Benjamin Pius is a distinguished visionary in the media and technology space, helping to create, incubate and lead companies and organisations – especially in the Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) space – to growth and profitability.
With a career spanning over two decades at the C-level, Benjamin has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader, specialising in business and organisational transformations, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional financial performances.

As Broadcast Media Africa’s founder, CEO, and Publisher, Benjamin has established a pan-continental networking platform, bringing together media and tech professionals to foster collaboration and innovation. Simultaneously, he serves as the chief executive officer for BSP Media Group, demonstrating his multifaceted leadership in the industry. Benjamin is deeply engaged in incubating and bringing to market “MOOA,” a revolutionary media-tech platform designed to discover and exchange audio-visual assets. This project reflects his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and his dedication to shaping the future of the media and technology landscape.

As he continues to lead and inspire, Benjamin Pius stands as a driving force in the evolution of the TMT industry – especially within the Africa ecosystem – leaving an indelible legacy of success and forward-thinking.

Ms. Sithole has acquired vast experience in administration, communications and media, data collection and personnel management in different sectors. She established a business that provides strategic direction and leadership on all project functions based on her years of experience in the public sector. Ms Sithole is a business owner who utilizes her strategic skills to influence and impact society.

Ms. Sithole holds a BTech degree in Public Relations and Communications and an Advanced Management Development Programme and non-financial management certificate.

She started her career as a nurse at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. She later joined the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry as a junior hydrological assistant to the Communications Officer

As the CEO of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), I lead a dynamic team committed to promoting and ensuring media development and diversity in South Africa. I am particularly interested in fostering sustainability in community broadcasting, as well as community and small commercial print, and online media projects.

With over 20 years of experience in broadcast and digital media, my passion lies in exploring innovative technologies, including AI, to elevate storytelling and strengthen audience connections. I am also a sessional lecturer and facilitator at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I teach the New and Social Media for Radio course at the Wits Radio Academy.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with the next generation of media professionals and helping them navigate the changing landscape of journalism, podcasting, audio streaming, and analytics. I am a lifelong learner myself, with multiple certifications and degrees in marketing communication, strategic brand communications, broadcasting and digital media policy, and connected strategy. I am also fluent in Sesotho and English, and have elementary proficiency in French.

Shinny GOBIYEZA is a qualified Analytical Chemist and currently serves as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer of naamsa | The Automotive Business Council. In this capacity, she leads organisational strategy, industry coordination, and stakeholder engagement across South Africa’s automotive sector. She also chairs the naamsa Legal and Media & Communications Standing Committees.

A seasoned strategist with extensive governance and leadership experience, Shinny has served as a Director on several prominent boards, including Sizwe Paints, STEINER, BidAir Cargo, Bidvest Laundry, Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), and RENNIES | BCD Travel.

She brings significant private sector experience, having held executive management and advisory roles at leading blue-chip organisations such as Diageo, Bidvest Group, Prime Group, Kansai Plascon, and Rock Construction Group. Across these roles, she has built a strong track record in strategic transformation, operational leadership, and stakeholder management.

Ms. Eshe Muhiddin Hussein is a seasoned media and communications professional with over three decades of experience in journalism, broadcasting, public information, and strategic communications. She currently serves as Director of News and Current Affairs at the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), where she provides strategic leadership in the management and delivery of news and current affairs content across radio and television platforms.

Holding a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, Ms. Hussein has built an accomplished career spanning both national and international institutions. Her professional journey began at Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD) as a Radio Presenter, before advancing through various leadership and production roles within Tanzania’s public broadcasting sector, including Program Producer, Senior Program Producer, Head of Current Affairs Unit, Head of News and Current Affairs, and Deputy Head of Central Zone at TBC. She also served with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as a Public Information Officer and Team Leader, where she played a key role in communication, public outreach, media relations, and civic awareness initiatives during significant moments in South Sudan’s history.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hussein has demonstrated exceptional expertise in media management, stakeholder engagement, event coordination, public communication, and organizational leadership. She has conducted exclusive interviews with Heads of State and senior government officials, including Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as ministers, permanent secretaries, and regional commissioners, reflecting her high level of access and credibility in public affairs journalism. She has also contributed to major national and regional initiatives, including serving as a member of the National Organizing Committee for the 39th SADC Summit and coordinating media-related activities for the summit.

Recognized for her professionalism, strong leadership, and ability to build effective partnerships across government, international organizations, civil society, and the media sector, Ms. Hussein continues to make significant contributions to the advancement of journalism and public information in Tanzania and beyond.

