Carmen Davids
CEO
WilliamDavid Travel
Carmen Davids
CEO of WilliamDavid Travel
Carmen Davids, the Chief Executive Officer of WilliamDavid Travel, boasts a formidable 12-year tenure in the Travel Industry. Her illustrious career encompasses four years of expertise with one of South Africa’s top three airlines, an additional four years of invaluable experience with the premier international travel agency in South Africa at the time, and a further four years dedicated to the establishment and growth of WilliamDavid Travel. Her skill set extends across the intricacies of the Travel World, with a meticulous emphasis on Management, Operations, and Logistics.
Tasneem Motara
MEC Department of Economic Development
Gauteng Province
Tasneem Motara
MEC Department of Economic Development
MEC Tasneem Motara is committed to making a difference in every area of her life, with a passion for women empowerment and youth development.
Early Life
Born into a family of community activists, MEC Motara cut her teeth in political activism in her late teens having joined the ANC and its Youth League, which she led from local to provincial structures, for a period spanning 17 years of her life. She concurrently led the ANC’s local and provincial structures, culminating into her election to the party’s Provincial Executive Committee first in 2019 and again in 2022. In 2019 she served as a member of the Working Committee and ANC provincial Spokesperson, and was elected as the Deputy Provincial Secretary in 2022.
Education
Tasneem holds a Degree in Psychology from UNISA, a Certificate in Governance and Public Leadership from WITS School of Governance and completed the University of Central London’s IIPP Executive Education Programme.
Work Experience
MEC Motara has served in both the private and public sectors, and has experience in both the financial and construction industries. Her first years in the public sector were spent in 2010 where she served as the Deputy Chairperson of the NYDA Gauteng Board, a position she held for 2 years before joining Parliament in 2014. She held various positions in the National Council of Provinces, notably as a whip of the Gauteng delegation, a whip of the Select Committees on Finance and Appropriations and a permanent member of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. Following the 2019 General Elections, Tasneem was appointed as the MEC for Infrastructure Development and has now in 2022 been assigned the responsibility of leading the Department of Economic Development as its MEC. A hard working, self-driven, team playing individual, MEC Motara draws her strength from constantly learning and doing. A results driven individual, Tasneem has demonstrated her leadership capabilities and skills and is able to get the most productivity from any team she leads. Tasneem prides herself at being a very fast learner who adapts to any condition she operates under. She lives by the belief that there is a solution to very problem and no task is too daunting or insurmountable to be undertaken.
Other Achievements
MEC Tasneem Motara represented South Africa in two WFDY Festivals, first in 2010 and then again in 2013. She has also represented South Africa at the United Nations during her tenure as the Deputy Director for Youth in Gauteng and made presentations and input into the development of the UNSDGS. A doting mother of three, Tasneem devotes much of her free time to her husband and children. She enjoys reading, listening to music and horse riding during her leisure time.
Nombulelo Guliwe
Acting Chief Executive Officer
South African Tourism
Nombulelo Guliwe
Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism
Chartered Accountant Nombulelo Guliwe joined South African Tourism as a Financial Compliance & Performance Manager in 2011. She has since held numerous finance management positions within the organisation, leading to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer in August 2019. She is currently the Acting Chief Executive Officer. Nombulelo is highly skilled in financial management, strategic planning and execution, financial reporting and budgeting, supply chain and asset management as well as people management. She is currently the chair of the South African Tourism Pension Fund, and has been a trustee of the same fund since 2012. She is registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants as a Chartered Accountant (SA) and holds a Bachelor degree and Bachelor Honours degree in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg.
Sthembiso Dlamini
CEO
Gauteng Tourism Authority
Sthembiso Dlamini
CEO of Gauteng Tourism Authority
Ms Sthembiso Dlamini is an accomplished leader with a track record of driving innovation, growth, and strategic excellence. She is a Board Committee Member at the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) and currently holds the position of CEO at the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA), responsible for marketing and positioning Gauteng as a tourist destination of choice and a competitive global city region across Africa and the World.
