Contributors

 

 

Christopher Choane

Station Manager at Bokamoso FM (Lesotho)

A marketing graduate who turned a programming maestro, having turned fortunes at Radio 2000 in 2 years.

 

 

 


Gary Stroebel

CEO at Future Media – Namibia

I been involved in media in one way or another since I was a student. I have been a broadcaster, a manager, a sales person and an executive for radio, publishing, digital media and below the line marketing.

 

 

 


Franz Kruger  

Director at Wits Radio Academy       

Franz Krüger is Adjunct Professor, head of the Journalism department at Wits University and director of the Wits Radio Academy. 

He is a journalist of some 30 years’ experience, having worked in print and broadcasting in South Africa, Namibia and the UK, at media groups ranging from the BBC and London Guardian to East London’s Daily Dispatch and the Windhoek Advertiser. 

He was founding group editor of East Cape News Agencies, a network of independent news agencies during the eighties which was subjected to considerable repression at the hands of the apartheid government.  As National Editor of Radio News and Current Affairs at the SABC from 1994 to 1999, Krüger formed part of the first post-apartheid management team at the corporation and helped achieve a significant turnaround in the credibility and quality of radio journalism at the corporation. He spent ten years working as a freelancer before joining Wits University. He is the author of two books, several book chapters and many other publications, served as ombud for the Mail & Guardian and on the SA Press Appeals Panel.

 

 

 


Andreas Sannemann

CEO at Benztown

Andreas Sannemann is a leading international audio imaging specialist, composer and Stuttgart-based entrepreneur who joined forces with Dave “Chachi” Denes and Oliver Klenk in 2008 to form Benztown. Together, they built a network of partners in the United States, Germany, England, Australia, and New Zealand delivering distinctive audio branding, imaging and programming to over 2,600 affiliates on five continents.

Sannemann began his career creating memorable imaging for bigFM in Germany. He quickly became known for his unique branding style, innovative ideas and ability to recognize upcoming trends in audio imaging and music production. He is the mastermind behind the industry-leading technology and proprietary system for Benztown’s highly successful web-based imaging solution, “Benztown Branding”, used by thousands of radio stations worldwide. Imaging for the 21st Century and beyond—that’s his mission!

 

 

 


Jonathan James Lyamgohn  

Group Head at Radio Consolidated Media Associates Group

Multi Media journalist with 24 years of practice spanning across Radio, TV and sales.

Most passionate about bringing top quality radio alive in Africa and a strong believer in exporting great radio to world from Africa.

King-James (as fondly called in radio circles) has been a part of helping to activate over 20 radio stations across the continent of Africa with projects in West, East and Southern Africa.

Radio for Jonathan James Lyamgohn is a way of life.

 

 

 


Peter Wise     

CEO at Wise Broadcasting Wise

Broadcasting and Marketing 40 years in radio broadcasting – on air, programming, sales, et al.

 

 

 


Kim Fox

Founder and Organizer at PodFest Cairo – Egypt’s first podcasting conference

Kim Fox is a professor of practice in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JRMC) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) in Cairo, Egypt. She primarily teaches Audio Production and other journalism courses.

Her students have won over 50 international awards and recognitions for their audio projects since 2010 including 5 in 2020. She has facilitated audio-related workshops in Lebanon, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan and more.

Outside of the classroom, she is the executive producer of the award-winning Ehky Ya Masr (Tell Your Story Egypt) Podcast, a narrative nonfiction podcast about life in Cairo, Egypt.

Additionally, she is the founder and organizer of PodFest Cairo, Egypt’s first podcasting conference.

Fox’s service commitments include positions on the boards for the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), the Associates for Independents in Radio (AIR) and the Arab U.S. Association for Communication Educators (AUSACE).

