Benjamin Pius is a distinguished visionary in the media and technology space, helping to create, incubate and lead companies and organisations – especially in the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) space – to growth and profitability.

With a career spanning over two decades at the C-level, Benjamin has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader, specialising in business and organisational transformations, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional financial performances.

As Broadcast Media Africa’s founder, CEO, and Publisher, Benjamin has established a pan-continental networking platform, bringing together media and tech professionals to foster collaboration and innovation. Simultaneously, he serves as the chief executive officer for BSP Media Group, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in the industry.

Benjamin is deeply engaged in incubating and bringing to market “MOOA,” a revolutionary media-tech platform designed to discover and exchange audio-visual assets. This project reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and his dedication to shaping the future of the media and technology landscape.
As he continues to lead and inspire, Benjamin Pius stands as a driving force in the evolution of the TMT industry – especially within the Africa ecosystem – leaving an indelible legacy of success and forward-thinking.

Miss Nada Wotshela is the Group Executive for SABC Radio, a position she has held since November 2017. Her portfolio of 19 radio stations ensures that the public broadcaster enjoys a 73% share of all radio listening in South Africa. With a total audience of 27 million listeners and advertising revenue that exceeds R1,6 billion, Miss Wotshela is certainly amongst the most powerful women in South African media. Her illustrious career in broadcasting started at a community radio station in her home town
of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in 1996. She joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in 1999 as a junior announcer at Umhlobo Wenene FM. In 2003 she became the Programme Manager of the then 2nd biggest radio station in the country and went through intense on-the-job training in programming mechanics, from ESP Media of Australia.

In 2005 Miss Wotshela was appointed as station manager of CKI FM (formerly Radio Ciskei) in Bhisho, and she was given two unambiguous mandates, to fully integrate the station into the SABC and to reposition and rebrand it into a youth radio station. Within two years she delivered present day tru fm, complete with a prototype PBS radio structure and youth programming. She moved back to Umhlobo Wenene FM in 2008 and became its first female and youngest station manager at the age of 34.

Amongst her achievements at the oldest isiXhosa broadcaster is the current corporate identity and the station’s first professionally commissioned on-air imaging (Molo Kaloku by Sliq Angel). She also launched what later became the biggest radio show in South Africa with 3 million listeners per week, the station’s breakfast show better known as BEE. In November 2011 Miss Wotshela moved to Cape Town to become the Provincial General Manager for SABC in the Western Cape province.

Under her current leadership SABC Radio has managed to navigate uncharted waters such as the Covid 19 pandemic and the ensuing Digital explosion, and came out stronger! She is a proud graduate of the University of Fort Hare, she also completed MAP at Wits Business School, and various other broadcast related certificates. She was recently honoured with a Transformational Leadership in Corporate South Africa award by the Africa for Africa Women’s Conference organization.

Lungile Binza is a distinguished figure in the realm of technology and digital innovation, currently serving
as the COO of the SABC; his substantive role is Group Executive for Technology & Chief Digital
Officer. With a rich academic background and extensive professional experience spanning over two
decades, Lungile stands as a prominent authority in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital
transformation, and ICT leadership.

Lungile’s academic journey reflects his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. He holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics, laying the foundation for
his career as a software engineer. Building upon this expertise, he pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in
Business Administration (PDBA) to complement his technical acumen with business insights. Further
advancing his education, Lungile earned dual Master’s degrees—a Master of Commerce (MCom) in
Information Systems from the University of Cape Town and a Master in Business Administration (MBA)
with a focus on General Management & ICT from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business
Science. Currently, he is on the cusp of completing his Ph.D. in ethical Artificial Intelligence from the
University of Cape Town, showcasing his dedication to exploring cutting-edge concepts and addressing
ethical considerations within AI.

Throughout his career, Lungile has held pivotal roles across diverse sectors, including broadcasting,
investment banking, travel and tourism, retail banking, insurance, central banking, and manufacturing.
Passionate about driving technological advancements and fostering leadership excellence, Lungile
actively engages in mentorship and coaching initiatives. He leverages his extensive experience and
expertise to inspire the next generation of ICT leaders, emphasising the importance of embracing digital
transformation and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence for societal progress.