Before joining the GTA, Sthembiso was a Chief Operating Officer at South Africa Tourism (SAT), managing a portfolio of R700 million and over 80 employees and was later asked to act as the CEO.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project and Programme Management. She also recently completed her Master of Commerce in Programme Management
Nico Rowan
CEO & Chairperson
N Squared Investments | Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA)
Nico Rowan
CEO & Chairperson of N Squared Investments | Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA)
As the previous CEO/Owner of the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria, Nico Rowan brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hospitality to the forefront of the organization. With a dynamic leadership style and a commitment to excellence, he have played a pivotal role in shaping the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria into a premier destination for travellers.
Nico Rowan commenced his professional journey at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria in December 1999, where he held key positions such as Manager on Duty, Food & Beverage Manager, HR Manager, Rooms Divisions Manager, Assistant General Manager, General Manager, Sales & Marketing Manager, Managing Director & CEO/Owner. His dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences and his innovative approach to hotel management quickly propelled him into many leadership roles & ultimately CEO/ownership.
In 2019, Nico assumed the role of CEO at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria, a position he have held with distinction. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to elevating the guest experience, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring the Manhattan Hotel remained at the forefront of the hospitality industry in Pretoria.
Known for his hands-on and guest-centric approach, Nico fosters a culture of hospitality excellence within the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria. He prioritized attention to detail, personalized service, a commitment to exceeding guest expectations, made all employees competent, feel noticed and valued that cultivated a family at the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria making this hotel the preferred choice for travellers coming to Pretoria.
After Nico sold the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria in 2022, he started N Squared (Hospitality Business Consulting and Digital Transformation). N Squared assists hospitality businesses with their operations and digital transformation. With a host of competent suppliers and contractors that have been trailed, tested & vetted to Nico’s very high standards, N Squared can effortlessly transform hospitality businesses (small, medium or large) with cutting edge systems and equipment as well as the expertise to streamline operations, financial controls and procedures to maximize profitability.
Beyond the walls of the Manhattan Hotel Pretoria & N Squared, Nico is actively engaged in tourism initiatives. He believes in giving back to the industry and have been involved with the Tshwane Tourism Association since 2013 and has been the chairman of the association since 2019 to date.
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa
CEO
Tourism Business Council of South Africa
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa
CEO of Tourism Business Council of South Africa.
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. Tshifhiwa is a strategic, versatile and innovative marketing, tourism, communications and business executive. His experience spans 20 years, with a track record of visionary leadership, strategic project development and execution, travel and tourism events management and communications.
Tshifhiwa holds an MSc in International Business, Leadership, and Management from the University of York, Bachelor of Business Administration on Marketing Communications (Institute of Marketing Management) Diploma in Marketing (Institute of Marketing Management) and a National Diploma in Tourism Management (University of Johannesburg).
In the 20 years since his first foray into the world of work, Tshifhiwa has worked for various companies in the tourism value chain including South African Tourism, Myriad Marketing, FEDHASA, Rennies Travel, SARS and others. He has also consulted for various companies.
Tshifhiwa has also served as a member of Tourism Transformation Council, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and currently serves on the global Board of Advisors for “The Sigmund Project” which supports innovation and collaboration in Tourism across the globe.
Tshifhiwa has positioned himself as a thought leader and advocate for the South African tourism sector. He is an ambassador for tourism development in South Africa and Africa. He regularly writes, debates and comments on tourism development and growth in South Africa.
Velma Corcoran
Regional Lead
Airbnb – Middle East Africa
Velma Corcoran
Regional Lead at Airbnb - Middle East Africa
Velma Corcoran is Regional Lead, Middle East Africa at Airbnb, and formerly Country Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa for the international home-sharing platform. Her role sees her working on business growth, strategy and policies for the Middle East and Africa region.
She previously held the position of marketing executive at Cape Town Tourism, where she worked with the team to create award-winning campaigns and ensured that the Mother City was always top of mind for domestic and international tourists.
She is passionate about the power of technology to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth through tourism. With many years of industry experience behind her, she has become a leading female figure in the business.