 

 

 


Lindsay Johnson        

Owner and Audio Producer at Crossfade Studio

Lindsay has crafted his passion for sound for over 17 years in the audio industry. His radio career began back in 2002 at KFM 94.5 in Cape Town, South Africa as a production and broadcast engineer. Over the course of his career, he helped build the sound for some of South Africa’s top radio stations in 2 of the country’s major markets, such as 947 and Talk Radio 702 in Johannesburg, 567mw Cape Talk, KFM 94.5 and Smile 90.4FM in Cape Town, where he was instrumental in ‘designing’ a brand new station sound (for Smile 90.4FM) when it launched in 2013 and continued to develop it for the next 4 years.

In 2017 he stepped away from the FM transmitters and stepped into his own production studio and business, Crossfade Studio. Since then he’s been servicing a range of clients with various production needs, from sound design, post production and final mixing to podcasting.  But radio has never left his side! He continues to provide radio imaging services to his South African clients.

In 2020 he was humbled and honoured to join the World Class production team at Benztown Branding, producing custom imaging for the US market from his Cape Town-based studio.

 

 

 


Gabriel Urgoiti          

Station Manager at RX Radio 

Gabriel Urgoiti is a medical doctor working in the field of child health, child participation and communication for development and social change for the last 36 years.

He was a founder member of two of South Africa’s first community radio stations, Radio Zibonele in Kayelitsha and Bush Radio in Cape Town. He was actively involved in the birth and growth of the community radio sector in South Africa and Southern Africa. He was a member of the team that established the National Progressive Primary Health Care Network Media Training Centre and its first director from 1994 to 1999.

He has extensive experience in working with children, using child-centred methodologies to provide children with the opportunity to express their opinions, feelings and perceptions on issues that affect them, and using media as a vehicle to tell their own stories. He is the funder and current station manager of RX Radio.

 

 

 


Refiloe Mpakanyane

Broadcaster, entrepreneur – 702

Refiloe Mpakanyane is a seasoned radio host and TV anchor who loves nothing more than researching and conducting a good interview. She is an experienced voice-over artist; the host of Weekend Breakfast With Refiloe Mpakanyane on 702 and her penchant for the arts and technology underpins much of her content and entrepreneurial pursuits. Her abiding fascination is the future of voice and on-demand media. Refiloe has also dabbled in acting: highlights of which are acting in the Clint Eastwood film Invictus and Roli Nikiwe’s Nothing For Mahala.

 

 

 


Chris Mottes  

CEO and Partner at Hindenburg Systems      

Chris has 30+ years of experience in media production, entrepreneurship, management and business development in London, Stockholm and Copenhagen.

Chris’s first radio experience was on student radio at University of KwaZulu-Natal in the 1980’s – he goofed around to look cool. He has worked as a producer, sound technician and editor on countless radio, TV, film and games productions since 1990.

Before joining the Hindenburg in 2010 as CEO, Chris co-founded and/or managed several media production companies including Deadline Film and TV, Deadline Games and Vision Park Entertainment.

 

 

 


Thiam Mariama         

Journalist, Consultant at Africa Check, CODESRIA  and Children’s Radio Foundation

I have been a journalist for more than 12 years. I have worked in several countries on projects (Mali, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, DRC, etc.). I worked for a few years in Morocco for the Ecomédias Group (Atlantic radio), I also worked for several years for the BBC French service (as a staff member in the French service and as a correspondent in Morocco). have also worked for many radio stations in Senegal, especially the most listened, RFM.

I have been involved in several other important projects. I do consultancy work for Children’s radio foundation, CODESRIA, etc. I have also worked as a consultant for a number of other organisations.

 

 

 


Nthabeleng Matela

Radio Presenter and DJ Metro FM    

Nthabeleng Matela (MAT_ELLE) is an SA Award-Winning Radio Personality. She is the host of METRO FM’s Sat and Sun 4-6 am morning show: The 4 AM Club.

As a BCom Economics graduate who left her career as an Analyst to pursue her passion for radio full-time, her radio career took off in 2017, hosting The Night Show 7-10 pm on Tuks FM.