Francesco Diasio, an Italian communication and media expert, began his career as a journalist in Rome and London. Since 2000, he has supported radio and crosscutting media components in development projects across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. He served as Secretary General of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), leading international initiatives to strengthen independent media. Since 2020, he has worked with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as an International Communication for Development Specialist

Chris currently consults for Mediamark and serves on the IAB SA Board as an Executive Member. He has worked for and across most of the media groups in SA, his last position being as Head of Digital for United Stations. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Chris’ career has been spent working across all media types – including radio, TV, print and a newswire agency startup – but always with an emphasis on the informational opportunities afforded by digital media. He twice served on the Management Committee of the Online Publishers Association (OPA – the precursor to the DMMA and IAB), and on his return to South Africa re-joined the now-called IAB SA Publishing Council before standing as Chairman of the IAB Board of Directors, where he served for 3 years.

Jacqueline Lawrence Mwakyambiki is an accomplished entrepreneur and Director of Mbeya Highlands FM Radio, a leading media company in Tanzania. Born and raised in Mbeya, Tanzania, Jacqueline developed an early passion for business and entrepreneurship. After completing her studies in International Business and Finance, she gained experience in various fields such as project formulation and planning, economic trend forecasting, and international marketing. With her diverse skill set and entrepreneurial spirit, Jacqueline’s holds a leading role in Mbeya Highlands FM Radio, a media company dedicated to bridging communication gaps between different sections of society and informing people through critical analysis of public policies, social and cultural issues. She ensures that her company serves the purpose of its editorial policies and upholds the roles of media as a mirror of society to inform the people. Jacqueline’s passion and dedication to her work have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as a Captain of the Industry by TAYPA in 2015, a Young African Leader MWF Alumni of the US STATE Program, and a Laureate Global Fellow Alumni of the International Youth Foundation Program. In 2021, her company was awarded Best Communication Company by TWCC. Beyond her work in media and broadcast management, Jacqueline is committed to making a positive impact on society. She has volunteered for various community development initiatives, including organizing mentorship programs for young entrepreneurs and supporting education and healthcare initiatives in her community. Jacqueline’s leadership, vision, and dedication to her work have made her a respected figure in Tanzania’s business community. Her passion for entrepreneurship and commitment to making a positive impact on society serve as an inspiration to many young people in Tanzania and beyond.

A seasoned media practitioner with 20+ years of expertise at the intersection of Mass Communication and project management. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Media Council of Malawi and has a proven track record in institutional governance, investigative journalism (for both print and broadcasting), enforcing professional standards, and managing complex stakeholder relationships. With an MBA in Strategic Management and a Bachelor’s in Mass Communication, he combines media strategies, forensic analytical skills, policy development expertise, and a commitment to ethical leadership, essential for upholding institutional integrity.

Philly Moilwa has acquired over 20 years of experience in the ICT sector, broadcasting, regulation and policy development. He has served on various industry bodies and is currently the former Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). He is also a trustee on the board of SABC Pension Fund. He previously served as Non-Executive Director on the board of Advertising Standard Authority of South Africa (now Advertising Regulatory Board) , an organisation responsible for the regulation of advertising. He also served in the panel tasked by the Minister of Communications to review the ICT Policy in South Africa from 2013 to 2015. He has previously headed various divisions in the SABC such as Strategy, Corporate Affairs and Sports He joined the SABC from 2003 to date where he specialised in policy, regulation and research within the ICT sector. He played a role in the licensing of the SABC into Public Broadcasting and Commercial service divisions. He has previously worked in various strategic positions of the regulator, then IBA and the successor ICASA from monitoring to licensing of Broadcasters from 1997 to 2003. This included the licensing of services across commercial, public and community tiers of broadcasting. He participated in various policy and regulatory development initiated by the regulator and the policymaker such as the development of Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy and various ICASA Regulations. Conducted research visits on broadcasting across Africa, UK, Italy, Australia, Canada, USA, China and Singapore. He got a meritorious selection by the United States Telecommunications and Training Institute (USTTI) for training in Washington and San Diego Carlifonia on Public Television and Radio, IMT: New Generation Technologies and Mobile Television. He has further received intensive training on management and executive leadership.