Natalia Rosa
CEO
Big Ambitions
Natalia Rosa
CEO of Big Ambitions
Natalia Rosa serves as the CEO of Big Ambitions, a communications and marketing company based in Cape Town, with a focus on travel and tourism. She has built a strong network within these sectors in South Africa and holds various leadership positions. In addition to her work at Big Ambitions, Natalia is the Communications Manager for SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism in Southern Africa, the Tourism Project Lead for the SADC Business Council, the Executive President of the global Travel Lifestyle Network, and a board member of FEDHASA Cape in South Africa. With a Master’s degree in Publishing, Natalia combines her communication skills with a strategic business approach. She has a particular interest in the role of Artificial Intelligence in travel and tourism and has organised AI Masterclasses to explore its practical applications. Her goal is to help businesses and their teams in the travel sector leverage AI for more efficient operations. Under Natalia’s guidance, Big Ambitions maintains a team that is both qualified in marketing and passionate about travel, positioning the company to stay current with industry trends. Natalia’s multifaceted roles and interests make her a notable figure in the travel and tourism landscape, both in South Africa and on a global scale.
Llewellyn Devereaux
Founder & CEO
The Genie Group
Llewellyn Devereaux
Founder & CEO of The Genie Group
Llewellyn Devereaux is a Visionary, Global Business Speaker (The stage is his Colosseum & the mic is his sword), and a best-selling author. His objective with his talks is to always invigorate, educate and inspire the clients’ audience leaving them wanting more & as a result, he’s given to clients worldwide.
He is the founder and CEO of The Genie Group and he consults for multiple companies across different industries in areas of innovation & strategy helping companies and governments with fresh & exciting ideas for growth while helping with implementation.
After completing his studies at Wits University having done Economics, he had an idea in 2012 to invent the world’s first premium anti-hangover shooter – Lohocla (alcohol backward), a product to help alleviate the symptoms of a hangover so that responsible people could still function after nights out. This product became available nationwide and soon to be exported to Europe and the USA.
As a result of the product’s success, he was named one of the top 40 under 40 Entrepreneurs in Africa by African Independent Magazine in 2018 and has been featured on multiple radio and TV interviews. He is now the founder of Craft Club Africa, Llewellyn Devereaux Seminars, Fashion X Africa, he is a Brand South Africa ambassador, a mentor at the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation & the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Africa Trade Chain to help with the South African implementation of the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Agreement) as seeing Africa thrive is a burning passion of his.
He is on a mission to create prosperity in Africa.
Lerato Semenya
Managing Director
Chromatic Consulting
Lerato Semenya
Managing Director of Chromatic Consulting
Lerato is a dynamic, passionate leader and speaker with a talent for telling stories that inspire action. She is a credible voice in strategy development, decision making and establishing governance boundaries.
Communication, and advocacy is her passion, developed and honed through her 17-year corporate career which has spanned across the Mining, Financial Services, Oil and Gas, and IT industries. Chromatic Consulting is in its 5th year of operation.
She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where employees (especially women and members of the LGBTI+ community) can contribute meaningfully to the development of our economy. She achieves this vision through facilitating dialogue, empowerment and training (skills development) and creating change at the systemic level of corporate entities, so they can drive the changes that advocacy has been evangelising for years. Her Diversity and Inclusion work through Chromatic Consulting, seeks to create networks of change.
She is also the Chairperson of the Board of Kuehne + Nagel South Africa. Kuehne+Nagel is headquartered in Switzerland, with a presence all over the world – a global logistics partner that offers highly specialised solutions for major industries worldwide.
Erika Reeves
Director
Women In Tech
Erika Reeves
Director of Women In Tech
A dedicated recruitment professional with over 25 years’ experience, specialising
in IT talent recruitment and solutions. Privileged to do what she loves- being a
part of people’s career journey and connecting the right talent, with the right
job, at the right company.
Joint owner and Director of Networkers International South Africa, a recruitment
consultancy, providing both IT and Engineering recruitment services and
solutions.
One of the Founding Members/Directors of Women In Tech, South Africa Chapter.
Passionate about women empowerment, diversity and inclusion and creating
awareness of the opportunities in the STEAM space. Believes in “keeping people
at the heart” of all we do.
