Our Experts

Every day we deliver reliable news to hundreds of thousands of readers. We have engaged the best specialists in the country to ensure that the information we publish is complete, verified and up-to-date. Our experts work with the editorial team and provide comments for the articles.

Amanda Gouws

Professor of Political Science at the University of Stellenbosch

Amanda Gouws holds a National Research Foundation Chair in Gender Politics. Her research focuses on women and citizenship, women’s movements and gender-based violence. Her books include Overcoming Political Intolerance in South Africa and (Un)Thinking Citizenship: Feminist Debates in Contemporary South Africa. Gouws’ latest book is Feminist Institutionalism in South Africa: Designing for Gender Equality. Gouws was a Commissioner for the South African Commission for Gender Equality (2012-2014).

Andrea Carr

Head Tech Research and Development and Homeownership advisor

Andrea Carr is Head: Tech R&D as well as a Homeownership advisor. With over 19 years of experience in banking, management consulting, and, most recently, ideation and delivery of a platform business, Andrea focuses on translating real-world problems into practical solutions. The work she does has revealed a significant knowledge gap that exists within society, thus igniting a zest for guiding individuals toward responsible credit decisions, effective financial management, and informed wealth-building strategies.

Benedict Muzembe

Pro Makeup Artist and Lash Tech

Benedict is a freelance pro makeup artist who specialises in occasional makeup for weddings, matric balls, graduations, music videos, photoshoots and more. Benedict has worked with brands like Catrice and Essence and alongside some artists and presenters as well. Muzembe is a home-based makeup artist who also travels to clients.

Bonge Gumede

Certified personal trainer

Bonge Gumede is a digital content creator and certified personal trainer, with a passion for empowering women to achieve their fitness goals. With a diverse audience spanning the USA, South Africa, and the UK, Bonge has trained hundreds of women worldwide, both online and in-person. Bonge emphasises the importance of holistic wellness, combining physical exercise with mental and emotional well-being. Her expertise has garnered attention from major media outlets such as CNN and The Sun News USA.

Candice Lambert

Mental health advocate and director at Kids Dialogue

Candice Lambert, with a background in neuroscience coaching, psychology, and business strategy, is currently pursuing her Master’s in Neuropsychology. She leads the Wellness Dialogue Group, supporting families with the Teddy Clinic and Life Healthcare. She’s also involved with the NPO Healthy Future Kids and runs the World Changers Holiday Club for children. Candice has been a featured speaker on TV and radio, including 702 and Newzroom Afrika, and serves as a resident coach on INX Prime Live.

Erwan Kabwita

Architect

Erwan Kabwita is an enthusiastic architect at Beket Holding SARL and a lecturer at the American University of Kinshasa. A graduate of Visvesvaraya Technological University in India, he has years of experience in architecture and construction. As a speaker and leader, Erwan represented DR Congo at Stemi Makers Africa, working with young Africans in science and innovation. A valuable YALI member, he is also involved in various philanthropic activities.

Farook Mohammed

Visual Artist - Author - Director - Senior Broker

Farook Mohammed is an artist, author, and MIPAD Global Top 100 honouree. A senior broker at SA Gold Coin Exchange and Director of Afro Arabian Empire, he also serves as Deputy Provincial High Commissioner for the Nama Royal House. He blends art, politics, and finance.

Kelley Nele

Relationship and Sex Educator

Kelley Nele is a Relationship and Sex Educator and writer. She has been coaching individuals for 5 years and edifying people on foundational and advanced topics within the realm of dating, relationships, sex and sexuality via her writing for 2 years. She has successfully written engaging and insightful content for the following publications: Reader’s Digest UK, LGBTQ+ Nation, TransLash and Metro UK.

Dr Kenneth Creamer

Senior Lecturer School of Economics and Finance at Wits University

Dr Kenneth Creamer is a senior lecturer at Wits University's School of Economics and Finance. He has published academic and policy-related articles on economic policy, international economics, macroeconomics, and the energy transition.

Kenneth Thabo Bogatsu

Owner of Bryanston Tax Shop Accountants

Kenneth Thabo Bogatsu is a seasoned Chartered Accountant who has been in the industry for 26 years. Their expertise is marked by diverse experiences across seven industries and two resident countries. Bogatsu's expertise encompasses finance, accounting, tax, and operational and strategic management. Their extensive competence spectrum includes project management, communication, budgeting, and board participation.

Kgalalelo Jennifer Matabane

Advocate

Advocate Kgalalelo Jennifer Matabane has been practising as an advocate for close to two years, specialising in family law, such as divorce, Rule 58/43 applications, child maintenance, children's court matters, and domestic violence cases. Before becoming an advocate, Matabane worked as a maintenance officer for the Department of Justice, which further fueled her passion for helping those who were unable to advocate for themselves. Matabane operates independently and is not affiliated with any specific bar association.

Lazaros Sumbane

Founder of Pro Love Salon and Pro Love Academy

Lazaros Sumbane is a qualified artistic and creative hairstylist. With over 14 years of experience, he excels in cutting, colouring, styling, weaving and crafting for special events. Sumbane was featured in the 2021 SABC3 show "A Cut Above the Rest". In 2018, Lazaros initiated a programme to give back to the elderly.