In 2019, MAT_ELLE chose radio full-time and started hosting the Drive Show 3-6 pm. She won the award of Best Afternoon Drive Presenter (campus) at the 2020 SA Liberty Radio Awards and was also nominated for Best Drive Show and Best News Bulletin Reader. Off-air, MAT_ELLE is an MC, V/O artist and Queen on Decks.

 

 

 


Zane Derbyshire        

Programming Manager at East Coast Radio  

Zane Derbyshire loves a good story and good storytellers, which is a good thing because he works with and coaches storytellers for a living. He enjoys developing and brainstorming ideas into campaigns that deliver results (Zane is a little competitive!). He is very comfortable with change and uncertainty and during the Lockdown worked happily at home in his study with his 4 dogs and 2 cats. His superpowers include being able to grow nearly anything from seeds and spotting mistakes in copy, video or audio productions.

 

 

 


Brian Oxley    

Radio Presenter, Marketer, Entrepreneur – Magic 828 Radio

Capital Radio 604

Member of initial launch team for the station.

Producer (John Berks / Mervyn John). 

Presenter 1200-1500 Mon-Fri show & Solid Gold Sunday.

Sports Editor & Presenter – Saturday Sports Special.

SABC – Radio 5fm

Presenter 1600-1900 Five Drive

Presenter 1200-1500 Out To Lunch show.

Lobbied for the name change from Radio Five to 5FM and was appointed to the advisory board for the advertising re-launch campaign for new station identity and branding.

Part of the consultancy team for the re-design of 5fm studios for switchover to computer operation.

SABC – Safm

Presenter Weekend Breakfast show. Magazine program.

Primemedia – Radio 702

Presenter Saturday PM drive. 

Presenter Wednesday 1200-1500 lunchtime.

Oxley Marketing, Advertising & PR (Pty) Ltd.

Advertising and Public Relations Company. Director.

Lunar Dragon Publishing (Pty) Ltd.

Director of Operations. Youth and B2B Publications

LM Radio

Presenter. 10h00 – 14h00. Mon – Fri.

Magic 828 Radio

Presenter. 12h00 – 15h00. Mon – Fri.

Artmark & Rinki Art

Art Marketing & Merchandise. Partner and COO.

 

 

 


Claire Mawisa

Broadcaster, public speaker, facilitator and media trainer

I’m a seasoned broadcaster with a media career that spans 26 years and have extensive experience in the television and radio sectors. I started my radio journey at YFm in 1999, then moved on to work at Metro FM, Radio 2000, MediaHeads 360 and eventually managing the on air programming team at Kaya FM. I am a public speaker, facilitator and media trainer.

 

 

 


Pinky Kekana

Deputy Minister Department of Communications and Digital Technologies           

Pinky Sharon Kekana is a South African politician, the current Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, the former Secretary General of the Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO). She also serves as the Patron of the Pan African Business women’s Association (PABWA). 

She hails from Bela-Bela, located in the Limpopo Province. Her first job was as a secondary school teacher at Bela-Bela High School, after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Teaching. It was her experiences as a high school teacher, that fuelled her passion for South Africa’s youth, education and her commitment to improving opportunities for young South Africans, from all walks of life. 

It was her interest in politics though, that led her to the African National Congress. She was elected to the Provincial legislature in 1999 and later re-elected in 2009. She has also served as the Executive Mayor of the Waterberg District, the MEC of Limpopo Roads and Transport, as well as MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. 

In 2014, she was elected as a Member of Parliament. In this role, Kekana has been a part of a number of committees most notably the Standing Committee on Finance and the Ad Hoc Committee on the Filling of Vacancies in the Commission for Gender Equality. 

In 2015 she was elected into the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress Women’s League and its National Working Committee. She has subsequently been appointed as the Women’s league Chairperson on International Relations and The Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) Secretary General. 