Barry Clemens
CEO
HospitalityEQ
Barry Clemens
CEO of HospitalityEQ
Barry Clemens is the Group CEO for HospitalityEQ and is a seasoned hospitality and tourism professional with a passion for start-ups and technology. With a strong background in hospitality management, he has excelled in delivering exceptional service and implementing cutting-edge technologies. As an advisor and board member, Barry has guided numerous start-ups, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and digital strategies. His impactful contributions have earned him prestigious awards, highlighting his leadership and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. Barry’s diverse skill-set and unwavering dedication make him a valuable resource in both the hospitality, Tourism and start-up industries.
Lloyd Barkhuizen
Head of Travel
Ticketpro
Lloyd Barkhuizen
Head of Travel of Ticketpro
Lloyd started his career in 1989 with South African Airways and has worked within a number of travel-related industries over the past 34 years including hospitality, connectivity providers and travel management.
He successfully obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership through the University of Stellenbosch Business School. Lloyd also obtained a Mini Marketing MBA with Professor Mark Ritson.
Lloyd has worked with some of South Africa’s biggest blue chip companies in the implementation and development of their travel programs.
He has a passion for travel and travel technology and the impact technology will have on travellers and organizations alike. Lloyd views travel as an enabler of business and believes that legacy architecture no longer serves the modern traveller.
Lloyd in his capacity as Head of Travel with Ticketpro, launched a new Travel Management Company – Ticketpro Travel Solutions. – geared at challenging the legacy travel market.
Ticketpro Travel Solutions will focus on a deep and seamless technology first travel experience. This level of innovation is what the business market has needed for some time now.
Lloyd believes that travel technology used by Ticketpro Travel Solutions is what is needed to future proof businesses and travellers of the future.
A seamless platform that focuses on the traveller, while ensuring all travel suppliers have a seat at the table. Fostering more collaborative relationships for all involved in the travel ecosystem.
Gerald Ferreira
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
Gerald Ferreira
Entrepreneur
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Pioneer from South Africa
Gerald Ferreira stands at the vanguard of immersive technology as an entrepreneur, innovator, and pioneer in South Africa’s Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) landscapes.
Key Highlights:
Extensive Experience: Over 24 years in VR, AR, IT, web development, and SEO, showcasing a multifaceted skillset in the digital arena.
Pioneering Work: Developed more than 125 tailored VR solutions catering to diverse sectors, including marketing, advertising, education, training, and gamification.
Business Leadership: Founded multiple acclaimed VR and AR companies in South Africa, with names like Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, VR 360, Virtual Realities, Virtual Reality Schools, and Virtual Reality Universities under his helm.
Digital Footprint: Achieved over 15 million views on Google Street View, demonstrating a tangible impact in the digital world.
Commitment to Innovation: Recently inaugurated a VR Innovation hub to prepare South Africans for the 4th Industrial Revolution, emphasizing the transformative role of VR and AR.
Social Responsibility:
Gerald’s commitment extends beyond business. He’s deeply invested in uplifting his community:
Launched a VR innovation hub in Klerksdorp, offering VR education and training, aiming to empower and upskill South Africans for future technological shifts.
Initiated the Virtual Reality School and Virtual Reality University programs, presenting affordable education and training avenues.
Organized frequent community sessions introducing VR and AR, focusing on bringing cutting-edge tech to previously disadvantaged groups.
Speaker Engagements:
A sought-after voice in the industry, Gerald is often invited to speak at major events. His topics of choice encompass Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and the profound implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
In collaboration with prominent brands and a wide array of satisfied customers, Gerald Ferreira’s story is one of relentless innovation, a commitment to excellence, and a profound desire to make a meaningful difference in the digital age.
Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Expert
Gerald Ferreira is a leading figure in South Africa’s burgeoning virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) industries. With a track record spanning several years, Gerald has been at the forefront of immersive technology applications, both in the country and beyond.
Accomplishments:
Successfully led projects for esteemed organizations like Dube TradePort Corporation, creating augmented reality experiences, interactive maps, and immersive 360 tours.
Partnered with major brands such as DSTV to develop and launch nationwide educational activations.
Pioneered several VR experiences in South Africa and Botswana on behalf of Splendid Marketing and Communications.
Collaborated with large banks in South Africa to develop immersive VR and AR solutions.
