--- title: "The Gathering 2025: Changemakers | Impact Edition – agenda released" description: "This year’s programme promises a powerful mix of political insight, economic foresight, social justice conversations and bold conversations about South Africa’s future." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "FLAGSHIP EVENT" author: "Daily Maverick" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/dailymaverick/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-20-the-gathering-2025-changemakers-impact-edition-agenda-released/" published: "2025-08-20T16:42:39" updated: "2025-08-21T14:44:48" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 696 --- # The Gathering 2025: Changemakers | Impact Edition – agenda released > This year’s programme promises a powerful mix of political insight, economic foresight, social justice conversations and bold conversations about South Africa’s future. By Daily Maverick · Published 20 August 2025, 18:42 SAST · Updated 21 August 2025, 16:44 SAST ## Key points - Mark your calendars for August 28, 2025, when the Cape Town International Convention Centre transforms into a think tank of audacious ideas and spirited debates, hosted by the unyielding Rebecca Davis, all while you sip cocktails and contemplate the future of South Africa—because who doesn't want a side of political insight with their morning coffee? - The Gathering 2025 returns to Cape Town on 28 August, promising a dynamic forum for political and social discourse. - Hosted by Rebecca Davis, the event features influential speakers tackling key issues facing South Africa. - Attendees can expect engaging sessions on governance, justice, education, and economic innovation, alongside networking opportunities. - With 92% of tickets sold, this is the final call to secure a seat for in-person or virtual attendance. ## Content In just eight days, Daily Maverick’s flagship event, [The Gathering 2025: Changemakers | Impact Edition](https://tinyurl.com/3mcp9rpe) returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (and online) on Thursday, 28 August 2025. Back by popular demand (and because she point-blank refused to give back the mic!), award-winning journalist and sharp political commentator Rebecca Davis will once again host one of the country’s most powerful forums for ideas, fearless debate and visionary leadership. This year’s programme promises a powerful mix of political insight, economic foresight, social justice conversations and bold conversations about South Africa’s future. #### **Event details:** Cape Town International Convention Centre & Online Thursday, 28 August 2025 09:00-18:00 [Book your tickets](https://tinyurl.com/3mcp9rpe) #### **Programme highlights** #### **Morning sessions (09:00-13:00):** - State of Repair: Fixing government, one institution at a time with Ferial Haffajee, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions Ouma Rabaji-Rasethaba; - Rapid Fire with National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi and Caryn Dolley; - Striking the Rock: Where courage sparks justice hosted by Judith February with Zingiswa Losi, president of Cosatu, Lisa Vetten, gender-based violence researcher and advocate, and Brigadier Sonja Harri, South African Police Service; - The new rules of money and machines: The price of progress led by Lindsey Schutters, in a conversation with Larry Cooke, head of legal for Africa Operations at Binance, Khadeeja Bassier, global COO, Ninety One South Africa, and Bronwyn Williams, futurist and author; - Rapid Fire with Alan Knott-Craig, entrepreneur and author, in conversation with Lindsey Schutters; and - Creation of new urban identity: Fresh visions and bold politics with Stephen Grootes, Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane, Songezo Zibi, leader of Rise Mzansi, and Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA. #### **Afternoon sessions (14:00-18:00):** - “Round of applause” Freshly Squeezed for Daily Maverick, a one-woman “performance journalism” show by veteran journalist Marianne Thamm, described as is a mix of storytelling, wit and insightful commentary on South African society and politics; - Education on the edge: Innovation, equity and unlocking every child’s potential with Zukiswa Pikoli, Kentse Radebe, head of research at DGMT, Grace Matlhape, CEO, SmartStart, and Rachel Kolisi, co-founder and CEO of the Kolisi Foundation; - The readiness report hosted by Redi Tlhabi, broadcaster and author, with Zane Dangor, director-general, Department of International Relations and Cooperation; - The cost of an empty stomach: Why we must act now with Mark Heywood, social justice activist; - Viral or verified: Source code for truth with Kyle Findley, media researcher and disinformation specialist; and - Behind the story: Investigative journalism as a powerful catalyst for change with Pieter-Louis Myburgh, investigative journalist Daily Maverick, Estelle Ellis, journalist Daily Maverick, and Micah Reddy, journalist and Africa coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. #### **Beyond the stage** Attendees can also look forward to: - Complimentary snacks and beverages with your ticket; - Coffee and crypto in the morning, followed by cocktails and crypto in the evening, thanks to our premium sponsor, Binance; - A special exhibition from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation; - Post-event networking sessions with live music and complimentary wine courtesy of Radford Dale; - Experience our brand-new premium lounge (with limited tickets still available!) offering complimentary food and beverages throughout the day and exclusive opportunities to mingle with VIP guests; - Shopping for merch and books at the Daily Maverick Shop; - A legit excuse to work remotely with our event working stations; and - First-time DM168 subscribers could score a R500 PnP voucher. #### **Ticket information** With 92% of tickets already booked, this is the last call to[secure a seat](https://tinyurl.com/3mcp9rpe) at one of South Africa’s most powerful forums for change. Can’t make it to Cape Town? Join us virtually with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and live-streamed sessions. Register for the[virtual event here](https://link.dailymaverick.co.za/click/68a436536c3b6826f70fb2fa/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWxseS5zby9yL21WYUFrbD91dG1fc291cmNlPVNhaWx0aHJ1JnRva2VuPU1FZGpjelZOWVVwWmVGQnVabU4yU2tkdlFVSlhRbHBTZFUxdFNUQlViMGRtWVRCVVpWVlZLMUpuZUZWSlpWWjFaMFpZUVV3M2RWVk1ObFozZFRGUllrbG9RbVZvVERJd2JVOXhVakZQV0M5SU5UZHlOVmh5TlVaUVozVldlbEphVm1rNFdWVktSakZTUTBOUmRUTTJURVp3ZFdGTFFXdGxVVXRPWm10NlUxTnlhVXhZUmpkcVZsZHlaMUZEY0ZkVFZWazNjMnRuUFQwJTNE/66b08c665d2e3687540c770eB6e868ae5). Get ready to network and be inspired by South Africa’s changemakers. **DM** For media inquiries, please contact: Fran Beighton/Nicole Williamson Email: [fran@dailymaverick.co.za](mailto:fran@dailymaverick.co.za) / [nicole@dailymaverick.co.za](mailto:nicole@dailymaverick.co.za) About Daily Maverick: [Daily Maverick](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/) 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](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/) tackles pressing issues across politics, business, science and society. About the sponsors: The Gathering 2025 is brought to you in partnership with [Ninety One](https://ninetyone.com/en/south-africa)and sponsors [Binance](https://www.binance.com/en-ZA) and the[Friedrich Naumann Foundation](https://www.freiheit.org/southeast-and-east-asia/focus/about-us).