Lungile’s influence extends beyond the confines of his professional roles, as he is a sought-after speaker
and panellist at prestigious industry events such as Gartner, GovTech, and International Data Corporation
(IDC) Summits and Conferences in South Africa. His thought leadership and insights continue to shape
the discourse surrounding emerging technologies, paving the way for a future where innovation drives
sustainable growth and societal well-being.

As the CEO of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), I lead a dynamic team committed to promoting and ensuring media development and diversity in South Africa. I am particularly interested in fostering sustainability in community broadcasting, as well as community and small commercial print, and online media projects. With over 20 years of experience in broadcast and digital media, my passion lies in exploring innovative technologies, including AI, to elevate storytelling and strengthen audience connections.

I am also a sessional lecturer and facilitator at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I teach the New and Social Media for Radio course at the Wits Radio Academy. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with the next generation of media professionals and helping them navigate the changing landscape of journalism, podcasting, audio streaming, and analytics.

I am a lifelong learner myself, with multiple certifications and degrees in marketing communication, strategic brand communications, broadcasting and digital media policy, and connected strategy.

I am also fluent in Sesotho and English, and have elementary proficiency in French

Mzo Jojwana is the Chief Content Officer at Primedia Broadcasting, one of South Africa’s leading media groups, where he drives content strategy and innovation across premium radio brands including 702, 947, KFM, and CapeTalk. With nearly two decades of experience in the radio broadcast industry, Mzo is widely respected for his deep understanding of both content and commercial dynamics in a rapidly evolving media environment.

Mzo began his career at Primedia 18 years ago and has worked across the radio value chain, from content producing on flagship breakfast shows at 702 and 567 CapeTalk, to holding senior programming leadership roles including 702 Station Manager. He has also served as Head of Programming at POWER 98.7, further broadening his industry insight and influence.

A champion of talent development and a believer in the power of local storytelling, Mzo has played a central role in growing audiences, designing bespoke commercial content solutions, and embracing innovation across platforms. Under his leadership, Primedia Broadcasting has consistently delivered strong EBITDA performance for the past three years, demonstrating resilience and strategic clarity in the post-COVID media landscape.

Mzo’s industry contributions have been recognized with accolades including being named the inaugural Producer of the Year at the MTN Radio Awards in 2010. He represent Primedia Broadcasting at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). He holds a Journalism and Media Studies qualification from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and completed a Programme for Management Development (PMD) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

With a keen interest in the intersection of digital and traditional media, Mzo is passionate about how platforms like smart TVs, smart Speakers, streaming services, and mobile ecosystems are reshaping radio’s future. When he’s not leading content innovation or mentoring emerging talent, Mzo indulges his personal passions, he’s an avid Formula1 fanatic, a runner, and a committed aviation enthusiast.

Davies Kabuswe is a seasoned investment professional, entrepreneur, and media expert with a passion for driving growth and innovation in various industries. As the Executive President of Sun Broadcasting Holdings, Moonstone Investment Limited, and Investoville Capital, Davies has established himself as a leader in the investment and media sectors.

Davies’ educational background is a range of qualifications that have equipped him with a strong foundation in finance, land economy, pension fund administration, corporate valuations, and media studies. His educational achievements include: Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance, Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Land Economy, Post Graduate Diploma in Pension Fund Administration, Corporate Valuations certification, Media Studies certification

In addition to his investment expertise, Davies has extensive media experience, serving as the Executive President of Sun Broadcasting Holdings Limited, a leading media conglomerate. Under his visionary leadership, Sun Broadcasting Holdings has expanded its portfolio to include: Sun FM Radio, Sun TV, Sun Sports TV, Konkola Radio, Sun Records, AdCentro, Daily News

Davies’ media expertise has enabled him to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the industry, driving innovation and growth in broadcasting, publishing, and entertainment. His strategic vision has positioned Sun Broadcasting Holdings as a dominant player in the media industry, shaping public discourse and entertaining audiences across the region.

