I am an innovative business leader with great problem-solving skills and strong business acumen. I have a proven track record of achievement and experience in strategic planning, problem- solving, change management, continuous improvement and international business. One of my convictions is that the organization employees are its greatest asset. As a leader, I hold myself to higher standards and strive to build trust and foster open communication in order to create an environment that enables people to achieve their full potential.

Bérard joined the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) in August 2017 as its Chief Executive
Officer.
Bérard has since played a leading role in the transformation of the SBC from being a State
Broadcaster to an independent Public Broadcaster.
As a Chartered Engineer with several years of experience in the Broadcasting field, Bérard has also
been instrumental in achieving several milestones in the modernisation of the SBC’s outward-facing
services. Achievements include the launching of the DTT service, attaining an impressive following
on online platforms and the launching of the engagement App for the two SBC radio stations.
The SBC is gearing to launch its OTT service in October 2024, as it continues its digital convergence
adventure.
In his previous roles, Bérard managed high frequency (HF) radio transmitting stations for the BBC.
He is a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (UK) and a member of the Chartered
Management Institute (UK).

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 73% share of all radio listening in South Africa. With a total audience of 27 million listeners and advertising revenue that exceeds R1,5 billion, 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 2 nd biggest radio station in the country and went through intense on-the-job training in programming mechanics, from ESP Media Australia.

In 2005 Wotshela was appointed as station manager of CKI FM (formerly Radio Ciskei) where 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 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 Wotshela moved to Cape Town to become the Provincial General Manager for SABC in the Western Cape province. Under her leadership SABC
Radio has managed to navigate uncharted waters during the Covid 19 pandemic and the ensuing digital explosion, and come out stronger. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Fort Hare, MAP from Wits Business School and various other broadcast related certificates.

Pikirayi was appointed to his current position of CEO in 2015. He is credited with the diversification of the predominantly newspaper company to a multimedia business with the biggest footprint in newspapers spread across the country, including the creation of the Namibian based, Southern Times as well as new tabloids, business and financial papers within the Zimpapers group that include H-Metro and B-Metro, Business Weekly and BH24.

His diversification drive also included Zimpapers’ venturing into the radio broadcasting space becoming the second biggest broadcaster after ZBC. Today Zimpapers runs four radio stations including the most popular urban radio station in Zimbabwe, Star FM.

Pikirayi also led Zimpapers into the creation of the company’s ZTN television channel, which broadcasts on the DSTV platform. Under his leadership, the commercial printing side of the business that was on the brink of collapse, was turned around into a profitable business unit that has also grown to include the production of exercise books under the Typocrafters brand.

Besides sitting on the Zimpapers Board of Directors, Pikirayi also serves on the National Gallery of Zimbabwe Board of Trustees, Air Force of Zimbabwe Charity Board

Gary has nearly 30 years experience in the media sector. He is currently the CEO of Future Media, Namibia’s largest commercial media group.

Prof. Dr. Anicia Peters is the CEO of the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology
(NCRST) which is a public enterprise responsible for coordinating, promoting, developing and funding
research, science, technology and innovation in Namibia. She is also the Co-Chair of the 4IR Working
Group of the Africa Union’s Africa Scientific, Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC) with a mandate to
develop the 4IR Strategy for Africa. She also established a National AI Working Group under NCRST.
Prof Peters was furthermore the Chairperson of the Namibia Presidential Task Force on the Fourth
Industrial Revolution (2021-2022) established by the late President of Namibia. She was also appointed
in 2021 to Namibia’s inaugural green hydrogen technical committee and co-established the Namibia
Green Hydrogen Research Institute hosted at the University of Namibia.

Prof. Peters previously held the position of Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and
Development at the University of Namibia. Prior to that, she served as a Executive Faculty Dean for
Computing and Informatics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology where she co-founded
the Namibia-India Center of Excellence in Information Technology. She received the Google Inclusion
Research Award in 2020 and a grant from Google AI in 2021.

She has over 90 publications with an H-index of 18 and had graduated Masters and PhD students. Her
work experience also includes developing and deploying large scale government IT software and
systems in the government of Namibia and in Silicon Valley in the United States. Additionally, she
developed among others, Namibia’s e-health and e-government procurement strategies as consultant
for WHO and World Bank. In total, she has over 30 years of academic, industry and managerial
experience in Namibia and internationally.

Her PhD and MSc in Human Computer Interaction were completed at Iowa State University, where she
studied with a Fulbright International Science and Technology PhD Award, a Schlumberger Faculty for
the Future Award and a Google Scholar award. Her undergraduate degrees are from the Namibia
University of Science and Technology. She also completed a Post-Doc at Oregon State University and
worked for a high-tech firm, Intuit, in Silicon Valley. She founded the Africa Human Computer
Interaction (AfriCHI) conference series.

