Our Programme

July 24-26, 2026 | Umhlanga, KZN
Meet the voices navigating the waves of change at the PSASA Annual Convention 2026.
F

Friday 24th July

Day 1: Opening & Keynotes

07:30 - 8:30 START

Registration

Mingle, Photo's, Snacks

08:30 MC

Zanele Njapha

Welcome by MC

08:40 Keynote

Steve Johnsson

President's Welcome

09:45 Keynote

Speaker Showcase Programme

4 Speakers / 10-15 mins each

10:15 Break

Tea Break

11:00 Keynote

Dr Alka Chadha

We Are Rivers, Not Rocks

11:30 Keynote

Sorisha Naidoo

The Authenticity of Gratitude

11:50 Keynote

Arthur Goldstuck

Riding the AI Waves

12:20 Entertainment

Stunning Performances

12:20 Lunch
13:45 MC

Raksha Mahabeer

Welcome Back by MC

14:00 Keynote

Paula Slier

From Boots to Bots

15:00 Masterclass

Dr Graeme Codrington

The Business of Speaking

15:30 Break

Tea Break

16:15 Showcase

Speaker Factor Finalists

The Final 5 Contestants

17:00 MC Closes Day
18:30 Coastel Connect

Quiz Night & Karaoke

S

Saturday 25th July

Day 2: Deep Dives & Panels

08:00 - 8:45 START

Registration

Mingle, Photo's, Snacks

08:45 MC

Kavesan Pillay

Welcome by MC

09:00 Keynote

Mike Handcock

GSF President's Update

09:20 Keynote

Jane Gunn

Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow

09:50 Keynote

Viv Vermaak

Going Somewhere with Viv

10:20 Keynote

Bryan Hattingh

Navigating the Waves of Paradox

10:50 Break

Tea Break

11:35 Keynote

Prof. Renata Schoeman

The Hidden Footprint of Influence

12:05 Keynote

Karimi Fondaumiere

Sorry, Who?

12:55 Entertainment

Stunning Performances

13:00 Lunch
14:15 MC

Colleen Wilson

Welcome Back by MC

14:30 Panel

Global Speaking Panel

Global Speaking Insights

15:15 Keynote

Alison Weihe

Becoming a Revolutionary

15:45 Break

Tea Break

16:15 Masterclass

Dr Billy Selekane

The Epi Skene Code

16:45 Entertainment

Stunning Performances

16:50 MC CLOSES DAY
18:30 Gala Dinner

(Including Awards Ceremony)

21:30 Entertainment

Stunning Performances

S

Sunday 26th July

Day 3: Closing & Legacy

08:00 - 9:00 START

Registration

Mingle, Photo's, Snacks

09:10 Entertainment

Opening Performance

09:15 Keynote

Dr Billy Selekane

New PSASA President

09:25 Keynote

Marlene McConnell

2027 Convention Announcement

09:35 Keynote

Meet the Maestros / CSP's

Certified Speaking Professionals

15:45 Break

Tea Break

11:30 Keynote

Siphiwe Moyo

The Invisible Work of Great Speaking

12:00 Keynote

[Speaker to be announced]

Special Guest Speaker

12:30 MC

MC

Thank You's & Closing

12:45 Entertainment
12:30 MC

MC

Closes Day

13:00 Lunch
Dr Alka Chadha
Physician, Global Keynote Speaker, and Expert in Mind-Body Medicine
Topic:
We are Rivers, Not Rocks: How Egoless Speakers Build Influence & Impact
Sorisha Naidoo
Philanthropist, businesswoman, TV Personality
Topic:
The Authenticity of Gratitude
Arthur Goldstuck
Founder and CEO of World Wide Worx
Topic:
Riding the AI Waves: Where it will take Professional Speakers
Paula Slier
International journalist, Keynote Speaker and War Correspondent
Topic:
From Boots to Bots: What War Zones Taught Me About Speaker Credibility in an Age of Noise and Information Warfare
Dr Graeme Codrington
Researcher and Author, 3 Halls of Fame (UK and SA).
Topic:
The Business of Speaking: Q & A Masterclass with a 25-year Veteran
Mike Handcock
International Speaker, Publisher, President Global Speakers Federation
Topic:
GSF Presidents Address & Global Speaking Panel
Jane Gunn
“The Barefoot Mediator”
Topic:
Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow – Using a Map & Compass to Navigate a Speaking Career Through Uncertain Waters
Viv Vermaak
Award Winning Journalist, Writer, Director and Public Speaker
Topic:

Going Somewhere with Viv: Authenticity in the age of AI and social media.

