Pippa Tshabalala is a South African creative leader, technology and gaming specialist, television professional and speaker with more than 15 years of experience spanning broadcasting, digital entertainment, gaming, animation and creative brand development.
She first became widely recognised as the presenter of The Verge, South Africa’s first locally produced television programme dedicated to video games. She also presented the internationally syndicated gaming show PlayR, establishing herself as one of the country’s pioneering voices in gaming and digital culture.
Pippa combines her broadcasting experience with a strong academic foundation. She holds BAFA and MAFA qualifications in Digital Animation from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and lectured in 3D animation at Honours and Masters level at Wits Digital Arts between 2007 and 2009.
Her career has subsequently expanded across television production, content development, journalism and creative leadership. She has worked as a content and promo producer, managed the digital pop-culture publication Spliced, and held senior on-air and creative-services positions within major international media organisations. She currently identifies professionally as a Creative Director and Manager at The Walt Disney Company, bringing together her expertise in storytelling, entertainment, audiences and brand communication.
A respected commentator on the evolution of gaming and technology, Pippa has spoken at TEDxSoweto, where she explored the potential of video games as a medium for social change. She has also hosted and participated in major technology and innovation events including the Nedbank Disruption Agenda, Vodacom Hackathon and BCX Disrupt, where she co-hosted alongside Dion Chang for an event featuring international thought leaders including will.i.am and Malcolm Gladwell.
Her contribution to South Africa’s creative and technology landscape has earned significant recognition. Pippa was named among the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans in 2013 and was subsequently included in Brand South Africa’s 40 Under 40.
With an engaging presentation style and the ability to translate complex technology into accessible conversation, Pippa Tshabalala is particularly well suited to conferences, technology summits, leadership events, panel discussions and corporate programmes exploring the rapidly changing relationship between people, entertainment and technology.
Speaking & Conversation Topics: Gaming & the Future of Entertainment • Technology & Digital Culture • Women in Gaming & Technology • Creativity & Innovation • Building Communities Through Gaming • Digital Storytelling • The Evolution of Media & Content • Technology as a Driver of Social Change • The Future of Audiences & Entertainment