Testimonies:
Taryn Muller, Marketing Officer at Dube TradePort Corporation, describes Gerald as “highly knowledgeable, reliable, and technically experienced” in the AR and VR realm.
Nichelle Stephens from ASSEGAI & JAVELIN acknowledges Gerald’s “absolute professionalism” and commendable service.
Lerato Mutele, Co-founder of Academic Republic Agency, highlights Gerald’s professionalism, flexibility, and industry insights.
Ms. Zama Phakathi, CEO of Splendid Marketing, calls Gerald a “talented entrepreneur and VR specialist” who delivers quality experiences with professionalism.
Simon Wilkinson, COO of Blacklight, endorses Gerald for his insights, passion, and dedication to quality VR and AR projects.
Special Mentions:
Gerald’s services in the digital realm extend beyond just AR and VR. His expertise encompasses web development, SEO, and digital marketing. Several professionals, including Telmo dos Reis and Martin Sack, acknowledge Gerald’s contributions to the South African digital landscape and his dedication to enhancing global VR adoption.
Gerald’s unwavering commitment to his craft, combined with his vast experience and positive feedback from industry stakeholders, makes him an ideal speaker for events focusing on digital innovation, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the future of immersive technologies.
Shingai Matsanga
CEO
Kamba Travel & Tourism
Shingai Matsanga
CEO of Kamba Travel & Tourism
Shingai Matsanga is the Chief Executive Officer at Kamba Travel & Tourism. Kamba Travel & Tourism is a travel management company and your one-stop shop for everything involved with travel. This includes hotel reservations, air ticketing, transportation, accommodation and activities. Kamba Travel posseses extensive knowledge, expertise and resources in the design and implemntation of travel management. Shingai studied at Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School in Mauritius and has gathered over 8 years of experience in the travel & tourism industry. His experience spans over 3 continents with a special interest in Sub Saharan Africa. Shingai has the perfect skills to make sure Kamba Travel meet all the travel requirements and expectations for their clients.
Adi Eyal
Founder
OpenUp
Adi Eyal
Founder of OpenUp
Adi has a deep-rooted interest in using data and artificial intelligence to contribute to social change, focusing particularly on the role of data-informed decision-making in governance. His recent work leverages artificial intelligence for monitoring illicit financial activities, reflecting his ongoing interest in applying emerging technologies for societal benefits.
As the founder and former director of OpenUp, a civic technology lab, Adi spearheaded initiatives that developed data-driven platforms like Vulekamali and Municipal Money. These projects had a notable impact on South Africa’s budget transparency, leading to the country’s high ranking in the International Budget Partnership’s Open Budget Survey.
Adi has also contributed his insights to advisory roles with governmental bodies, serving on the City of Cape Town’s Open Data Steering Committee and aiding in the development of open data policies. His involvement extended to the South African Open Government Partnership Open Data Advisory Committee.
Committed to the idea that data literacy can empower individuals and communities, Adi has been influential in the realm of journalism as well. He initiated Africa’s first Data Journalism Academy. He has also worked on hard-hitting investigations leading to a number of journalism awards for data and investigative journalism.
He was formerly a board member of My Vote Counts an organisation that advocates for a transparent, inclusive, and accountable political system in South Africa. He regards data literacy as a fundamental building block for participatory democracy and is keen on making data accessible to a wider audience.
Adi regularly contributes to the African Investigative Journalism Conference, where his recent focus has been on the confluence of artificial intelligence and investigative journalism. He currently serves as an AI strategist, guiding organisations in pinpointing opportunities to optimise operations and glean insights through the effective use of artificial intelligence.
Lizanne du Plessis
CEO
Eco Africa Digital
Lizanne du Plessis
Founder and CEO of Eco Africa Digital
Lizanne du Plessis, the Founder and CEO of Eco Africa Digital, is at the forefront of transforming digital marketing for tourism in Africa. Located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, her journey is a fusion of passion, commitment, and profound love for the continent. Central to Lizanne’s mission is Eco Africa Digital, a dynamic agency dedicated to advancing direct bookings for tourism. She collaborates closely with clients who share her commitment to sustainability, conservation, and local community upliftment, shaping a brighter future for the industry.