Bryan Hattingh
Co-Founder and CEO of Cycan
Topic:
Navigating the Waves of Paradox and Perpetual Change.
Professor Renata Schoeman
Psychiatrist; PhD; MBA (cum laude)
Topic:
The Hidden Footprint of Influence
Karimi Fondaumiere
Managing Director of SPRK
Topic:
“Sorry, Who?” – Reinventing yourself in a world that keeps changing
Alison Weihe
Entrepreneur, Speaker, Author and Identity Intelligence Coach
Topic:
Becoming a Revolutionary
Dr Billy Selekane
SA Speakers Hall of Fame, Organizational Culture Architect
Topic:
Epi Skene Code Understanding the science behind stage work and story telling.
Siphiwe Moyo
Hall of Fame Professional Speaker and Hall of Fame Educator
Topic:
The Invisible Work of Great Speaking: What Actually Moves the Room

Dr Alka Chadha

Physician | Global Keynote Speaker | Expert in Mind-Body Medicine
Talk Topic: We are Rivers, Not Rocks: How Egoless Speakers Build Influence & Impact
A medical doctor with over 30 years of experience, she empowers organisations to build happy workplaces where productivity flows naturally. She reminds us that life is like waves, constantly changing; the wisdom of water is your greatest teacher.
Known for finding humour in everyday moments, she believes that when we stop judging and start understanding, connection deepens.
Her message is clear: ‘Be a river, Not a rock’. Flow, adapt, and let your humanity be your strength.

SORISHA NAIDOO

A Proud Mother | Devoted Wife | Philanthropist | Accomplished businesswoman | TV Star
Talk Topic: The Authenticity of Gratitude
Sorisha Naidoo is a multifaceted South African woman — a proud mother, devoted wife, philanthropist, accomplished businesswoman, and beloved reality TV star from The Real Housewives of Durban.
Crowned Miss India South Africa in 2002, Sorisha became a household name on television and radio before expanding her influence into business and philanthropy. With a passion for uplifting others and a talent for connecting with people, she has built a legacy that blends beauty, strength, and purpose.
As a trustee of the Sibaya Casino Trust, Sorisha drives community upliftment initiatives that empower women and children through education, skills development, and social support. In the property sector, she plays a key role in the KwaDukuza Mall development, contributing to projects that stimulate economic growth and opportunity.
Through her company SSBO and her ventures in beauty and wellness, Sorisha continues to inspire confidence and empowerment, creating meaningful spaces where women can thrive. Despite her many accomplishments, Sorisha remains grounded in her greatest role — that of a mother. Rising each morning at 4:30 AM, she balances family life, business leadership, and a disciplined fitness routine, proving that grace and determination can coexist beautifully.

Arthur Goldstuck

Founder and CEO of World Wide Worx | Author | Analyst | Speaker | Trainer
Talk Topic: Riding the AI Waves: Where it will take Professional Speakers
Arthur Goldstuck is an award-winning writer, analyst and technology commentator, founder of technology market research organisation World Wide Worx, and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. He has received lifetime achievement recognition in multiple sectors, including the Distinguished Service in ICT Award in 2013, Southern African Speakers Hall of Fame in 2021, and Southern African Educators Hall of Fame in 2023.
He is author of 21 books, including his current best-seller, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI.