Mbali Nhlapho

CEO and Founder of Sisters at Work Cleaning Service

Mbali Nhlapho, born in Diepkloof, Soweto, is a housekeeper and managing director of Sisters at Work Cleaning Service (Pty) Ltd. Known for her cleaning tips on social media, the wife and mother of two advocates for creating homely and liveable spaces through cleanliness and hygiene.

Merishka Megnath

Founder of The Wellbeings Practice

Merishka Megnanth is a social anthropologist and relationship wellbeing facilitator. In The Wellbeings Practice she offers holistic family consulting and education, re-parenting, and emotional regulation training. Merishka also mentors youth in transition at SAYes Mentoring, and creates content for Arhanta Yoga Ashrams and Online Academy. She was selected to present research at ASnA Anthropology Southern Africa 2011 Stellenbosch, and in Cape Town in 2012.

Neo Nontso

Chef and author of Dinewithneo Cookbook

Neo Nontso, popularly known as Dine With Neo, is a self-taught cook, food writer, entrepreneur and two-time international award winning cookbook author with over 570K followers across social media platforms. The former celebrity make-up artist made her way into the food industry in 2017 through her Instagram blog. She has worked with reputable brands across the globe through campaigns, partnerships, endorsements and collaborations.

Nick Evans

Snake Rescuer and Educator

Nick Evans is based in Durban. He spends his time rescuing snakes (and people!) from households, conducting research on reptiles and educating the public on these animals in his blog The Mamba Mail. He researched Black Mambas, pet and snake conflict, human and snake conflict, Southern African Pythons, Green Mambas, Nile Monitor Lizards and more. Nick has been doing this full-time since 2015 but has been interested in reptiles his whole life.

Nikki Symons

Owner of Sweet LionHeart Online Bakery

Nikki is a graphic-turned-cake designer and owner of the online bakery Sweet LionHeart (founded in 2015) from Woodstock, Cape Town. Nikki completed her BA in Multimedia Design from Vega Cape Town in 2012 and has experience working for advertising agencies, online food publications and an online-based lifestyle brand. In 2019, she received Food XX Awards (Woman in Food, Bakers).

Nomagcina Mtshontshi

Founder of Mtshontshi Attorneys

Noma-Gcina left her role as a Senior Manager in the Forensic division of Deloitte & Touche in 2018, where she led investigations into fraud and corruption in both private and public sectors. With over 20 years in forensics, she has deep expertise in public sector procurement, supply chain management, and labour law. In July 2016, she founded Mtshontshi Attorneys in Pretoria and began running it full-time in March 2018, focusing on forensic investigations, litigation, labour law, commercial law, and family law.

Paula Quinsee

Certified Relationship Therapy Educator and founder of Engaged Humans

Paula Quinsee is the founder of Engaged Humans, facilitating connection between individuals and organisations to create a more human-connected world. She is a certified Imago Relationship Therapy educator and facilitator, NLP practitioner, PDA analyst, coach and trainer. Paula is also the author of two self-help guides - Embracing Conflict and Embracing No - as well as an international speaker, advocate for mental health and activist for gender-based violence.

Penny Holburn

Founder of Penny Holburn Coaching

Penny Holburn is a life, career and business coach running her own coaching business since 2010. She has spent 20 years as a consultant in psychological assessment, organisational development, personal and business change, leadership development, coaching and counselling. Penny has majors in psychology and industrial psychology and an MSc Cum Laude in psychology and has completed a Senior Management Development Programme through Wits Business School.

Takkies

Choreographer and brand influencer

Takkies is a brand ambassador and influencer, focused on female empowerment and wellness through dance fitness and self-confidence development. She is a choreographer and professional dancer highly experienced in artist development, live shows, music videos, product launches and corporate events. Takkies is a founder of Rockingnheels.

Thokozile Sewela Nhlumayo

Political and social justice activist

Thokozile Sewela Nhlumayo, an advocate for political and social justice, founded the #NotTooYoungtoLead campaign and serves as the Secretary-General of the International Youth Parliament. She introduced the Women and LGBTQI+ Political Leaders Program in several African countries.

Xolisile Ellah Sikhosana

Internationally Recognised Professional Chef

Xolisile Ellah Sikhosana, a professional chef and a food blogger (Food Bliss With Chef Xolisile), found her culinary calling through her mother's inspiring home-cooked meals. Later she became a founder of Shaka's Cuisine, an all-African cuisine shop and graduated as an internationally recognized professional chef (Capsicum Culinary Studio). With unwavering self-belief, resilience, and a diverse skill set, Xolisile is excited to share her exceptional talent and culinary creations with the world.

Yolanda Dyantyi

Social Justice Digital Campaigner and Executive Director at Archive Amabali Wethu

Yolanda Dyantyi is an African Feminist Activist, Digital Campaigner and Public Speaker and the Founding Director of Archive Amabali Wethu - a digital advocacy and civic technology public benefit organisation that uses multimedia communications techniques to advocate for and influence the realisation of justice for women and broader marginalized communities. Yolanda is currently 26 years old studying towards a BA in Communication Science through UniSA.