With a career spanning over two decades, Davies has accumulated a wealth of experience in investment management, business development, strategic planning, and media operations. His expertise in identifying opportunities and mitigating risks has earned him a reputation as a shrewd investor, business leader, and media mogul.

Davies’ entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and commitment to excellence have earned him recognition and accolades within the business and media communities, earning the nost awards in the country. His dedication to giving back to society through philanthropic initiatives reflects his values of empathy, kindness, and responsibility.

Through his accomplishments and leadership, Davies Kabuswe has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs, investors, and media professionals. His legacy continues to shape the business and media landscapes, fostering growth, innovation, and prosperity for generations to come.

More than 30 years of experience in broadcasting, passionate about being a relevant voice in society.

Minenhle Dlamini has 16 years of experience in radio broadcasting. She started as an on- air presenter for Gagasi FM in 2009 and later worked as the Head of Department for Commercial and Promotions. She held this position from 2011 until July 2021 when she became the Managing Director of the regional commercial station.

Minenhle is responsible for providing thought leadership for the radio station and driving
commercial and programming strategies that focus on the growth of the radio station. Her education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of Kwa- Zulu Natal and a General Management Certificate from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. Coupled with her experience in radio, these qualifications have equipped her with a deep understanding of the operations, programming, and commercial management aspects of the radio station.

Minenhle is extremely obsessed with KZN, and is proud to be part of a radio station that
creates a sense of belonging for; the young black KZN adult, its clients and its talent.

With over 15 years of experience in the radio and marketing industries, I bring a deep understanding of how audio continues to evolve as a powerful medium in today’s media landscape.

My career has spanned roles in radio strategy, content development, and brand integration—working with both commercial and community stations to drive meaningful audience engagement.

I’m passionate about how radio intersects with digital platforms, and I’ve helped brands craft campaigns that resonate across multiple touchpoints.

I look forward to sharing insights on how radio remains relevant and adaptable in an age of rapid media change.

Samuel is the Chief Executive Officer of Citi FM and Citi TV in Accra, Ghana and has close to three (3) decades of experience in business development and media management practice. He has been involved in the setting up of market-leading media organizations in Ghana since 1995.

He started his career as an I.T. Systems Officer with the then ICL Computers and Digitronix Systems, combining systems work with Sales and Marketing. He then veered into Media, first as a passion and eventually building a career out of it. He became the Director of Programmes for Multimedia Broadcasting Ltd, helping with the setup of Joy FM, Luv FM and Adom FM, all in Ghana.

Mr. Attah-Mensah also worked as a Market Development Manager for Coca-Cola West Africa in Liberia and Sierra Leone where he was involved in rebuilding Coca-Cola’s presence in these countries after the civil wars. With his wealth of experience in marketing operations, Samuel also served as Director of Dannex Pharmaceuticals Limited in Ghana. He lectured at the University of Professional Studies, Accra in Services Marketing, Tourism Marketing and Strategic Management.

He is a fellow of the Aspen Institute as well as the African Leadership Initiative. He holds a first degree in Computer Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology and an MBA from Leicester University in the UK. He has served as panel member of the Association of International Broadcasters and was the Vice President of Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA).

My journey into radio began with a simple frustration: I had to switch stations just to catch sports updates. I shared the idea of adding a sports segment with a friend who worked at my favourite station and soon found myself pitching it to the director. That conversation opened the door to my first on-air opportunity—and I’ve been hooked on radio ever since.

I began my career at GNCR, then moved to Johannesburg to join Trans World Radio (TWR) as a music show presenter. Today, I serve as Regional Content Director for Africa at TWR, where I lead content strategy and programming across a diverse and dynamic continent.

In addition to my role at TWR, I also serve on the board of the Association for Christian Media, contributing to the broader growth and innovation of the radio industry in Africa.