Paula Slier

International Journalist | Keynote Speaker | War Correspondent
Talk Topic: From Boots to Bots: What War Zones Taught Me About Speaker Credibility in an Age of Noise and Information Warfare
Paula Slier is an award-winning international journalist and war correspondent with over 30 years of experience covering 40+ conflict zones. As the founder of Newshound Media International, she translates her frontline expertise into strategic insights for global leaders, teaching them how to navigate misinformation and maintain credibility in high-pressure environments.
Twice recognised as one of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Media, Paula is a seasoned keynote speaker who bridges the gap between the world’s most volatile battlefields and the corporate boardroom. Fun fact: she is famously more comfortable in a war zone than she is around cats.

DR Graeme Codrington

Researcher and Author | 3 Halls of Fame (UK and SA)
Talk Topic: The Business of Speaking: Q & A Masterclass with a 25-year Veteran
Graeme Codrington is a futurist, researcher and author. He has been a full-time professional speaker for 25 years, and is one of the busiest, most travelled and most credentialed speakers in the world – worked in person in 104 countries, around 200 paid events a year, Global Speaking Fellow, CSP, Fellow of PSA UK&I, 3 Halls of Fame (UK and SA). He finds time to do ultra-marathon trail runs, paint, drink good wine, and play a number of musical instruments.
Happily married, he raised three adult daughters, living in London for 5 years, but based in Johannesburg.

MIKE Handcock

International Speaker | Publisher | President Global Speakers Federation
Talk Topic: GSF Presidents Address & Global Speaking Panel
Mike Handcock, CSP and Global Speaking Fellow, is a dynamic international speaker, author, and conscious leadership expert. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, he serves as President of the Global Speakers Federation for 2025/26, championing the worldwide speaking profession. As the Founder and Chairman of the Circle of Excellence Group, Mike empowers business owners and leaders to achieve prosperity, freedom, and impact.
Rising from humble beginnings, he has delivered 3500 talks across more than 50 countries, inspiring audiences to lead with purpose and excellence. He is a 7 times iInternational Best Selling Author and has 13 Awards in Business including 2 global awards.

Jane Gunn

“The Barefoot Mediator”
Talk Topic: Only Dead Fish Go With the Flow – Using a Map & Compass to Navigate a Speaking Career Through Uncertain Waters
Jane Gunn, is an expert in the field of conflict resolution, critical thinking and decision-making. A trained mediator and facilitator, known to her clients as “The Barefoot Mediator”. Listed as a Global Leader in Who’s Who Mediation and featured in Legal 500 Hall of Fame, she is a former President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and a former director and board member of the Civil Mediation Council of England and Wales (CMC).
Author of 3 popular books “How To Beat Bedlam In The Boardroom And Boredom In The Bedroom”, “The Authority Guide To Conflict Resolution” and “The Mole and The Mountain”, she has spoken at the United Nations, The White House and the European Commission.

Viv Vermaak

Award Winning Journalist | Writer | Director | Public Speaker
Talk Topic: Going Somewhere with Viv: Authenticity in the age of AI and social media.
Viv Vermaak is an award-winning journalist and public speaker. She presents as The DisMotivational speaker. That’s right, the DIS-Motivational speaker. DisMotivation is not de motivation. It is not unmotivation. It is a lateral shift. It is an overhaul of an old an outdated paradigm, desperately in need of a reality check. She helps people rethink ideas like success and excellence and replaces them with a reality check, common sense and humour.
Since winning the PSASA’s Speaker Factor competition in 2025, he has been invited to speak at conferences, online, private home functions, the University of Cape Town’s business school and performed at a theatre.
Viv uses complexity coaching and her trademark ‘zoom in, zoom out’ perspective techniques to help reframe expectations and set realistic goals. She contends that the capacity to sit with complexity in curiosity, authenticity and a sense of humour might be a more valuable goal than searching for excellence, happiness or meaning.
Expect brutal honesty, powerful insights, and laughter.

Bryan Hattingh

Co-Founder and CEO of Cycan
Talk Topic: Navigating the Waves of Paradox and Perpetual Change.
Bryan Hattingh is the CEO of Cycan, The Exponential Leadership Company, and a keynote speaker with more than thirty years of experience on local and international platforms.
He has delivered hundreds of addresses to executive teams, professional associations and global conferences across South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, including cities such as Paris, Rome, Berlin, London, Dubai and New Delhi.
His talks are shaped by four decades in business as an entrepreneur and change agent. He speaks from experience, not theory. Audiences range from C-suite leaders and senior partners to entrepreneurs and leadership teams navigating significant transitions.