Eco Africa Digital specializes in performance-driven digital marketing campaigns, focusing on generating leads. With expertise in Social Media Content Management, Paid Ads, Google PPC Ads, SEO, Email Marketing and Web Development, their impressive track record spans over a decade. The agency also recently launched into the edtech arena, with “BASE CAMP – Social Media for Tourism Training”. Their exceptional contributions have earned Eco Africa Digital the Runner-Up position for the “Most Compelling Agency Story in 2023” by the World Travel Market Africa.
Beyond her agency, Lizanne is a sought-after industry thought leader, sharing insights in panels, masterclasses, and keynote presentations across Eastern and Southern Africa. Her expertise guides the path toward increasing direct bookings for tourism across the continent. Lizanne was recently awarded as Winner in the “Outstanding Women in Leadership” as well as the “Outstanding Entrepreneurship” categories at the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 2023. These accolades reflect Lizanne’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism industry.
David Ives
Partner
PwC Advisory practice
David Ives
Partner in the PwC Advisory practice
Dave is a partner in the PwC Advisory practice. Dave currently leads the Alliance with Microsoft, including the building of the Data and Analytics practice in PwC. More recently, Dave was a Program Director at a leading Dynamics 365 FO implementation partner in the Netherlands, leading large transformation projects in Europe. Prior to this, Dave led a number of Business Groups at Altron Karabina during his tenure as Director/Owner of Karabina and iSPartners. Before this, Dave worked at Microsoft leading a number of industries and CTO for the Enterprise Group. Dave has extensive experience in the Industrial Manufacturing, Telco, Food and Beverage, Financial Services industries delivering ERP, CRM, Analytics and core platform projects. Dave is also passionate about Development and Deployment Best Practices across all realms of system delivery.
Sandile Khumalo
Innovation Analyst
COOi Studios
Sandile Khumalo
Innovation Analyst of COOi Studios
Sandile is passionate about technology, research, innovation and strategy. His past experienceworking for Sappi’s research and development division sparked his love for innovation. His skill-set includes, process modeling, process optimization, data and process analysis. As a Strategy Senior Analyst at COOi Studios, his work is focused on assisting enterprises develop digital transformation strategies, leveraging data analytics and insights to solve business challenges as well as facilitating resilience and inclusive thinking workshops.
Mmuso Mafisa
CO-Founder & CEO
Veza Interactive
Mmuso Mafisa
CO-Founder & CEO of Veza Interactive
Mmuso Mafisa is one of the country’s most recognised photographer, filmmaker, and digital innovation specialist at the cusp of 4th Industrial Revolution. He’s a Co-Founder & CEO of an AR-VR startup called “Veza Interactive”. Which designs bespoke content for educational & marketing solutions. Additionally he was a NFT curator (for Artano) to help bring artists around the world an opportunity to get exposure in the Web3 economy.
Anthony Eva
Co-Founder
bizAR Reality
Anthony Eva
Co-Founder of bizAR Reality
Anthony Eva is the Co-Founder of bizAR Reality, an Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality company. Anthony has in-depth knowledge inside the technology industry in which he has successfully implemented several technological advancements in major companies. As a technology consultant he has assisted many organisations and companies keep up with the fast pace of technology and keep ahead of competitors in their field.
Speaking on major platforms such as at the United Nations Summit, 702 Talk Radio, SABC News and several other conferences, Anthony is seen as a knowledge expert in the AR and VR industry in South Africa.
Dean Snyders
Founder & CEO
Decanus Airlines
Dean Snyders
Founder & CEO of Decanus Airlines
Founder of a Regional Commercial Airline in Africa starting in 2024(Commercial License in South Africa, Registered in the Cape Chamber of Commerce & actively working in British Somaliland 1937).
Never too young to start a Market. At the age of 19 he had a goal of starting his own airline as he noticed an opportunity in the African continent in the aviation field, luckily this was possible with the support and guidance of his three business partners who have over 40 years of combined business and aviation experience. Dean who is currently 24 years of age is trying to make a difference in the airline/business world by creating and opening a window of opportunities in the African Continent by creating a market strategy.
Dean is honoured and excited to have been accepted and starting his Bachelor of Business Administration studies at the Business School of Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland.