Pfanani Lishivha is a results-driven business executive with more than 20 years’ experience in executive management, specialising in the field of collective rights administration and specifically the rights of South African recording artists. His proven management skills are bolstered by his 25-plus years in research and development, as well as in policymaking and regulations drafting.

Among his many qualifications, Pfanani has two Master’s degrees in policy development: Wits University (1995), and Queen Mary University of London (2023). His dissertation when studying with Queen Mary University of London was on the administration of neighbouring rights in South Africa.

Prior to joining SAMPRA as CEO, Pfanani worked at ICASA, South Africa’s broadcasting and telecommunications regulator, as Senior Manager: Policy Development and Research. After leaving ICASA, he joined SAMRO and held various executive roles in business development, performers’ rights, and customer services. Since joining SAMPRA as CEO in 2017, SAMPRA has processed and distributed just under R2b of Neighbouring Rights royalties. He has been responsible for ensuring SAMPRA’s stability. Thanks in large part to his efforts, this comparatively young CMO is on par with the best and oldest CMOs in the rest of the world. It efficiently documents and distributes Neighbouring Rights royalties to recording artists and record companies whose recordings have been performed in public.

Comfort Mbofana is a seasoned radio practitioner, having started his electronic media career as a producer/presenter in 1990 at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. He worked for the English language stations Radio One and Radio Three for 6 years, rising through the ranks to Senior Producer and then Acting Station Manager. He then branched out into Public Relations working for an international consultancy before going into advertising as General Manager in 2001.

In 2008, he became Managing Director of one of the top advertising agencies in Zimbabwe(which has a footprint in Southern Africa). In 2012, he returned to broadcasting as Senior Producer to a new radio station where he rose through the ranks to become Deputy General Manager(Programming Manager) and then General Manager  in 2015 for the station, Star FM. In 2017, he was appointed GM of the Zimpapers Radio Broadcasting Division which houses four radio stations- Capitalk 100.4FM, Diamond FM, Platinum FM and Zimbabwe’s leading urban radio station Star FM. Star FM has won 27 awards since inception and is the only radio station to have won the prestigious Superbrand Award 4 times as well as international awards.

A Malawian lawyer with 18 years’ professional experience in the public service of Malawi and having practical expertise in legislative drafting, legal drafting, international negotiations, litigation management, in-depth understanding of regional integration and cooperation, international trade in a regional and international context as well as a significant interface with international and regional organisations.

Has vast experience in resolution of ICT consumer complaints against operators and conducting education in ICT consumer rights and online safety including for child online users.

Jacqueline is the CEO of Highlands FM Radio, the first radio station in Southern Tanzania, which was launched in 2011. With over 14 years of experience in media and communications, she has worked with
more than 300 brands and led powerful campaigns that use radio and digital tools to drive development and reach rural communities.

Through her leadership, Jacqueline has built platforms that give voice to the underserved, provide data for decision-makers, and connect government, NGOs, and the private sector with everyday citizens. She’s
partnered with organizations like USAID, UNICEF, VOA and the BBC, and her work has earned her recognition as one of Africa’s top media leaders. In 2024 Jacqueline was named a ‘Media Leader’ by Mastercard Foundation Women SME Leaders for Asia, Africa and Europe for her work in using Media for development in Tanzania.

She’s also a wife, and a passionate mentor to young African journalists, always using media to spark positive change across the continent”

Olga Muteiwa is a seasoned and experienced all round Marketer. She has a career spanning over 25 years in the communications and media field. She has extensive practical experience in all aspects of advertising, brand development, concept and strategy, public relations, events, print, digital and in
the past 5 years has cut her teeth in broadcasting for both terrestrial radio and digital tele-radio. She holds an IMM Marketing Management diploma and a Management Advance Programme
from Wits Business School.

Olga is currently the General Manager for Heart & Soul Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe’s first tele-radio broadcasting station. Her depth of the media marketing landscape in Southern Africa has helped launch
revenue-generating models, that continue to evolve. Olga has led strategic teams in both Zimbabwe, South Africa and a brief stint in Lusaka,Zambia. She has worked for award-winning advertising agencies. She headed up the communications and marketing for the Mail & Guardian, overseeing the publicity launch of its Digital & Live platforms.