Professor Renata Schoeman

Psychiatrist | PhD | MBA (cum laude) | Professional Speaker
Talk Topic: The Hidden Footprint of Influence
Prof Renata Schoeman (MBChB, MSocSc, MMed, FC Psych, PhD, MBA, PgDip Futures Studies) is a psychiatrist, academic, and mental health advocate with a full-time private practice since 2008. She offers compassionate, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, and adults — with particular expertise in cognitive disorders (e.g. ADHD), eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders.
A passionate advocate for mental health access and corporate mental health, she serves on South Africa’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health and leads the SASOP Special Interest Group for ADHD. She is the co-founder of the Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation, which supports children with ADHD and other mental health challenges in underserved communities.

Karimi Fondaumiere

Managing Director of SPRK
Talk Topic: “Sorry, Who?” – Reinventing yourself in a world that keeps changing
Karimi Fondaumiere is the Managing Director of SPRK, a consulting group working across Africa and internationally to support leaders navigating complexity, culture change, and strategic shifts. She works with executives, founders, and leadership teams across sectors, including UN agencies, major financial institutions, and global mining firms, often in multi country initiatives and complex stakeholder environments.
Karimi is known for creating insight led environments where leaders cut through complexity and align around what matters most. Her work sits at the intersection of leadership, mindset, and strategy, helping leaders make the internal shifts required for sustained performance in a changing world.

Alison Weihe

Entrepreneur | Speaker | Author | Identity Intelligence Coach
Talk Topic: Becoming a Revolutionary
Alison Weihe is a seasoned entrepreneur, global speaker, facilitator, and coach specialising in small and medium-sized enterprises.
With 27 years of hands-on experience building and leading companies and a rare background as a political activist for 20 years, Alison brings depth, credibility, and a bridge-builder’s perspective to every stage and leadership room.
Alison is the Founder of Soul Voice Journeys, where the Identity Intelligence™ framework is revealed through learning journeys. Known as a “soul speaker”, Alison is driven by a calling to build lasting leadership, culture, and legacy that impacts the story of South Africa.

DR Billy Selekane

SA Speakers Hall of Fame | Organizational Culture Architect
Talk Topic: Epi Skene Code ( the Fibonacci Sequencing For Speaking ) Understanding the science behind stage work and story telling.
Billy is a globally recognized INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER – BEST SELLING AUTHOR – COACH – FACILITATOR – ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE EXPERT
As the Executive Chairman of Billy Selekane international, Billy oversees an extensive global presence spanning Africa, the Middle East, Singapore, Sweden, the UK, and the USA. His organization is dedicated to Action Learning, Strategy Formulation, Personal, Team, Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership Development.
Billy delivers impactful Customized Keynotes and Client-Centric Interventions. Notably, he has worked for Fortune 500 companies such as 3M Sub-Sahara Africa, ADT Security, African Bank, Development Bank of South Africa, DTI, Eskom, International Youth Fund, Maps UK, Nike Southern Africa, Nokia, Pam Golding Properties, Roche Pharmaceuticals, SEFA, and the Swedish Institute of Public Administration, among others.

Siphiwe Moyo

Hall of Fame Professional Speaker | Hall of Fame Educator
Talk Topic: The Invisible Work of Great Speaking: What Actually Moves the Room
Siphiwe Moyo is a Hall of Fame professional speaker and Hall of Fame educator, as well as an organisational behaviour specialist and founder of the Organisational Behaviour Institute. He works with boards, CEOs, and executive teams across Africa and internationally, helping organisations build better workplaces.
Siphiwe is known for translating rigorous research in organisational behaviour and psychology into practical, human-centred leadership insights. A regular speaker at major conferences and business schools, he is the author of Building Better Workplaces and is respected for his ability to bridge science, leadership, and the real dynamics of work.