Melissa Mc Nally is Head of Research & Analytics at Kagiso Connect, where she leads SoundInsights, a human-centric intelligence function focused on understanding how people think, feel and behave in an increasingly complex world shaped by media, technology and artificial intelligence.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning marketing, media, broadcasting and social research, Melissa’s work sits at the intersection of human insight, strategy, measurement, innovation and emerging technology. Drawing on a background in Research Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand, alongside studies in race relations and gender, she is passionate about understanding the deeper human forces that drive behaviour in an age where data is abundant, but understanding is often scarce.
Her work explores how attention, emotion, culture and context influence decision-making, helping brands, media owners and marketers move beyond traditional metrics to understand what truly creates impact. Increasingly, her focus is on the relationship between humans and intelligent systems: how AI is reshaping communication, creativity, decision-making and connection, and why understanding human behaviour has never been more important.
Melissa believes that the future of measurement lies in connecting exposure, attention, emotion and behaviour to create a more complete understanding of effectiveness. While audio remains an important lens, her thinking extends across the broader media, technology and marketing ecosystem, examining how brands can build meaningful relationships with people in a rapidly changing environment.
She has played an active role in advancing audience measurement and industry innovation through her involvement with the NAB and BRC, and was instrumental in bringing The Infinite Dial study to South Africa. Melissa has shared her perspectives internationally through egta and was recognised as one of the global Insights250 leaders in market research and insights.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: as technology becomes more powerful, understanding people becomes more valuable. Her mission is to bring human truth back into measurement, ensure insight leads to action, and help organisations understand not just what reaches people, but what truly moves them.

I produce podcasts and audiobooks for people and organisations who want to Be Heard. I have been involved in radio and television broadcasting and production since the early 1990s and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the exciting transition from analogue tapes to a fully digital Internet-enabled, multimedia environment. My journey included being joint owner of a television and audio post-production and outside broadcast facility while also assisting in the establishment of numerous community radio stations (e.g. Mix FM, BUWA, East Wave), a community TV station (Soweto Community TV) while also pioneering in-store radio and television for clients such as Ster Kinekor, Edcon and Harmony Gold. In the mid-20-teens, I noticed I’d totally stopped listening to radio — and was instead listening almost exclusively to podcasts. A survey of family, friends and clients at that time revealed a massive dearth of awareness of what a podcast was, let alone encountering people who were listening to them. As for finding locally produced podcasts, those were as scarce as hens’ teeth. This gap in the market prompted me to revamp an entire floor of my building in Randburg where several additional studios, intended only for recording podcasts, were built. Since then it’s been a fun and crazy ride as podcasts entered an exponential growth phase, and businesses, individuals and organisations realised the power of podcasts and started experimenting in the digital audio space. My vision is to be your Podcast and Audiobook Partner of choice and my mission is to help people and organisations #BeHeard through quality, creative story-telling.

From a childhood fascination with rhythm and storytelling to shaping the future of media, my journey has been fuelled by a deep passion for broadcasting, creativity, and innovation.

The introduction of community radio in South Africa ignited my career, and since then, I’ve navigated the industry across commercial, community, retail, and public radio—leading teams, driving strategy, and elevating brands. With experience spanning content creation, media operations, and business strategy, I now focus on coaching, training, and mentoring professionals and organisations who want to level up their careers in an evolving media landscape.

🚀 What I Do Best:

Media strategy & innovation
Content development & execution
Talent coaching & mentorship
Business sustainability in media
Audience growth & engagement

Beyond the studio and boardroom, I have a love for all things retro—Vespas, vinyl records, and vintage finds. I thrive on the power of storytelling, the influence of music, and the endless knowledge found in books and travel. Always up for a thought-provoking discussion, I believe in the power of collaboration, creativity, and good humour (though I admit, I’m terrible at telling jokes!).

Let’s connect and create some media magic!

Savvy Thinking In The Age Of Everything – Consulting: Small businesses have been amongst the key buzzwords in the media before and during the COVID19 lockdown; and will remain so post lockdown. Every business has had to get back to the drawing board to establish strategies that will help them to float above water and survive the effects of Covid19 – small businesses more so. It is for this reason that we dedicate our services specifically to small and medium sized businesses that would relish the opportunity to build marketing campaigns that reach their target audiences on various platforms but have limited coins to do so. Let us help you to find marketing remedies that will ensure that you are not missed in the noise – with the best expertise at the lowest price.

KayCee Butshe is a Brand Manager at Fresh FM, based in Windhoek, Namibia, with a strong track record in media branding, audience engagement, and strategic communication. With a deep understanding of radio as a lifestyle platform, KayCee plays a key role in shaping the station’s brand identity, market presence, and public image.

In this role, KayCee oversees brand strategy, on-air and off-air promotions, partnerships, and campaigns that connect Fresh FM with its target audience in authentic and impactful ways. Known for creative thinking and brand consistency, KayCee works closely with presenters, marketing teams, and external stakeholders to ensure the station remains relevant, innovative, and culturally connected.