One of her strategic goals is to establish a National AI Institute for Namibia and her project on
developing an Africa HCI-AI curriculum was rated as among the top 19 AI projects globally in 2023.
Currently she focuses on building ethical, trustworthy and human-centered AI globally.
Throughout her career, Prof. Peters has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions
to academia, industry, leadership and women’s advancement in the field of research, science and
technology.

She is widely regarded as a visionary leader who is committed to fostering innovation and promoting
research, science and the development of technology to drive economic growth and development in
Namibia and beyond.

Sivan Pillay is the CEO of Zero Gravity TV and Media focused on creating and producing Unscripted and Factual Television content globally in partnership with the Known Associates Group.

He is also the founder and CEO of 360 Degrees South with over 25 years of experience in Music and Television.

360 Degrees South is Media Agency focused on Technology, Digital and Content business whilst Zero Gravity TV and Media is a TV and Media production company that is focused on Creative Development, Production and Distribution of IP for Broadcast and Digital locally and globally.

Pillay joined Endemol SA in 2000 and appointed Head of Commercial and Digital business in 2004, then promoted to MD of Endemol South Africa in 2008. After the Endemol-Shine global merger, Pillay was appointed CEO of Endemol Shine Africa.

For 8 years as CEO, Pillay spearheaded Endemol’s Creative and Production expansion with a list of successful TV series including Big Brother Africa, Isidingo, Survivor South Africa, Fear Factor, Project Fame West and East Africa, All You Need Is Love and Deal or No Deal.

He also led as Executive Producer on over 130 major TV series and commercial deals in Africa over an 8 period spanning 2008-2016 and acted as a judge in SABC3’s 2002 hit series Coca-Cola PopStars.

In 2016 Pillay decided to further fuel his passion for Music, Creativity and Technology in the form of 360 Degrees South and Zero Gravity TV & Media. As the CEO of both companies, Pillay aims to connect Africa’s best creative ideas with the world and with the highest production standards.

He spent two years as CEO of Trace Studios in 2022 and 2023.

Sivan Pillay is also an accomplished musician with two solo albums released under the pseudonym The Eskimo Writer.
Pillay’s career started in EMI Music South Africa as International Label Manager and Promotions. He worked with artists in SA including Roxette, Vanessa Mae, Foo Fighters and Radiohead. He also managed local tours with Luther Vandross and Michael Learns to Rock. Pillay then signed the SA rock band Watershed in 1998. At age 25, Pillay went into television with media agency Synapse and then Endemol SA.

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.

Dheshnie Naidoo serves as the Regional Director for TVU Networks in South Africa, where she leads the company’s operations and drives growth in the region. With a focus on advancing the adoption of innovative solutions in live video broadcasting and media management, Dheshnie plays a crucial role in shaping the South African media landscape. Her strategic vision and commitment to enhancing client experiences through technology position her as a key figure in the industry.

Before joining TVU Networks, Dheshnie held senior roles at renowned media organizations, including SuperSport and MNET. Her experience includes managing large-scale broadcast operations and optimizing production efficiency. Noteworthy achievements encompass aligning programming and creative services with robust content strategies, showcasing her technical and strategic expertise.

Aziz Hajiyev holds the position of Chief Business Development Officer at Sweet TV, a technologically advanced OTT platform. Sweet TV offers subscribers an array of TV channels and Video-on-Demand content. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, stable streaming performance, an effective recommendation system, and various other features

Olga Lisogor, Head of Sputnik. She began her career at Russia’s Channel One, working as an Editor for International News on the country’s flagship news program, “Vremya.”

After that, she spent 17 years at the international TV channel “Russia Today”, rising from an editor to the Head of the News Service.

In 2022, she took over as Head of Sputnik, a news agency that operates in over 20 languages from Moscow and editorial offices worldwide.

Pravin Udho leads a team that manages sales activities for Southern, Eastern and key strategic markets across Africa developing various commercial activities with existing and new customers.
Mr. Udho’s career spans more than 30 years of experience in the areas of Electronic Engineering, RF Broadcasting and Sales within the satellite communications industry. Prior to joining Intelsat, Pravin worked 15 years with a leading PayTv operator in South Africa, implementing RF
Broadcasting and Encryption systems into Africa, followed by the launch of the first PayTv DTH platform in South Africa.