In December 2017, she was elected by the ANC branches into the National Executive Committee, and in this capacity, she serves on several sub-committees of the ANC. 

In March 2018 she was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Communications by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She was again appointed to this role in the 6th administration of a democratic South Africa, after the national elections of May 2019.  

In this role, the Deputy Minister, recognises the vital importance of bridging the digital divide between people living, working and travelling in remote parts of the country with metropolitan cities. As South Africa moves rapidly towards the large-scale adoption of digitisation and the use of cutting edge technology, through the current era of the 4th industrial revolution that is upon us, she believes that rural South Africans should have access to the same technological advantages to live, work, and play, as their city-dwelling counterparts. Her passion for connectivity and connection of all, for the betterment of society, is known throughout her administration. 

Of all her roles, the only thing that she is more passionate about, than technology, is her commitment and absolute dedication to increasing the profile of women on the African continent through initiatives that promote women and equality broadly. 

Pinky Kekana has committed herself towards driving the agenda of African women on the continent, which would include access to opportunities that will benefit them and their local communities. Her long-term vision is to ensure that everyone, particularly women and girls, know a world where ‘women-firsts’ are no longer a pre-cursor to any statement.

 

 

 


Hennie Myburgh       

Programme Manager at Jacaranda FM         

Hennie Myburgh is the programme manager of Jacaranda FM. With over a decade’s experience in media, he is responsible for the aggregation of audiences across multiple platforms through strategic content creation and curation, coupled with key talent, innovative promotions and strategic music delivery.

 

 

 


Kevin Bellwood         

Head of Broadcast on NRG Media Ltd

Currently Head of Broadcast at NRG Media Ltd which operates three radio stations in Kenya, Choice Radio, NRG Radio and FunX, plus sixteen web based music services. We were the first radio visual radio station in Africa.

Before that I was Editor in Chief at the UN national talk and music station, Radio Miraya in South Sudan. I was there for two years as the Editor in Chief plus their trainer in journalism.

Before that I spent 35 years in the UK radio industry at GMG Radio as launch director for Smooth Radio in the North East of England plus Programme Director of Century Radio and Real Radio.

Before moving to the North east of England I was Regional Programme Director at UTV Media running programmes at Signal Radio, Peak FM and Wolf FM in the midlands.

Previous to that he worked for 13 years in North Wales at Marcher Sound Radio.

He was a presenter on the Voice of Peace Radio in Israel.

Kevin is chair of a UK based charity that educates street children in South Sudan and Uganda.

He is also a 3rd Dan at Shotokan Karate and has his own karate club in the midlands of the UK.     

 

 

 


Haseena Cassim        

Managing Director at YFM    

Haseena Cassim has built her career and reputation in the media industry to that of a force to be reckoned with. She got her start in the media industry at CNBC Africa and now finds herself at the helm of the country’s biggest youth radio station, YFM.

Haseena graduated from the University of Johannesburg with an LLB degree and then went on to complete her articles at Adam Attorneys.

Her venture at YFM began as the Regulatory Manager for the radio station. As the Regulatory Manager, she gained valuable insights as to how the business is operated and was exposed to various trade secrets of the media industry. This shaped and groomed Haseena in preparation for the role in which she holds today, as the Managing Director of YFM.

Under her guidance and leadership, the station has successfully executed campaigns such as #BeYou & #DefyTheOdds. These campaigns speak to the youth’s aspirations and struggles, as the station remains a key voice for various members of our nation’s youth.

Haseena is passionate about empowering and inspiring the youth. Through YFM, she is able to not only provide them with a place to voice their opinions, but also a platform to achieve their goals.

 

 

 


Jean-Luc Mootoosamy         

Media Expertise Switzerland 

Born in the Republic of Mauritius, journalist and media project manager, Jean-Luc Mootoosamy has worked for the past 15 years in crisis areas in Africa. His missions have taken him to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, West Africa (Mali, Senegal), the Lake Chad region, Rwanda and Madagascar. In 2017, he created Media Expertise, a consultancy offering tailor-made media solutions and training in crisis zones. Dialogue and reconciliation programmes, migration, climate change and elections in tense situations are among his areas of expertise.

