The Single Wives SA”

Keith Govender served as a Combat Officer in the South African Navy. He names the highlight of his career as being selected to be the first Navigation Officer on board the newly acquired South African Naval Frigate, THE SAS SPIOENKOP and he spent 8 months in Germany during the delivery process of the SPIOENKOP to South Africa.

Keith has gone on to a successful career in business, with a maritime focus, culminating in his current role as executive director of Anchora Enterprises Group of Companies.

Robyn has lived in South Africa, Boca Ranton and Isreal, and returned to the Western Cape in 2008 to launch the first Sorbet franchise in Cape Town, she went on to open 48 stores and manage the Western Cape region. Robyn was instrumental in launching and building the Sorbet Empowering Women (SEW) Foundation which recruited & trained previously disadvantaged women who were interested in the beauty industry. In 2019, Robyn joined Dr Clifford Yudelman at OptiSmile Sea Point and in mid-2020 took over as CEO. Together they are building Optismile into the Africa’s first Dental Service Organisation.

Robyn is an active board member of the Dental Wellness Foundation (DWF) which recruits unemployed women in Mfuleni and Khayelitsha, who teach hundreds of children the Live Smart tooth brushing program. She is also involved in sustainable food gardens in these communities.

Naiema is the MD for the Freightmore group and has extensive experience in both the motor and retail sectors. She has completed studies in Engineering and HR management and is currently studying a part-time LLB. She lists her achievements as improving the marketability of under-privileged youth through learnerships as well as encouraging transformation in the industry through BEE initiatives.

Her personal achievements include completing both the Comrades and 2 Oceans Ultra Marathon.

Saskia is a wife to Grant and a Mom to 3 children (17, 15 and 8 years). She is also the CEO and owner of 2 companies, MCS Debt Recovery and Connect BPS. She has been in the BPO space for the last 12 years. Prior to that, she had her own accounting practice. She has worked in both the UK and USA before returning to SA to start her entrepreneurial journey. She is passionate about her people (the company recently won the KZN Top Business Award for “employee wellness”) and upskilling them where she can. When she’s not working, she enjoys watching her family’s sporting activities and tries to cycle when she can!

Dr Tirhani Mabunda is an academic, educator, and serial entrepreneur. He is a 1st generation growth entrepreneur who believes in building businesses from the ground up. Dr Mabunda has been involved in the establishment of more than 60 businesses across diverse industries in a business career spanning over 30 years. More than 20 of these businesses are still trading, and Dr Mabunda continues to be actively involved in their strategic leadership and operational management. Dr Mabunda is also a professional auctioneer with more than 19 years of bid calling experience. Dr Mabunda holds more than half a dozen academic and professional qualifications, the highest of which is a PhD conferred by Da Vinci Institute in 2017 with a thesis entitled “Enterpriseneurship as a catalyst for enterprise development”.

Naledzani Mosomane is the Head of Enterprise Development at Standard Bank South Africa. She is a Chartered Accountant with a Masters in Development Finance (cum laude) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Her experience spans across multiple disciplines including operations, risk and governance, finance, and strategy development and implementation. She has worked across the continent and is passionate about creating sustainable solutions to improve economic development particularly through enterprise development. Her mom is an entrepreneur and therefore she fully understands the challenges that come with owning and sustaining a business and the role that SMEs have in contributing to the development of their communities.

She is a mom to a very busy 5 year old and in her personal capacity volunteers her time by advising small businesses on financial management. She loves spending time with her family and exploring new places and adventures.

Bronwyn has over a decade’s experience in strategic management, trend research and foresight; consulting to clients in the public and private sector across the African continent. Her educational credentials include tertiary qualifications in Marketing Management (University of Johannesburg),

Economics (University of London), Foresight (University of Manchester), and Future Studies (University of Stellenbosch). She is currently completing a Masters in Applied Economics from the University of Bath.

Today, as a partner at Flux Trends, Bronwyn’s research focuses on how macro socio-economic trends and emerging technologies will impact businesses, industries, and nations in the near and long term future. Part economist, part strategist, Bronwyn’s particular areas of expertise includes fintech trends, alternative economic models, and sustainable future design.

Bronwyn’s clients include Top 40 JSE listed companies, The South African Reserve Bank, African government departments, and global business leaders. She also guest lectures for leading business schools, such as Duke, GIBS, UCT, and the University of Johannesburg. Bronwyn is also the co-author of The Future Starts Now, published by Bloomsbury UK, and a well- known media commentator on future trends and economic trajectories for network channels including CNBC Africa and ENCA News. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Futurists.