As Brand & Marketing Manager for the leading independent commercial radio station, Kaya FM, the organization won Commercial Station of the Year for two consecutive years. She has worked across sectors enabling the growth of several brands, and positioning them to become the most preferred print, digital, or broadcast brands in the industry.Olga Muteiwa is a seasoned and experienced all round Marketer. She has a career spanning over 25 years in the communications and media field. She has extensive practical experience in all aspects of advertising, brand development, concept and strategy, public relations, events, print, digital and in the past 5 years has cut her teeth in broadcasting for both terrestrial radio and digital tele-radio. She holds an IMM Marketing Management diploma and a Management Advance Programme from Wits Business School.

Olga is currently the General Manager for Heart & Soul Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe’s first tele-radio broadcasting station. Her depth of the media marketing landscape in Southern Africa has helped launch revenue-generating models, that continue to evolve. Olga has led strategic teams in both Zimbabwe, South Africa and a brief stint in Lusaka,Zambia. She has worked for award-winning advertising agencies. She headed up the communications and marketing for the Mail & Guardian, overseeing the publicity launch of its Digital & Live platforms. As Brand & Marketing Manager for the leading independent commercial radio station, Kaya FM, the organization won Commercial Station of the Year for two consecutive years. She has worked across sectors enabling the growth of several brands, and positioning them to become the most preferred print, digital, or broadcast brands in the industry.

Leigh Carter is a trailblazing media and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience shaping commercial strategies for leading Media Owners across Africa. With a career that spans Radio, TV, Digital, and Print, she brings unmatched insight into the evolving media ecosystem and how to build models that drive revenue and resonance.

She has held senior roles at Paramount Africa and Arena Holdings, where she led digital transformation, brand partnerships, and high-impact sponsorships. Now, as Head of Commercial at the Africa Podcast Network, Leigh is at the forefront of Africa’s podcasting boom—helping brands harness the power of on-demand audio to tell compelling stories and reach engaged audiences.

Leigh is known for launching platforms, scaling new revenue models, and building agile, high-performing teams. She combines strategic thinking with on-the-ground commercial execution, making her a sought-after voice on modern media monetisation.

Tusiime Miika also Known as Short Legend is a 25 year old student with disability awaiting graduation from Makerere University persuing Drama and Film. He’s the founder of Infinity Radio and Tv, the online platforms he established while in his 1st year, 2023 and by 2025, he has been working with a staff of fellow students about 20.

His innovation has been (is) serving a population of 35k students of Makerere University and students from other universities as it’s more of a campus innovation.

Besides Radio work, Miika is a Graphic Designer, voice over actor, Content Creator, Social Media Manager, Musician and a peer Educator. In 2024, Miika interned with UBC – Uganda’s national broadcaster with focus on radio (Magic 100Fm) Miika currently aims at continuing running his innovation as he has completed university.

With 32 years’ experience in the media and broadcasting landscape Johan has been at the helm of the SABC Radio’s Strategy Department for the past 10 years. The role requires him to provide leadership and direction in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for the SABC’s Radio Division comprising of 19 diverse national and regional radio stations reaching 27 million adults (aged 15+) per week.

Johan started his career at the SABC in 1992 and the variety of platforms and business opportunities in the organisation allowed him to move between various roles where he gained an in-depth knowledge of broadcasting across a spectrum of platforms and business disciplines.

Rapid developments in internet advertising in the early 2000’s led him to accept the position
of Online Media Manager at FCB South Africa where he managed internet advertising agency accounts for blue chip clients like Toyota, IBM, Siemens, Dimension Data, Vodacom and M-Web. This was followed by a 2-year stint as Key Account Manager at HAL Africa (subsidiary of Dimension Data). The dynamic environment public and commercial broadcasting offers lured him back to the SABC where he once again occupied many different positions until he settled in his current role.