 

 

 


Bob Mabena  

Group Head of Programming MSG

In media for more than 30 years. Worked on air at Radio Bop, Metro FM, Highveld 94.7, Kaya FM and Power 98.7. Management positions at Kaya – Programme Manager and Station Manager. Programme Manager at 94.7. Executive in charge of SABC Commercial Radio in charge of METRO, 5FM and Good Hope FM. Station Manager at Power 98.7. Currently Group Head of Programming at MSG.

 

 

 


Neil Johnson  

Radio programmer

  • Chief Content Officer – Kaya FM 95.9
  • Programme Manager – Jacaranda 94.2 FM
  • Programme Manager – Kaya FM 95.9
  • Course Development and Radio Training for the IAJ (Institute for the Advancement of Journalism)
  • Station Manager – P4 104.9 FM, Cape Town (Now Heart FM)
  • M-Web Radio (Naspers)
  • Consulting and Project work for The Music Industry Development Initiative Trust (MIDI Trust) , Algoa FM, Kaya FM, Primedia Broadcasting (SADC Project), Radio Tel Aviv and Radio Tzafon (Israel)
  • Programme & Music Manager – 94.7 Highveld Stereo
  • Sales and Affiliate Manager – Broadcast Resources at Primedia Broadcasting
  • Operations Manager – Peace Radio (National Peace Secretariat)
  • I have also worked in various on and off air capacities at 5FM, SABC TV and 702

 

 

 


Zandile Mashaba      

Citizen Justice Network Programme Coordinator, Wits Journalism 

Community radio enthusiast and Programme Coordinator of innovative community radio programmes Citizen Justice Network. Zandile has also been a Newsreader and radio host at Radio Turf and Producer for Soweto TV’s Dlala ngeringas, Dr Love and Mbokodo.

 

 

 


Nada Wotshela         

Group Executive: Radio at SABC        

Nada Wotshela is no doubt one of South Africa’s most seasoned broadcast professionals. Having started her broadcasting career in community radio 25 years ago, she has worked in almost every position in the radio production value chain. Being the Group Executive of SABC Radio places her at the helm of the biggest radio portfolio in the country, a total of 19 radio stations which command 73% of the total audience share in South Africa, which translates to 29 million listeners. She is particularly passionate about the development of indigenous languages as well nurturing young talent.

 

 

 


Shoeshoe Qhu           

Station Manager at Voice of Wits      

Shoeshoe Qhu is currently Station Manager, Voice of Wits FM, a community radio station broadcasting from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Her radio career started in 2004 volunteering as field reporter and Sesotho News Radio at a community radio station based in Cape Town, Radio Zibonele. She has worked as a freelance broadcaster and producer for Government Communications and Information System (GCIS).

She has worked at Talk Radio 702, Kaya FM and the public broadcaster, the SABC as a Content Producer, Responsible for Digital Media, and as an On Air Contributor.

Education

She holds a BA Degree in Marketing from the AAA School of Advertising and has several other qualifications in journalism and advertising.

 

 

 


Zandile Tembe          

Programmes Manager at Ukhozi FM

Zandile has almost 20 years media experience, with 12 years in radio.

She started out as a radio content contributor, went on to be the drive time and breakfast show Content Producer, before being appointed as Head of Programmes at Ukhozi FM in 2011. To date she has grown and innovated the station’s programmes which resulted in audience growth; from 6 million to the current 7,6 million, with the highest at 7,8 million listeners in 2013.

Her success in radio has been informed by bold moves, while keeping a close eye in the evolving media space. Her belief in the collaborative broadcasting approach has seen the station standing the test of time even when radio saw a decline in audiences.