Passionate about youth culture, entertainment, and storytelling, KayCee brings energy, insight, and professionalism to every project. Their work reflects a commitment to building strong brands that resonate with listeners while delivering measurable business and community value.

With 33 years’ experience in the media and broadcasting landscape Johan has been at the helm of the SABC Radio’s Strategy Department for the past 10 years. The role requires him to provide leadership and direction in the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives for the SABC’s Radio Division comprising of 19 diverse national and regional radio stations reaching 27 million adults (aged 15+) per week.

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

Rapid developments in internet advertising in the early 2000’s led him to accept the position of Online Media Manager at FCB South Africa where he managed internet advertising agency accounts for blue chip clients like Toyota, IBM, Siemens, Dimension Data, Vodacom and M-Web. This was followed by a 2 year stint as Key Account Manager at HAL Africa (subsidiary of Dimension Data). HAL Africa developed a visionary online real-time media inventory trading solution to allow seamless media buying and billing between Advertising Agencies and Radio Broadcasters in South Africa.

The dynamic environment which Public and Commercial Broadcasting offers lured him back to the SABC where he once again occupied many different positions until he settled in his current role.

Johan serves as Board member of the Broadcast Research Council (BRC) with particular focus on Radio and the Radio Audience Measurement Survey currency. He also serves on several of the SABC’s OTT & Digital steering committees and was awarded Market Intelligence Top Achiever awards for 3 consecutive years. In 2025 Johan was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the annual Telkom Radio Awards to acknowledge more than 30 years of dedicated service to the media and broadcasting industry in South Africa.

Johan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North West University, a Diploma in Marketing from the IMM, as well as diplomas and certificates in Digital Media and Digital Marketing and successfully completed an Executive Development Programme through GIBS Business School.

Experienced communications professional with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Skilled in Crisis Management, Crisis Communications, Production Management, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Marketing promotions, Advertising and Event Management. Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelor of Arts – BA focused in Literature with communication from Makerere University.

Tashreeq Truebody is an award-winning South African journalist, broadcaster, and media
executive based in Cape Town. He began his career in community radio at a young age,
developing a strong foundation in broadcasting through early training at stations such as Radio
786 and Bush Radio.

He is recognised for his long-standing contribution to community media and has built a career
spanning over two decades in radio journalism, production, and station management. He has
served in senior roles at Radio 786, including News Editor, and currently serves as Station
Manager.

Truebody has interviewed several prominent political figures, including Cyril Ramaphosa, Jacob
Zuma, and Julius Malema, and has produced and hosted content across radio and television
platforms, including Cape Town TV and international media productions.

He has received recognition in the field of journalism, including the National Vodacom Journalist
of the Year Award for investigative reporting early in his career.

He is also active in media development structures, serving in leadership roles within the
National Community Radio Forum (NCRF), and serves as a Councillor on the BBBEE ICT
Sector Council on behalf of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Today, he continues to work in community broadcasting, media development, and content
production.

Star FM, Diamond FM, Capitalk 100.4FM and Nyami Nyami FM

Tebogo serves as Head of Legal and Licensing at Gresham Rights Management (GRM), a direct music licensing entity representing leading international collective management organisations across sub-Saharan Africa, including SESAC, Harry Fox Agency (HFA), SUISA, and SOCAN.

He operates at the intersection of music rights, copyright regulation, and broadcasting, focusing on the development and implementation of transparent licensing solutions for broadcasters, digital platforms, and other commercial users across the African region.

His work is centred on addressing the practical complexities of copyright compliance for broadcasters, ensuring that the use of music within their operations remains compliant and uninterrupted within a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a results-driven approach to marketing, driving brand awareness and audience engagement both in South Africa and internationally. I have successfully developed and implemented innovative marketing strategies that not only captivate target audiences but also contribute to substantial revenue growth. My proficiency in event planning and management has allowed me to organize and execute high-profile events from concept to completion, ensuring impactful and memorable experiences for attendees.

What sets me apart is my keen eye for detail and talent for storytelling, which have proven invaluable in creating and curating content that resonates deeply with diverse audiences. Additionally, my expertise in digital marketing—including social media management, SEO optimization, and targeted email campaigns—enables me to leverage modern platforms effectively to expand reach and foster engagement.