Johan serves as Board member of the Broadcast Research Council with particular focus on Radio and the Radio Audience Measurement Survey currency. He also serves on several of the SABC’s OTT & Digital steering committees and was awarded Market Intelligence Top Achiever awards for 3 consecutive years. Johan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North West University, Diploma in Marketing from the IMM as well as diplomas and certificates in Digital Media and Digital Marketing and successfully completed an Executive Development Programme through GIBS Business School.

Francois Retief holds a degree in Electronic Engineering from Stellenbosch University. He spent a decade as chief systems engineer and project manager, developing well-known fleet management and vehicle tracking systems before co-founding iono.fm in 2008, where he serves as COO.

iono.fm is a leading African and global podcasting, live streaming, and digital audio advertising platform, with several hundred radio stations and podcasters from 17 countries.  Its technology is also licensed to SharpStream (UK), serving 400+ European stations, including Bauer Media Group. In 2024, iono.fm had over 12 million unique South African listeners and a global audience from major media groups like AME, Kagiso, Media 24, Arena Holdings, Multichoice, and more.

As COO, Francois oversees operations, billing, advertising, and special projects while serving as a key technical and operational interface. He frequently presents at conferences, provides training and advises broadcasters and ad agencies on digital audio.

Beyond iono.fm, he is a principal consultant and course presenter for Project Performance International (Australia), advising on complex technology system development.

Thabiso “TT” Tema, a highly respected South African sportscaster with over 25 years in broadcasting. Currently a sports anchor and commentator for SuperSport, he covers football as both a studio presenter and live match commentator. Before joining SuperSport in 2009, he spent a decade at the SABC, working as a sports anchor, producer, and voice artist on SAfm and Metro FM.

He also played a key role in launching eNCA as its prime-time sports anchor. Beyond TV, TT has excelled in radio, hosting drive-time and breakfast shows on stations like Power 98.7, where he also served as sports editor. A versatile media personality, he once edited Destiny Man magazine and is a sought-after facilitator and moderator for corporate and sporting events. Known for his charisma and professionalism, TT has won multiple awards, including SAB Journalist of the Year and a Liberty Radio Award, solidifying his status as a dynamic and versatile media all-rounder.

Lundi ‘Khoisan’ Cavernelis holds over fifteen years of media experience, having hosted radio shows on MFM 92.6, The Voice of Wits (VOW), Jacaranda FM, Mix 93.8 and 919. She was nominated for Best Daytime Radio Show at the South African Radio Awards in 2022 and Best Online Presenter at the 2025 Community Radio Awards.

Lundi is also an MC and TV presenter on kykNET’s Fiësta, which has been nominated for a Silwerskerm Award for Best Ensemble Presenters. Her work experience further includes Account Management at Mediamark, lecturing Radio and TV Presenting at the University of Pretoria and Programme- and Acting Station Management at Tuks FM 107.2, who has won Station of the Year in 2022 and 2023.
She is currently the Programme Manager at VOW 88.1.

Lundi holds a BDram Honours degree from the University of Stellenbosch and qualifications from the Wits Radio Academy, AAA School of Advertising and VEGA.

Farai Mwakutuya is an accomplished international broadcast journalist with close to two decades of experience in the media industry in East and Southern Africa. He has been an international correspondent for China Global Television Africa covering Zimbabwe and Zambia since for the past 14 years.

In 2011, he was part of the founding team of Zimbabwe’s first privately owned radio
station (ZiFM Stereo) on which he hosted influential talk shows on current affairs,
finance and business, up until 2023. He is a founding trustee of the Zimbabwe Association of Broadcasters which was established in 2016 to represent and lobby on behalf of the sector. Mwakutuya holds a Bachelors Degree in Substantive Law from the University of Zimbabwe and a Masters in International Business (with Law) from the University of Salford (Manchester, UK).

Victor is a broadcast journalist and media executive having served with TWR Malawi for 24 years at various levels till 2022. For twelve of those years, he led the organization to expansion in programme, reach and stability.