 

 

 


Paulo Dias      

Content, Creative and Convergence at Ultimate Media       

A radio and audio marketing specialist, I like to be where the content, creative, programming and commercial interests of radio meet.

 

 

 


Nick Grubb    

CE: Radio at Kagiso Media     

Former journalist, now a business leader with a passion for media that connects people through authentic relationships.

Nick’s career has spanned leadership roles at major radio broadcasting companies and an entrepreneurial phase specialising in communication and digital media. Kagiso Media is one of South Africa’s premiere audio and broadcasting businesses, and includes two of the country’s most successful regional radio stations – Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio. KM Radio also includes an investment portfolio in four other major radio stations.

LinkedIn url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgrubb/

 

 

 


Refue Mofokeng       

Head of Creative and Production at MediaHeads360           

As a creative for both programming and sales in the radio industry, Refue Mofokeng will share her expertise on how to create engagement between the client and the listener.

 

 

 


Siyanda Philani Fikelephi     

Programming Manager at 5FM – SABC

With over 13 years of progressive experience within radio and media Industry, with specific expertise in programme management, music database management strategy development and implementation.

I am a commercially-aware Programming Manager and I specilaise in structuring, standardizing and streamlining business and financial processes to provide more accurate and productive systems and facilitate better business decisions.

A passionate Programming Manager and an overall Media Strategist; who loves to work in a constantly changing environment

A strong motivator and team player with effective leadership, communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills, together with a results-driven attitude.

 

 

 


Ken Benson   

Co-Founder at P1 Media Group         

Ken is a renowned programming, research and marketing executive whose storied career has made him a sought-after thought leader and public speaker.

He led the Pinnacle Media international team and conducted research for radio and media clients across four continents. He brought the innovative Jack FM® brand to the UK. He is a multi-award winning CHR Programmer and his career includes VP of Music Programming for MTV, Executive Programming positions at Chancellor/AMFM and Citadel, and oversight for over 250 radio stations.

Most recently, Ken created the popular Coronavirus Radio Ideas Facebook Group.

 

 

 


Jonathan Lumley   

Jonathan Lumley is Head of Clients, Channels and Markets at immedia in Durban, a Technology company that has created a world-first platform called Fabrik. Enabling radio stations to be part of an eco-system that allows for deeper engagement and analytics across its audiences. Previously Jonathan was the Promotions Manager for Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio, he has over 20 years media experience, seven of those running Radio promotions. Jonathan amplified the two regional brands in both traditional airtime and branded content. He has presented twice at the Wits Radio Days, interviewed and submitted to several international radio podcasts, and has been instrumental in implementing several “world firsts” in radio competitions while working in promotions. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanlumley/

 

 

 


Tim Culley

Tim

Marketing Expert, CliffCentral Creative           

Former MD of TBWA Hunt Lascaris, and Head of Marketing for Sports Illustrated, Weylandts, and Truworths, current leading Cliff Central Creative.

 

 

 


Niall Power

Niall

Head of Station Sound at The Beat 102-103

Breakfast anchor and Head of Station Sound at Beat – a regional music driven station in the South East of Ireland.

 

 

 


Paula Rogo

Co-Founder of Africa Podfest; Founder of Kali Media

Paula Rogo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist-turned-entrepreneur whose companies, African Podfest and Kali Media, are committed to promoting and expanding the possibilities with African podcasting. She is currently building KaliPods, an East African women-only and focused podcast network. She hosts and produces her own podcast on women and entrepreneurship in East Africa titled, “I Have No Idea What I’m Doing.” She also writes a weekly column on African podcasting.

 

 

 


Nelly Kalu

Broadcast Journalist and Dubawa and PTCIJ Fact-check Fellow at NewsWireNGR

Nelly is currently a features writer at NewsWireNGR – with ten-years’ experience spanning broadcast, digital and media advocacy.