As Head of Content, Foresight Facilitator, and our Membership Concierge Tumelo Mojapelo oversees and directs the research undertaken and content generated by the Flux Trends team. With a wealth of knowledge and experience in the trends analysis space, her mission is to empower entrepreneurs and business people to make better decisions through an understanding of trends. After completing her tertiary education, she found a home at Flux Trends and has been with the company since 2010. Among reports and trend briefings too numerous to mention, Tumelo oversaw and co-authored the ground breaking trend report, New Urban Tribes 2018: Consciously Diverse. Her keen eye and attention to detail naturally elevates business partnerships as she seamlessly connects unrelated factors and events that have the potential to disrupt current business models and society. She has also worked on the 2012 Flux Trend Review, The New Urban Tribes book (2012) and has facilitated the Flux Trends’ Future of Work Masterclass with Dion Chang (2018). She also presented an ABSA experience segment that highlighted mental health and wellness in the workplace. Tumelo brings her delightful and playful sense of humour, sharp wit, intelligence and curiosity to the Flux team. She has an old and inquisitive soul that is constantly on a mission to uncover fresh and complex anomalies in the world of trends.

Zandile is the founder and CEO of GirlCode, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering young girls and women through technology. Over the past 8 years, GirlCode has grown to be one of the largest women in ICT focused social impact organizations in South Africa. Through her leadership the organization has grown immensely to inspire, expose and train over 60 000 girls and women in Digital skills. From exposing primary and high school girls to coding and robotics to upskilling unemployed graduates and placing them into tech companies.

Zandile is also the founder of EmpowerXx, a women in STEM focused tech recruitment startup focused on accelerating women in leadership positions within tech companies.

Zandile has been recognized as a Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in 2020. In 2021, she was awarded Social entrepreneur of the year by the Santam Women of the Year Awards. In her personal capacity, she has been a mentor to young aspiring women in tech and female entrepreneurs. Zandile believes in creating opportunities that impact both the social and economic status for women as well as the progress and development of technology companies who are currently still predominantly white male dominated.

Msizi James, born in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, 29 years ago, is a DJ/MC/Radio and TV Host and Entrepreneur currently hosting the morning show on 947. “Msizi James on 947” 09:00-12:00 weekdays.With his signature loud mouth that’s bound to keep you entertained on the airwaves. He is one of the most versatile and hard working entertainers of the next generation. Msizi has several business interests. He is the director and founder of Gaya Coffee Company and owns several coffee shops and restaurants in the country. He is also a partner in Eventing and ticketing app Howya among other ventures.

Arye Kellman, a visionary leader and trailblazer in the advertising industry as co-founder of The TILT Effect, has revolutionised how brands connect with audiences. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Arye’s dynamic leadership continues to propel his team to new heights, setting the standard for modern advertising and solidifying his status as an industry luminary.

Tandiwe has over 18 years of banking experience – starting as a research analyst with Deutsche Bank South Africa, before joining Standard Bank, where she has been a transactor in Investment Banking, before taking on the role of Regional Head for Investment Banking Southern and Central Africa. Currently Tandiwe heads up the enablement portfolio for medium sized businesses for Standard Bank in South Africa, ensuring the right mobilization of resources and capability to lead in the market. Prior to banking, Tandiwe worked with a global consulting firm, supporting policy development in the public sector, with a particular focus on public health. Tandiwe holds a Masters’ Degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College in Northampton Massachusetts. Tandiwe is also a graduate of the United World College USA. Tandiwe serves as a Trustee on the Board of the Student Sponsorship Program.

Berrie de Jager is a passionate banker from Standard Bank where he is responsible for the Natural Resources portfolio in Commercial and Business Banking. One of the key sub – sectors in his portfolio is that of Power and sustainable solutions. Most of his 35 – year banking career had been spent in the Commercial and Business Banking arena where he has gained deep knowledge in the structuring of financial solutions for entrepreneurial clients. He holds a B. Comm economics degree from the University of Pretoria and a MBA from the University of the Free State. Berrie believes that the Renewable Energy Sector in South – Africa has huge potential and presents great opportunities for all players in the value chain.

Matthew Cruise is an Energy Expert that worked at Eskom for 11 years and was a management consultant for his last 2.5 years there. In this capacity he advised the board and C-suite executives on the current state of affairs and the future of the energy sector.

He is the Head of Business Intelligence and Public Relations at Hohm Energy, which is South Africa’s solar fintech marketplace that has quickly become SA’s market-leader in providing solar installations.

