Daniel Silke Premier Selection Keynotes

Premier Selection Keynotes

Daniel Silke

Daniel Silke Premier Selection 2015 2

Premier Selection Keynotes

Daniel Silke offers a broad range of conference keynote presentations covering South

Africa, Africa and Global political economy issues. From 2015, Silke has streamlined his larger ‘keynote menu’ into three major ‘premier selection’ options. Each of the three keynotes may be customized in consultation with clients. Further options available in his full 2015 Keynote Menu.

1. South Africa

Uncharted Waters: The new politics & economics of South

Africa. South Africa’s flagship political economy analysis.

South African politics and economics are both changing. The future of the broader ANC Alliance and COSATU now hangs in the balance as trade union rivalries, economic policy

disagreements and personality clashes begin to fashion an entirely new political climate in the country. The advent of the EFF has also disrupted the somewhat predictable pattern of parliamentary procedures and is causing substantial tension within the ruling party. Add to this a stronger Democratic Alliance and a weakened ANC – particularly in Gauteng – and you have a recipe for a much more competitive and contested political arena in the run-up to the 2016 local government elections and beyond.

South Africa may also get a brand new political grouping on the Left of the political spectrum if NUMSA’s suspension from COSATU is made permanent. This too can weaken the ANC, take away some electoral support and destabilize the ruling party’s power base. The weakened Presidency under Jacob Zuma and a domestic economy that is suffering lower levels of growth is likely to result in an unpredictable yet potentially exciting

environment in which both political and economic change can occur.


A renewed focus on infrastructure and the troubled state-owned enterprises sector will provide hope and friction. An increasingly important role for Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to

emerge as contenders for power begin to position themselves. “Uncharted Waters: The new politics and economics of South Africa” is a

realistic yet essential guide to where the country is going in the near future.

With his usual balanced insight, flair and understated humor, Daniel Silke will

address questions around the future of the ANC and its leadership; the role of

unions in the business environment; the domestic South African economy as

well as political competition into the future.

Combining political, economic & social trends, this is ideal for conventions,

conferences or smaller briefings and is sure to be one of the most important

keynotes you will want to hear in 2015. Book now!

2. Africa

Arise Africa: The State of the Continent in 2015 and

Beyond. The compelling case for Africa’s future. In May 2000, the Economist Magazine referred to Africa as “The Hopeless Continent”. A decade later, the same magazine extolled the virtues of Africa in another cover story – this time more positively entitled “Africa Rising”. Over the last decade much of Africa has been changing – for the better. Its economic growth has out-grown East Asia – including Japan. Seven out of the top ten growth economies worldwide over the next five years will be African. By 2015, well over 300m Africans will populate a new middle class with, for the first time, a discretionary income. More democracy, better governance, greater regional and global integration make it a continent on the move.


Urbanization and the rise of African cities will be critical in providing economic and employment opportunities to the millions who will desert the rural areas in the hope for a better life. And, as Africa’s population increases, so its connectivity through at least 600m cellphone subscribers offers new opportunities in communications, health, innovation and global linkages. Silke also places Africa within the global context as China and other developing and developed economic powers seek both investment opportunities and future commodity security. And, with Africa set to experience an oil and gas boom, new issues and opportunities arise. However, in 2015, Africa faces some real challenges. Low levels of manufacturing still hamper proper job creation. Over-reliance on metals and minerals make economies vulnerable. Rising debt levels add a sense of volatility to financial and fiscal planning. Slower Chinese growth can affect Beijing’s role in investing on the continent. And, infrastructure bottlenecks and corruption continue to cause concern. In addition, security concerns from Nigeria to Kenya and beyond are making investors jittery. Africa in 2015 is certainly alive with possibilities like never before. But, it also faces headwinds that can slow growth into the future. In this important new keynote, Daniel Silke offers a compelling, entertaining and fundamentally positive account of why the time for Africa is now and why Africa will be critical to global growth in the future. This keynote is essential for anyone thinking about investing on the continent or any business keen to learn about the growth potential that Africa affords the world.


3. Global Issues/Future Trends

Tracking the Future: 20 Trends to 2020 to Shape & Shift the World!

Most requested presentation comprehensively revised for 2015.

Do you know the future of the World? Get ready for a thrilling ride! Politics, economics, society and technology are all shifting and changing. A host of key trends are emerging that will influence all our lives – for the rest of our lives!

Political Analyst & Futurist Daniel Silke presents a compelling, challenging yet highly entertaining new analysis of the top global trends that will transform the world of the future. Constantly updated with the latest political, economic, social and technological research, Silke identifies key areas of dramatic change and disruption that will affect us as individuals or in the business environment. Some of these changes are already here – and many more are coming at a ferocious speed. Power shifts towards developing and emerging nations will alter our mindset. A new

Industrial Revolution is with us – testing the future of labour and work. Tensions around Oil might be replaced with Water scarcity. Business practice; the changing consumer; technology and dramatic demographic shifts all conspire to create an exciting yet volatile world of the future. This presentation will identify and explain these changes in an all-encompassing talk - fully illustrated, customizable and applicable to a wide variety of industries. It is designed

to inform and entertain – and is also available as a critically acclaimed book published by Tafelberg. Trends may include (inter-alia):

• China, India, Africa & the ‘rise of the rest’

• The USA surges ahead of Europe

• Technology & Labour in the new Industrial Revolution

• The rise of urban living and the role of cities


• Regulation and the changing face of globalization

• New ‘soft & hard power’ players in the world.

• Growing global competitiveness – everywhere!

• Inequality, growth & rising political pressures

• Seeking higher returns in the BRICS & Africa

• Adapting business strategy to new locations.

• The new world of ‘disruptors’ and rising volatility

• The ‘Internet of Everything’

• Cyber security and the new ways of warfare

• Science & Health: Converging & changing humankind

• Energy, Oil, Food & Agriculture into the future

• People & the Planet: Demographics to shift the planet

• The ‘She-Conomy’: The role of Women in the Future

• The Changing Consumer Landscape Make sure you don’t miss the future!

Daniel Silke Short Bio

Contact Details: www.danielsilke.com and [email protected]

Daniel Silke is recognized as one of South Africa’s leading Political Economy Analysts, Futurists and most passionate keynote speakers. As Director of the Political Futures

Consultancy & faculty consultant for Duke Corporate Education, Silke serves a host of major blue-chip companies with outstanding keynotes and workshops aimed at the convention, conference and events industries. He has 20 years experience in delivering stimulating, entertaining and insightful presentations on South African, African and Global political and economic trends. His client list includes Marriott International, Oracle, CISCO, PwC, MTN, KPMG, FirstRand, Grant Thornton, Deloittes, Distell, Momentum, Sanlam, Old Mutual, Danone, Estee Lauder, Protea Hotels, Foschini, FNB, SunGard, Barclays and ABSA. Silke is the author of the book “Tracking the Future: Top

Trends that will Shape South Africa and the World”. He regularly appears on and contributes to CNBC Africa, ENCA, SABC, ANN7, Bloomberg, AFP, Fin24, News24, Deutsche Welle, the BBC, 702, Classic FM and Business Day. In 2014, Silke spoke at the prestigious World Affairs Council in Washington DC on African issues.