Nelly Kalu’s work on radio and television that spotlights social, political, and economic issues. While working with RNW Media, The Netherlands, she served as moderator of the Love Matters Naija online advocacy platform focused on LGBTQ rights, sexual health, safe sex practices and informed choices.

As a Broadcasting trainer, Nelly has facilitated media training for several institutes such as the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Training School (FRCN), PROemcess and the Broadcast Radio Master Class (BRMC) amongst others.

 

 

 


Duduetsang Makuse

National Coordinator SOS Support Public Broadcasting Coalition    

Duduetsang is a media technology lover and lifelong scholar who is fascinated by the dynamic media and communications landscape. She had her formal training in broadcast journalism and media management at the University currently known as Rhodes and has worked briefly in independent film and media production and corporate communications.

She completed her MBA in Media Management at Cardiff University, in the UK through a Chevening Scholarship and was selected as one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans for 2017. She is an African School of Internet Governance 2019 Fellow and is currently shortlisted for the 2020 Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists – Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation. Her other intellectual interests lie in media strategy, media and ICT policy in the convergent, digital era, especially in the African context.

She joined SOS as a Project Coordinator in 2016 and is currently the National Coordinator. SOS is a Civil Society Coalition made up of a broad range of NGO’s, CBO’s, Unions as well as academics, policy and legal consultants, which works to strengthen public broadcasting and work towards future-proofing a place for public service media in the digital environment.

 

 

 


Thandi Smith

Head of Programmes at Media Monitoring Africa    

Thandi Smith has worked for Media Monitoring Africa for about nine years and was recently appointed Head of Programmes for the organisation. She previously headed the Policy & Quality Programme which focuses on a range of issues including media policy, regulation, digital rights, internet governance, and quality journalism. She holds a Masters Degree in Media Studies, obtained from the University of the Witswatersrand. Her dissertation examined issues of universal access in South Africa’s digital migration. She also obtained an Honours degree in Media Studies from the same institution. Thandi has a keen interest in research around new media, internet governance and media law.

 

 

 


Francois Retief

COO and founding member: iono.fm  

Having spent the first decade of his career as an engineering manager developing complex fleet management systems Francois became involved in podcast systems in 2008 as one of the founding members of iono.fm.  In the subsequent decade iono.fm has distinguished itself as platform of choice for over a thousand podcasters and radio stations from over 20 countries, posting content in 27 different languages and building a reputation as a dedicated and approachable organization providing cutting edge, reliable and value-for-money solutions.  With a passion for making technology easy to use and finding the right solution for the organization Francois oversees various technical, operational and advertising aspects, manages large strategic projects, provides training and advice on digital audio to various local and international broadcasters and ad agencies, is a regular conference presenter and also serves on the IAB’s South African Digital Audio Committee. 

LinkedIn url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoisretief/

 

 

 


Kate Wilkinson

Kate Wilkinson is Chief Deputy Editor at Africa Check, the continent’s first fact-checking website. The non-profit organisation was set up in 2012 to promote accuracy in public debate and the media in Africa.

Her main research areas include education, immigration, crime and viral social media hoaxes. She leads the organisation’s media work, with regular appearances on local and international television and radio.

 

 

 


Noni Khumalo

Vow FM and 947

“Infectious laugh is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name – Noni Khumalo”

I take over the streets of Joburg and hit all the coolest spots in town as member of the Suzuki 947 Crew.  I juggle this life changing opportunity with a Sunday radio show on Vow FM as well as being a Promotion Jockey.

My passion for beauty is undeniable as I use my ten-year experience in the makeup industry to educate and uplift women through intimate makeup masterclasses.

 

 

 


François M’BRA II

François N’GUESSAN N’Goran, aka François M’BRA II, is an Ivorian Radio and TV Journalist living in Bouaké, centre of Ivory Coast. François M’BRA II, started his journalistic carrier as a broadcaster in a private Radio in Abidjan, the economic capital city of his country from 2007 to 2012. In November 2012, he left for Radio Phénix Bouaké, where he worked as broadcaster and News presentator (French/English/ local languages). From 2012 to 2014, He focused his activities on the local development. He produced many magazines on Health, Woman and Child’s rights, Education, Security, Agriculture…etc.