Personal Achievements:
Africa Career Summit & Awards – Finalist
Achievement Alley Awards – Youth Development Award Finalist
Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (DSACR) – Adjudication Committee Member
Pan – African Council – Advisory to Ambassador Southern Africa

Experienced Studio Head with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Skilled in Management, Television, Marketing, Final Cut Pro, and Video. Strong operations professional graduated from Marist Nyanga. Production of radio spots & radio programmes, Radio Programme Opening & Closing Billboards, Corporate Jingles, On Hold Messages, IVR Recordings, Radio Station Imaging, Audio for Television Commercials

Broadcaster, radio junkie.
I Love Radio & i believe in its power to influence thus i’m in the Business Of Radio.
I’m inspired by my humble beginnings, Proud Product of Qwaqwa and The Vaal.
Nobody did it but God
I Remain MotsekiMabuya Foundation.

Experienced Researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Event Management, Journalism, Media Relations, and Facilitation. Strong education professional graduated from University of the Witwatersrand.

Lundi ‘Khoisan’ Cavernelis holds over seventeen years of media experience, having hosted radio shows on MFM 92.6, The Voice of Wits (VOW), Jacaranda FM, Mix 93.8 and 919. She was nominated for Best Daytime Radio Show at the South African Radio Awards in 2022 and Best Online Presenter at the 2025 Community Radio Awards. Lundi has also been nominated for two Silwerskerm Awards for the kykNET TV show – Fiësta – for Best Presenter in a Lifestyle Programme (2025) and Best Ensemble Presenters (2023). Her work experience further includes MCing, Account Management at Mediamark, lecturing Radio and TV Presenting at the University of Pretoria and training facilitator for MICTSETA-accredited Radio 101.

Lundi was also Programme- and Acting Station Manager at Tuks FM 107.2, who has won Station of the Year in 2022 and 2023 during her tenure. She is currently the Programme Manager at VOW 88.1. Lundi holds a BDram Honours degree from the University of Stellenbosch and qualifications from the Wits Radio Academy, AAA School of Advertising and VEGA. She is currently completing her Masters-degree in Journalism and Media at the University of Witwatersrand.

A dedicated and results-oriented radio broadcasting professional with over 15 years of extensive experience in various facets of radio operations, including content production, newsroom management, technical oversight, and programming. Beginning as a news anchor and field journalist at Motheo FM, I progressively took on roles such as current affairs producer, technical manager etc, demonstrating a broad skill set in both on-air and behind- the-scenes functions.

Currently serving as the Programming Manager at Radio Riverside since October 2020, I specialise in developing and implementing innovative programming strategies, training and mentoring broadcasters, and coordinating station activities to ensure seamless broadcast operations. My expertise includes managing outside broadcasts, scheduling, content development, and stakeholder engagement, all aimed at enhancing station growth and audience reach.

My background also encompasses technical management, studio operations, and community engagement, supported by a solid foundation in media training, curriculum development, and capacity building. I am proficient in various computer applications, broadcast software, and training tools, with a strong commitment to professionalism, accuracy, and teamwork.

Passionate about talent development and media excellence.

Zolile Valashiya, though most know him as ‘Phait’ (pronounced ‘Fate’), is an accomplished Audio Creative Director, Podcast Content Producer, and Social Media Content Creator with 15 years of expertise in audio recording, music production, & broadcast media. Specialising in podcast marketing and audio branding for B2B companies, Phait transforms brand narratives into compelling auditory experiences that engage audiences and drive business growth.
A seasoned entrepreneur, Phait has successfully launched and scaled two innovative ventures—Rush Studios, a mobile music and film/television audio production service, and I Need A Podcast, a premier podcast agency offering end-to-end podcast production, audio branding, and content strategy. Through strategic partnerships with professionals and organisations, Phait has honed a unique ability to craft high impact audio content that elevates brand identity and fosters audience connection.
His work goes beyond recording: It’s about turning brands into industry voices through:
– Podcast Production & Strategy – Launching, producing, and optimising podcasts that position clients as thought leaders.
– Audio Branding – Creating signature sonic identities (music, voiceovers, sound logos) that make brands instantly recognisable.
– Social Media Audio Content – Repurposing podcast content into viral-worthy clips for LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

With a decade of full-time entrepreneurial experience, Phait, combines technical mastery with creative vision, helping businesses leverage podcasts and audio marketing as powerful tools for thought leadership and customer engagement. Whether producing immersive branded podcasts, optimising
audio for social media, or developing signature sonic identities, I Need A Podcast, delivers tailored solutions that align with corporate objectives and market trends.
Dedicated to innovation and excellence, I Need A Podcast, empowers organisations to harness the power of sound—turning listeners into loyal customers and ideas into industry movements.