His passion drives him, He is a doer, ambitious, visionary perseverance, and a determined person.
Dean stands for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams.
Dr Bridget Ssamula
CEO
Engineering Council of South Africa
Dr Bridget Ssamula
CEO of Engineering Council of South Africa
Dr Bridget Ssamula, is currently the CEO for Engineering council South Africa. She spent 9 years in AECOM a global infrastructure engineering firm in 2013 has held and managed various portfolios at a regional and global level, ranging from Business development to Project delivery and operations. Her last role at AECOM was the Senior Director for Key Accounts for AECOM in the US East & LATAM region and led AECOM entities in Uganda in 2016 and East Africa in 2018. She is passionate about mentoring and has been involved in strategizing, planning, and implementing social impact initiatives as part of our Project delivery model through jobs, skills transfer, and Small business engagement. Formally trained as a civil engineer, Bridget holds a PhD in transportation engineering from University of Pretoria, in South Africa and an MBA in Aviation Management, from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, USA. Bridget has over 20 years’ experience in various sectors in research & academia, operations (airlines, ports & Rail) and consulting.
She has held directorship portfolios on boards of various transport entities and strategic planning & advisory roles for universities, cities and states, whilst in South Africa. She served as a Non- Executive Director for: Mayibuye Transport Corporation (MTC) (2015-2019) Air Traffic Navigation Services (2014-2017); South African Express Airways from 2007-2015. She has also previously served as an Industry advisory Board for the University of Pretoria in the Department of Civil Engineering, a Steering Committee Member for the Gauteng Integrated Transport Master Plan until 2013 and as a Transport Advisor for the City of Johannesburg in the development of the Growth Development Strategy (GDS) 2040 until 2012, and served on the Gauteng E-Toll Advisory Panel, appointed in 2014. She has numerous industry awards and recognitions and she is the author of a variety of peer reviewed conferences, conference papers, technical papers and mainstream articles in the field of aviation in Africa.
Kamohelo Motaung
Head of Data Governance
Experian
Kamohelo Motaung
Head of Data Governance at Experian
My name is Kamohelo Motaung, and I have had a fulfilling career in the field of audit and data governance. I started my career as an internal auditor, but I quickly realized my passion for IT audit. When data analytics was introduced to the field, and the ability to review the whole population of data instead of a sample base became possible, I knew I had to specialize in data analytics for internal audit.
After honing my skills in data analytics, I moved to governance, where I was responsible for data integrity and quality assurance. This position introduced me to the world of data governance, and I quickly developed a fascination for this area of expertise. I am currently a Head of Data Governance at Experian.
Lerato Ditshego
Entrepreneur, Speaker & Coach
Ent
Lerato Ditshego
Entrepreneur, Speaker & Coach
Lerato Ditshego is an entrepreneur, speaker and coach. She has a decade long corporate marketing experience having worked for multinational companies such as Cisco Systems and MTN. Today she is the co-founder of a successful content creation agency turned Generative AI agency.
She is also a shareholder and director of a boutique hotel nestled in Limpopo, Polokwane. Her love for speaking and engaging people has seen her grace many stages in the capacity of Programme director and designated moderator of industry events. She exudes vitality, fuelled by unbridled passion and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Danielle Laity
General Manager
WigWag
Danielle Laity
General Manager of WigWag
Danielle is the GM of WigWag, a new payments platform designed for small businesses, startups and entrepreneurs.
In the past Danielle has worked for both large banks and startups. During her time as Open Innovation Manager at Standard Bank, she ran the product development of Shyft. In the startup space she has worked on Product and Strategy at Luno and Yoco as well as consulting to 22Seven. Before heading up WigWag, she worked at its parent company, Stitch, where she was a Product Lead.
Adv Dipuo Motjieng
Immigration Specialist
Imm
Adv Dipuo Motjieng
Immigration Specialist
Dipuo is an Admitted Advocate of the High Court, she completed her LLB with the University of South Africa and is currently studying towards a Masters in Corporate Law. She has extensive experience in the immigration law space by ensuring a seamless, smooth, stress free and professional visa application process. She was inspired to join the immigration space as she has passion for people and for the law.
Outside work, she enjoys hiking and spending time with her daughter.