Herman Mashaba, Mmusi Maimane, Stephen Grootes and Songezo Zibi 
We’re proud to confirm that The Gathering 2025: Changemakers | Impact Edition will host a not-to-be-missed panel titled “Creation of New Urban Identity”, led by none other than Daily Maverick associate editor and renowned political journalist Stephen Grootes.
Joining him for this timely and necessary conversation are three political figures redefining South Africa’s political landscape:
- Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA;
- Songezo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi; and
- Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (Bosa).
A new political identity?
“There is very little that is genuinely new in our politics – many of our parties have their roots in older parties, often from our apartheid past. But three parties appear to be competing for what looks like a new South African identity. It is largely urban, multiracial and multicultural. They are Rise Mzansi, ActionSA and Bosa.
“These parties might well be pointing the way to a future for our politics. Or, their projects might be doomed to failure. Find out first-hand what their leaders are planning, and how they see themselves, at The Gathering 2025.” – Stephen Grootes
The Gathering 2025: A Day of Impact
Date: 28 August 2025
Location: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Time: 8am-6pm
Event starts at: 9am
Tickets: R325-R2,200
Prepare for a full day of bold conversations with the country’s most influential changemakers across politics, technology, education, activism, the arts and more.
New! Premium Access Ticket: Elevate your Gathering experience with all-day access to the Premium Lounge, including complimentary food and beverages, plus priority access to seating in The Auditorium for every main-stage moment.
Already confirmed for the stage:
- Edward Kieswetter;
- Zingiswa Losi;
- Grace Matlhape;
- Mark Heywood;
- Alan Knott-Craig;
- Kyle Findlay and Aldu Cornelissen;
- Rachel Kolisi;
- Lisa Vetten;
- Larry Cooke;
- Pieter-Louis Myburgh;
- Estelle Ellis;
- Ferial Haffajee; and
- Zukiswa Pikoli.
Plus: A special performance of Round of Applause: Freshly Squeezed for Daily Maverick by Marianne Thamm.
Want a ticket discount? Join Maverick Insider for exclusive perks, backstage access and a front-row seat to the truth.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Fran Beighton or Nicole Williamson: email: fran@dailymaverick.co.za, nicole@dailymaverick.co.za
About Daily Maverick
Daily Maverick is an independent news and analysis platform committed to delivering high-quality journalism that serves as a catalyst for positive change. With a focus on in-depth reporting and insightful commentary, Daily Maverick tackles pressing issues across politics, business, science and society.
About the sponsors
The Gathering 2025 is brought to you in partnership with Ninety One, and sponsors Binance and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. DM