He is also the face of Hohm Energy, which involves regular media engagements

In 2018 he completed a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) dissertation titled: Eskom, Too Big To Fail, or Necessitated Change?

In his capacity as an Energy Expert, he is on the radio and TV news on a weekly basis, providing insights and commentary regarding recent news within the energy sector.

Alan is currently one of the Co-Founders of Arion Power and has a keen interest in problem solving and product development within the energy space. His keen interest in the energy space has led him to focus on addressing the challenges posed by South Africa’s power shortage crisis.

Throughout his career at Arion Power, Alan has actively pursued collaborations and partnerships to ensure the successful implementation of Arion Powers solutions. He has worked closely with SMME owners and individuals, understanding their pain points and crafting tailored solutions to enhance their resilience in the face of load-shedding.

Brian is also Co-founder of an ICTS and Green energy Company Arion Power, that aims at making internet and green energy technologies accessible to the masses by designing and manufacturing products that are designed for the Pan African context.

Brian also Works with the United Nation International Telecommunications Union ITU and was a speaker at the 2022 ITU World Telecommunications Development conference held in Kigali Rwanda, developing strategies to bridge the digital divide amongst the African youth.

Makgosi, a seasoned tech professional with nearly two decades of experience, harbours a deep-rooted passion for technology, particularly in the telco sector. Despite diversifying into industries like Insurance and IT reseller, she finds telco’s intricacies most compelling. Her journey includes pivotal roles such as CIO at Faritec and IT Strategy Executive, before shifting gears to commercial roles.

Notably, she served as Chief of Staff at Telkom Group, offering strategic counsel to the GCEO and currently as Managing Executive for Telkom Business and Home Solutions. Makgosi remains dedicated to fostering leadership and empowering women through coaching and mentorship, leveraging her extensive corporate insights.

Mr. Magoma serves as the Country Director for the Centre of Business and Entrepreneurship Development (CBED) which was triggered by the need to empower Africans for Africa’s sustainable growth and development through entrepreneurship training. He is extremely interested in the opportunities that the continent’s digitization is bringing about and specializes in disruptive innovation and 4IR. He is an advocate for youth entrepreneurship and has worked widely in the NGO sector across Africa. He has also been a speaker, facilitator, and panelist at many local and international events, including the African Union, European Identity Week, Africa Research Group, The Innovation Hub, ISPA iWeek, and the World Youth Forum in Egypt. He consults with various organizations, largely driven by his expertise and experience working in African small and medium enterprises, specifically the social enterprise sector.

Talifhani Banks studied Statistics at the University of Pretoria and has worked for Massmart, Pick n Pay, Grohe, and Autozone before going full-time into entrepreneurship.

In 2017, Talifhani started Analytics Advertising with the aim of helping large entities manage Cloud, Data, and Software. In 2020, Talifhani saw an opportunity to develop a platform that would connect communities through their own cuisines, grocery products, and fresh produce.

After conducting research and development for Spaza Eats, the company launched in 2023. It has now been a year since the launch, and they are growing rapidly.

They are currently operating in Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, and key areas in Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Free State, and Northwest.

Talifhani likes to think of himself as innovative, strategic, and analytical in his decision-making.

Nazareen Ebrahim, a visionary in media, technology, and communications, boasts 20 years of unparalleled expertise. At the helm of Naz Consulting International, she pioneers the future of business with cutting-edge AI tools to revolutionize productivity and marketing. As the AI Ethics Lead at Socially Acceptable, Nazareen champions the cause of responsible digital citizenship through her extensive public education efforts. Additionally, as a director of the Minara Chamber of Commerce, she spearheads technology and PR strategies, solidifying her status as a distinguished leader in the industry. She is also an advisory board member at the South African AI Association.

OS is an award-winning technology firm that specializes in business, ERP, internal controls and financial management systems. I have developed a management team that strives to ensure that OS Holdings is a leader in the industry. We have a culture of excellence, growth, innovation and education; this is to keep abreast with the technology changes and ensure that we become the trusted advisor to our clients.

Gugulethu is an award-winning broadcaster and a well-versed orator, with plenty of experience in front of the cameras, behind the microphone and addressing many diverse audiences. This skill, together with her sound grasp of the financial markets, economic data and current affairs and the impact this has on the business community, makes her the perfect candidate to speak to industry analysts, political leaders, and c-suite executives from across the African continent. She is currently the presenter of Kaya FM’s prime time, award-winning business show, Kaya Bizz. She has served as a conference chair, moderator and programme director at various industry gatherings that impact the business and investment landscape, including facilitating the second annual South Africa Investment Conference in 2019, hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.