Political Analyst

Based: Johannesburg

In a short space of time, Ralph Mathekga has gained a reputation for being an insightful political analyst. His regular contributions heard on radio will be backed up by his soon to be published book. His contribution will provide a fantastic angle to the election and the impact of its results.

Ralph Mathekga started his studies in political science, law and economic history, completing BA in 1998 at University of Witwatersrand. Ralph subsequently completed Hons in Political Science in 2000 at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. After attaining Hons, Ralph completed Masters in Political Science at University of Witwatersrand.

Ralph worked as a Political Researcher with Institute for Democracy in South Africa (Idasa) where he focused on political, social and economic research. Ralph was part of the team that drafted South Africa‘s Self Assessment Report as part of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Ralph worked as a Lecturer at University of Western Cape, teaching courses in politics and also development. Ralph has worked at National Treasury (Ministry of Finance) in the Budget Office as a Senior Policy Analyst.

Ralph continues to contribute opinion article to different newspapers, interviews on TV and Radio station on current affairs in South Africa and abroad.

Keynote Topics

1. WhenZumaGoes

When Jacob Zuma retires to Nkandla, what will be left behind?

South Africa has been in the grip of the “Zunami” since May 2009: Scandal, corruption and allegations of state capture have become synonymous with the Zuma era, leaving the country and its people disheartened.

But Jacob Zuma’s time is running out.

Whether he leaves the presidency after the ANC’s national conference in 2017, stays on until 2019, or is forced to retire much sooner, the question is: what impact will his departure have on South Africa, its people and on the ruling party?

Can we fix the damage, and how?

Ralph Mathekga answers these questions and more as he puts Zumaʼs leadership, and what will come after, in the spotlight.