Melissa Tighy is a seasoned journalist and content creator with extensive experience across television, radio, and digital platforms. Previous served as Business Anchor and Producer at eNCA and currently with eNuus, she has built a strong career shaping and delivering impactful stories in accessible formats. Her career spans roles as a sub-editor at eNuus, a weather presenter and current affairs producer at the SABC, and a communications professional for organisations such as Agri SA and RightBrains in the Netherlands. With a BPhil in Journalism and a BA in Humanities from Stellenbosch University, Melissa brings a sharp editorial eye, strong storytelling skills, and a proven ability to engage audiences across mediums, making her a respected voice in South Africa’s media landscape.

Annatjie van Rooyen is the Chief Economist at Regenesys and CEO of Regenesys Investment Fund. She holds a BCom (Hons) and has completed the membership examinations of the South African Institute of Stockbrokers and Safex. With more than 20 years of experience in the investment industry, Annatjie previously served as a Director at Standard Equities and Head of Dealing at BoE Stockbrokers. She also managed the BoE Alpha Fund, a long/short equity fund that was nominated in the Top New Funds category in 2007. Her extensive experience across financial markets, investment management and economic analysis gives her a practical perspective on the forces shaping South Africa’s economy and investment landscape.

Koketso Mano is an independent economist recognised for her impactful contributions to South Africa’s financial sector and broader economy. She holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Pretoria and a master’s in public policy from Wits University, which underpin her expertise in economic dynamics and policy. She worked at the South African Reserve Bank’s Research Department, focusing on macroeconomic research, policy analysis, and forecasting, which shaped key monetary policy decisions. She provides valuable insights through economic outlook reports and media commentary, translating complex challenges into accessible analysis. A passionate advocate for inclusive growth, Koketso is committed to fostering sustainable development that benefits all South Africans.

After graduating Kearabilwe began his career at JP Morgan on the Equity derivatives trading desk as an Equity derivatives sales trader. Kearabilwe Joined IG Markets South Africa as an Equity and Derivatives sales trader where he was exposed to global Derivatives markets and excelled as a stock picker and investment idea generator. He later joined ThinkMarkets South Africa as Manager of Equity and Derivative sales trading and also was the Head of Equity research fulfilling both functions concurrently. He then Joined EA Capital and led the global markets function across multi asset sales and trading.

Wayne McCurrie, born in Kimberley in 1959, is a retired investment analyst with a distinguished career spanning over four decades in South Africa’s financial sector. He began his professional journey as an articled clerk in Pietermaritzburg in 1979 before moving into management accounting within the sugar manufacturing industry in KwaZulu-Natal. In 1988, he relocated to Johannesburg to join Lifegro Limited, which later became part of Momentum Group and subsequently FirstRand through a series of acquisitions. From 1989 until his retirement in 2024, Wayne played a central role in the investment function within the broader FirstRand group, while also becoming a familiar voice in the media for his market insights. A Chartered Accountant (CA SA) with a BCompt (Hons), Wayne’s career reflects both technical expertise and a passion for making investment knowledge accessible to the public.

Bianca Botes is the Director at Citadel Global, where since 2020 she has specialised in treasury management, applying her deep expertise to optimise financial strategies and outcomes for clients. With a career spanning influential roles at Peregrine Treasury Solutions, Exchange Capital, Merchant West, and Sanlam Investments, she has led transformative initiatives, harnessed emerging technologies, and built strategic partnerships within the financial sector. Bianca holds a BCom in Economics from the University of South Africa and is a recognised thought leader, having contributed numerous articles to the SAIFM Financial Markets Journal. Her extensive experience and strategic insight position her as a trusted voice in treasury and financial management.

Izak Odendaal is Chief Investment Strategist at Symmetry, an investment solutions business that is part of Old Mutual. He analyses the intersection of global and South African economics, politics, and financial markets to guide asset allocation decisions. Izak holds an MPhil in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Cape Town. He writes regular commentary on economics and investment-related matters and is frequently quoted in the South African media.