Involved in volunteerism, he reached many communities and contributed to solve crisis. In 2014, The US Embassy recognized the positive impacts of his activities and his journalistic productions on the communities. He is selected as the representative of Ivory Coast to an International training program “Edward Murrow Program for Journalists” in the USA. During his stay, François M’BRA II took part in a Radio and TV training at VOA, CNN, Washington Post, Mass Media department of Georgia University, in NGO and many other institutions in Washington, Georgia, New York and New Mexico.

A part from Journalism, he trained in Leadership and volunteerism in the USA. Back in his country, he attended many other trainings with (RFI, France Media Monde, France 24). Since 2017, François M’BRA works in freelance with international radio station such as West African Democracy Radio (WADR) in Dakar-Senegal, Star FM in Ghana, VOA …etc. He is the Regional correspondent of Ivoirtv.net, an Ivoirian Diaspora WebTV located in the USA. He contributed to many online training sessions.

François N’GUESSAN N’Goran is a co-founder of a training office and a web radio where he works as a trainer.

 

 

 


Melissa Mc Nally

Melissa Mc Nally has 15 years of research experience and obtained her MA in research psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand where she specialized in gender based violence, human rights advocacy and race relations.

Melissa started her market research career at Synovate (now known as Ipsos) where she conducted syndicated automotive research, and later moved into ad hoc and specialised research projects. 

Melissa has worked at a number of the big research agencies, as well as across several categories, specifically specializing in brand health, segmentation, U&As, customer sat, copy testing, and brand strat.

Melissa recently assisted with the roll-out of Infinite Dial in South Africa which examined the audio consumption behaviour of South African’s across major metros. In addition to this, Melissa is a RAMS committee member and contributes to the team from a technical research stance.

 

 

 


Mariama Thiam

Mariama Thiam

Melissa recently assisted with the roll-out of Infinite Dial in South Africa which examined the audio consumption behaviour of South African’s across major metros. In addition to this, Melissa is a RAMS

Journalist, Consultant at Africa Check, CODESRIA  and Children’s Radio Foundation

I have been a journalist for more than 12 years. I have worked in several countries on projects (Mali, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, DRC, etc.). I worked for a few years in Morocco for the Ecomédias Group (Atlantic radio), I also worked for several years for the BBC French service (as a staff member in the French service and as a correspondent in Morocco). have also worked for many radio stations in Senegal, especially the most listened, RFM.

I have been involved in several other important projects. I do consultancy work for Children’s radio foundation, CODESRIA, etc. I have also worked as a consultant for a number of other organisations.

 

 

 


Melissa Mbugua

Melissa Mbugua

Melissa recently assisted with the roll-out of Infinite Dial in South Africa which examined the audio

Co-founder of Africa Podfest

Melissa is a creative problem-solver committed to shaping the future of African life and culture by scaling up innovations that broaden the economic and cultural space. She brings a multidisciplinary approach to her work: being an entrepreneur, researcher, innovator and artist. She is at her best when in the process of understanding problems and designing solutions. Melissa has worked with some of the most innovative civic technology companies in Africa and has helped shape cutting edge projects in the Kenyan arts scene. Most recently, she co-founded Africa’s first podcasting festival.

 

 

 


Raymond Mojapelo

Raymond Mojapelo

Station Manager Rhodes Music Radio

Raymond is a passionate radio man who fell in love with the medium at an early age. Cut his broadcasting teeth at a campus radio station where he rose through ranks. Media graduate with experience in various levels of radio and has been in management position for almost a decade. Passionate about the community and investing efforts training and developing talent. Currently managing Rhodes Music Radio and serving as a secretary for Eastern Cape Community Radio Forum.