Arabile Gumede - HDS Entertainment

Based: Johannesburg

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Arabile Gumede earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg
Growing up in Vosloorus, his childhood was marked by financial hardship—such as losing access to electric lighting, which resulted in the family relying on paraffin lamps for several years, as his mother struggled to make ends meet.

Driven by a desire to understand and communicate financial realities, he pivoted from accounting to journalism, beginning his media career as an intern at CNBC Africa. In rapid succession, he took on roles as Producer, Reporter, and Junior Anchor
By late 2013, he joined eNCA as Business Anchor and Reporter, where he interviewed prominent figures such as former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, business magnate Sir Richard Branson, and several CEOs of JSE Top 40 companies Radio & Television Roles

He co-hosted South Africa’s first morning business radio show, Classic Business Breakfast on Classic FM, and provided market commentary across radio platforms including Moneyweb Radio, 702, Yfm, Kaya FM, Metro FM, and SAfm.

An in-demand emcee and moderator, he has hosted debates featuring heads of state like Paul Kagame and Jacob Zuma, national commissioners, and business leaders including ex-Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni
He has provided corporate MC services for organizations like SAICA, Liberty Mutual, Nedbank, and JLL, and engaged with institutions such as Transnet, AFDB, Land Bank, PIC, and Standard Bank.
As an emcee, he is valued for his engaging energy, professionalism, and ability to make complex economic topics accessible. He’s fluent in English and Zulu, and travels internationally—with a current base in London, UK, with fee ranges cited on platforms between 50,000 and 100,000 (presumably in South African Rand, depending on service)

In 2021, Gumede joined Business Day TV to present the weekly program Africa Trade & Business, focusing on continental opportunities and challenges following the signing of the AfCFTA agreement
As of October 2023, he became a Reporter for CNBC’s flagship show Squawk Box Europe, broadcasting from London and covering business news across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He also reports on sports-related business stories, including mergers in football and Formula 1 developments

Arabile is a passionate advocate for financial literacy, especially for entrepreneurs, students, and small business owners, offering insights to help them make informed decisions and build economic confidence.
Despite entering journalism without formal training in the field, he has positioned himself as a trusted commentator and thought leader—breaking stereotypes about youth and race in financial media.