Pravin also worked for a USA-based V-sat Hub vendor focusing on sales activities in Nigeria,
followed by several posts held as a V-sat Product Specialist with data providers in South Africa. Prior to re-joining Intelsat, he was a General Manager at an international satellite company managing Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia Sales offices. Mr. Udho holds a National Diploma in Electronic Engineering, from the Durban University of Technology.

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the largest, most advanced
satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructure in the world. We apply our unparalleled expertise and
global scale to reliably and seamlessly connect people, devices and networks in even the most challenging and remote locations. Transformation happens when businesses, governments and communities build a ubiquitously connected future through Intelsat’s next-generation global
network and simplified managed services. At Intelsat, we turn possibilities into reality. Imagine
here, with us, at Intelsat.com.

Gwen Lister is a veteran, multi award-winning journalist who founded The Namibian newspaper in 1985 at the height of apartheid. Hailed as a World Press Freedom Hero by the International Press Institute (IPI) in 2000, Lister is also recipient of a number of courage in journalism accolades from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Womens Media Foundation (IWMF) among others. As a strong advocate of press freedom and free speech and expression Lister co-chaired the Unesco-sponsored conference in 1991 which authored the Windhoek Declaration on a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media in Africa and which led the UN General Assembly to adopt May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. Lister has over four decades in the craft, including 26 years in service as editor of the newspaper until she handed over to her successor in 2011. She is currently a trustee of the NMT Media Foundation, which promotes press freedom and access to information with its advocacy work and journalism excellence through youth-focussed training projects. Lister recently authored her memoir, Comrade Editor: On Life, Journalism and the Birth of Namibia.

Roger holds vast and proven expertise in the areas of business, strategy, finance, corporate governance and stakeholder relations. Over the span of his career, he has held executive management positions in finance, served as chairperson and trustee on several executive boards in Namibia, and became a member of an auditing institution that shared best practices in internal auditing with professionals in the country.
In the span of his career, he has also undertaken Executive Development Programs from leading South African Universities along with courses and masterclasses covering the subject matter; corporate governance, business leadership, e-commerce and decision making.

His pursuit of excellence and transformational leadership has also led him to dominate in all areas he has been involved in. Roger has been instrumental in building and leading high- performing finance teams with high-yielding and successful outcomes. His passion to serve and make an impact through the portfolios has seen him double returns and grow asset allocations for organizations he has worked for.

Resourceful and relentless in his pursuit of excellence in business and strategic management, this seasoned management, and financial executive has cultivated a deep understanding of the consumer and business landscape in the country, including MultiChoice Namibia. He has significantly increased the retail footprint of several brands under the multi-national video entertainment company and continues to harness successful results through local content projects that have impacted the Namibian film and television industry positively.

Christina is a global citizen with a passion for people and a passion for the positive development of all communities and demographics globally. She has focused her career on working on global social change campaigns. She currently serves as Chief Product-and-Operating Officer at Ubongo, a pan-African NGO creating edutainment content for the African child in order to use media to equip Africa’s next generation with the educational foundation, critical skills and positive mindsets to change their own lives and communities for the better.  She is also a board member of The Emerge Project.  

Itumeleng Segaloe, the Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer of SENTECH has more
than 20 years’ experience in Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), Management
Consulting and Economic & Enterprise Development sectors. Driving business, digital and
economic transformation for sustainability and contributing towards a prosperous Africa. He
is responsible for Corporate Strategy; Brand & Communication; Business Transformation;
Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships; and International Business.

Mr. Maurice Mugisha is a seasoned broadcaster, a corporate communications expert with over 20 years in broadcast, communications and public relations with some of the biggest media houses in Uganda and Kenya. He previously worked for the Nation Media Group – NTV Uganda & NTV Kenya for 12 year. He is currently the Deputy Managing Director Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, UBC, Uganda’s National Broadcaster.

Holds a Honors Degree in Law, various Postgraduate qualifications in Compliance Management, Project Management, Management and Leadership and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. 

Her expertise are in Regulatory Enforcement, Compliance Investigations and Dispute Resolution. Also been with CRAN since 2018 in various positions and currently run the Regulatory and Corporate Legal Services Department at CRAN.

Nisa Allie is the Editor-in-Chief of Primedia Broadcasting’s Eyewitness News. She’s worked across radio and television in South Africa for 23 years. Nisa’s held several senior management positions in newsrooms including News Editor and MD. She has experience in launching news channels, led the team behind the exponential growth of the most-watched English terrestrial news bulletin in the country, launched premier sporting content to the same market and managed the only completely remote broadcast during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since rejoining EWN in 2022, Nisa’s contributed to cementing the brand’s multiplatform news strategy by launching its English and isiZulu video bulletins.