He now serves the Eastern and Southern Africa as its international director providing leadership at various levels with partners in the region.

He runs his own weekly marriage show called Growing the Marriage where he features married couples who talk about their love journey.

Gina Margaret Tiger is a visionary at the crossroads of digital marketing, AI, video creation and conscious activism—dedicated to amplifying brand impact and global well-being. As Founder and CMO of BeDigital Creative now based in Dubai, she has spearheaded campaigns in technology, wellness, and entertainment, each driven by data-backed insight, creative resonance, and a deep commitment to positive change.

Early in her career, Gina mastered video storytelling—producing executive-level content for national initiatives and directing a celebrated documentary on podcasting’s rise. In June 2021, she launched the Self Help Show podcast and movement, a platform for raw honesty, self-healing, and collective empowerment. Through honest conversations and empowering insights, she inspired listeners to heal and connect with their best selves to help build a kinder, more united world. Named among the Top 25 Outstanding Partnership Growth Leaders at the 5th Digital Marketing, Advertising & Technology Confex in Singapore 2025, Gina fuses time-tested marketing principles with next-generation insights to make sure history of pain and suffering does not keep repeating itself.

Her bespoke solutions anticipate human needs, streamline creative workflows, and activate untapped growth opportunities. A passionate humanitarian, she has led green-marketing campaigns, crafted VR/AR experiences to deepen community bonds, and driven mental-health and forgiveness initiatives worldwide. Whether mentoring social entrepreneurs or convening cross-sector alliances, Gina remains steadfast in one mission: to align technology and humanity on a path of healing and purpose. Splitting her time between Dubai and Cape Town, her global perspective—tempered by personal resilience—underscores her belief that transformation is possible when innovation meets empathy. The next chapter of her journey promises to empower millions to discover their true strengths, heal emotionally, mentally and spiritually so we can all flourish together.

Dr Lawrie Hallett holds a PhD in Community Radio & Media from the University of Westminster in London. He currently teaches at the University of Bedfordshire in the UK, where his expertise is in the areas of broadcast radio, technology and regulation, community media, journalism, and international media development.

Having worked on various “pirate” radio stations in the UK, Ireland and Italy, he trained as a radio journalist before moving into speech and music-based content production and presentation. Subsequently establishing a broadcast radio engineering and design company, which built numerous radio stations and worked with a variety of commercial and public-service broadcasters, he then worked as a consultant for the UK Community Media Association. Lawrie also served on the board of the Community Media Forum Europe and has been writing about broadcast technologies since the early 1990s.

In the early 2000s Lawrie worked as a Senior Association at Ofcom, the UK’s broadcast and media regulator, where he developed and implemented policies related to the then emerging Community Radio sector. Later, he moved on to work related to the roll-out of DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) before leaving the regulator in 2012 to move into academia.

In addition to undergraduate and post-graduate teaching, plus the supervision of PhD students, Lawrie continues to practice in media. Drawing on his skillset, he is currently involved in a number of organisations linked to his practice and research. He is an external evaluator of applications to Sound & Vision content creation scheme in the Republic of Ireland and he currently runs a not-for-profit DAB
multiplex in his home city of Norwich in Norfolk, where he is also a trustee of a local educational charity, Future Projects. Lawrie has recently been working with WorldDAB on expanding the effective impact of digital audio broadcasting internationally, and he is currently completing work for Research England on Small-Scale DAB in the UK and, together with colleagues from the University of Bedfordshire, be is currently planning the launch of a new community-focused DAB multiplex for the Luton area of Bedfordshire.

There are a number of firsts in Omar Essack’s career in broadcast media. He became the first brown person to break into ‘whites-only’ regional radio as on-air talent in South Africa in 1990 through a public audition. Between 1990 and 1996 he was a producer, director, writer, News and Current Affairs anchor and presenter on both radio and TV. He was news anchor and current affairs anchor for South Africa’s first regional elections broadcast live nationwide on SABC TV in 1996. As CEO of East Coast Radio, he led his team in building South Africa’s first regional million listener station with a completely multiracial audience, becoming the No.1 station in KZN province growing revenue 10x with some of the highest profit margins in the world. Omar was the first executive to introduce strategic studies for building formats in the South African market. He subsequently helped reposition various radio stations across South Africa as an Executive Director at Kagiso Media, including P4 Durban and Cape Town into thriving new formats.