Matt Angus-Hammond has been designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative media research projects in developing markets since 2005. His work has covered over eighty countries, helping advertisers, media agencies, media owners, governments and international development organisations to understand their media audiences and make informed, data driven decisions.

His early career included seven years guiding Unilever’s brand positioning and media strategy across their key African markets with Millward Brown (now Kantar), after which he spearheaded the establishment of new East and West African offices and client portfolios as Market Insights Director. In 2014 he joined US mobile tech firm Mobile Accord, which under the GeoPoll brand had developed an innovative mobile-based media audience measurement product that delivers overnight TV and radio audience ratings in developing markets. Leading GeoPoll’s business development efforts across southern and West Africa, he conceptualised and implemented innovative research solutions for clients in the media, marketing, FMCG, financial, government and international development sectors.

In February 2024 he was appointed to head up GeoPoll’s new specialised Media Audience Measurement team, a role in which he has overseen media audience measurement, profiling and insights projects in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Afghanistan, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Benin, Togo, Kenya, Liberia, South Africa and Tanzania. Clients include the US Agency for International Development (USAID), BBC Media Action, Omnicom, Farm Radio International, the Malala Fund, Vodacom, Kantar Media, Mediametrie, Nation Media Group, the Ministry of Information and National Orientation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Ministry of Information of the Government of Ghana. In August 2023 he was awarded Best Paper at the 24th annual conference of the Pan-Africa Media Research Organisation in Casablanca for his media audience measurement work in the DRC. He holds a degree in Social Anthropology and African History from Rhodes University, South Africa.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brett Michael Innes is a bestselling author and SAFTA-winning filmmaker. He has had features and shorts that have premiered in competition at festivals like Sundance, IFFR, Tallinn Black Nights, Atlanta, IFFK, Sydney and Urbanworld, while two of his features – SINK and FIELA SE KIND – were awarded the SAFTA for Best Film and Best Screenplay in their respective years. He recently entered the world of television, directing on the SeriesMania ’24 selected crime series, CATCH ME A KILLER, and is currently directing on the second season of a Netflix ‘Global Top 10’ original. He is attached as showrunner on the Fremantle/Multichoice co-production which is in its early stage of development.

Errol Geingob is an award-winning filmmaker who began his career as an actor in 1998. He co-founded Desert Film Productions in 2001, contributing significantly to the growth of Namibia’s film industry. A turning point in his career came in 2011 when he directed the short film “All She Ever Wanted” for the Namibia Film Commission. In 2017, he won the Best Editing in Film Award at the Namibian Film and Theater Awards for “Broken Pencils.” Recently, he won Best Director at the MultiChoice Film Festival. He also served as Head of the Television Department at the College of the Arts from 2019 to 2022.

Tracy Angus-Hammond is the director of Angus-Hammond Africa, specialising in social and qualitative research on the African continent. She has a background in Sociology and Anthropology, honing her research skills in the African division of Markinor (now Ipsos) before launching Angus-Hammond Africa in 2008. Tracy has extensive on-the-ground fieldwork experience, having worked in 20 African countries and lived in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Tracy prides herself on testing methodologies first-hand, even if that means jumping on a cargo barge and crossing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which she did in 2014.

Tracy won the 2019 African Market Research Association‘s best paper for her pioneering work on mobile-based qualitative focus group discussions in Africa. She has been recognised for her innovation and industry-leading research . Tracy has also been published and cited in various publications including Voices of Africa and Views, Africa Geographic, and the journal of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).

Moses Nyama is a Zambian Businessman and Presenter born on 9 th September 1973
and is currently a Director at Radio QFM Limited. He started off as a Marketing Manager at MAI Recording Studio and later on became a Radio Station Presenter at Radio Phoenix Limited.

He trained at various institutions such as: ZAMCOM for Radio styles for reaching large audiences, CIFAP, Paris- advanced professional training in Radio & TV management and Deutsche Welle Training Center – Radio and TV management.

His hobbies include participating in business/marketing workshops as well as engaging
in marketing and corporate governance activities.

Kaycee Butshe is the Brand Manager at Fresh FM and the acting Brand Manager at 99FM, with over 16 years of broadcast industry experience. He excels in shaping brand identities and leading marketing efforts, bringing a wealth of expertise to both stations. Currently pursuing a Business Management degree with a specialization in Marketing, Kaycee is focused on driving innovative strategies and enhancing audience engagement, while maintaining both brands’ relevance in an evolving media landscape.

Christopher in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Division of the Namibia Film Commission holds the Position of the Senior Media Officer