As CEO of Primedia Broadcasting in 2016, he helped return 947 and Kfm to their market leading positions before being promoted to Group CEO. Omar has written on the media environment and radio for US, European, Indian and South Africa media and marketing publications. He has presented at conferences in India, Dubai, France and South Africa and worked in South Africa, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Portugal and France. He judged the European Radio Awards at the NAB in Barcelona in 2007. His work at East Coast Radio is a published case study in how to build successful multi-ethnic media businesses in ‘Managing Media Businesses: A Game Plan to Navigate Disruption and Uncertainty’ published by Palgrave Macmillan.

He is now shareholder and partner at Paris headquartered global radio and audio industry publishing
and events platform, RedTech International, where he is responsible for Strategy and Business development and designing the content for their annual, invitation only CEO and CTO Summit. His education includes a post graduate qualification from the University of KZN, final year Cum Laude and courses at Georgetown University in Washington DC, the Gordon Institute of Business in South Africa, Harvard Business School and IESE Business School, New York.

Tim is an award winning creative programmer, problem solver and lover of audio. With a variety of experience in the radio, music and audio space, Tim loves creative ideas and innovation. He is passionate about developing talent and is actively involved in radio training, coaching and mentoring. Tim works both locally and abroad and is a lover of all things retro.

Former Star FM Broadcaster. Communication strategist with 8 years of experience in Account
Management, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, and Sales Consultancy.

Involved in concept initiation, funding acquisition, and business development for 2 media startups in Zimbabwe.The holder of the Forty Under 40 Africa Media Award 2022 among other notable accolades over the past 3 years.

Ex -MTN and SABMiller Africa, I bring a well-rounded perspective to brand image.

I am dedicated to reshaping how African brands tell their stories through data-driven campaigns, strategic partnerships, and inclusive media.

Beginning my career in Corporate Social Responsibility, I bring a unique ability to blend creativity with execution, sparking conversations across government, development, and private sector platforms, while leading innovative webinars and digital initiatives.

Zolile Valashiya, though most know him as ‘Phait‘ (pronounced ‘Fate’), is an accomplished Audio Creative Director, Podcast Content Producer, and Social Media Content Creator with 15 years of expertise in audio recording, music production, & broadcast media. Specialising in podcast marketing and audio branding for B2B companies, Phait transforms brand narratives into compelling auditory experiences that engage audiences and drive business growth. 

A seasoned entrepreneur, Phait has successfully launched and scaled two innovative ventures—Rush Studios, a mobile music and film/television audio production service, and I Need A Podcast, a premier podcast agency offering end-to-end podcast production, audio branding, and content strategy. Through strategic partnerships with professionals and organisations, Phait has honed a unique ability to craft high-impact audio content that elevates brand identity and fosters audience connection. 

His work goes beyond recording: It’s about turning brands into industry voices through: 

Podcast Production & Strategy – Launching, producing, and optimising podcasts that position clients as thought leaders. 

Audio Branding – Creating signature sonic identities (music, voiceovers, sound logos) that make brands instantly recognisable. 

Social Media Audio Content – Repurposing podcast content into viral-worthy clips for LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. 

With a decade of full-time entrepreneurial experience, Phait, combines technical mastery with creative vision, helping businesses leverage podcasts and audio marketing as powerful tools for thought leadership and customer engagement. Whether producing immersive branded podcasts, optimising audio for social media, or developing signature sonic identities, I Need A Podcast, delivers tailored solutions that align with corporate objectives and market trends. 

Dedicated to innovation and excellence, I Need A Podcast, empowers organisations to harness the power of sound—turning listeners into loyal customers and ideas into industry movements.