Redi Tlhabi

Redi Tlhabi is an award winning author and journalist. She is the host of Africa’s premier current affairs television program, The Big Debate and is a household name in South African broadcasting. She has 20 years’ experience, presenting prime time programs on radio and television. Her weekly column is read by millions of people, who want to understand the complexities of South African society.

She has also contributed to the Washington Post, CNN and the BBC. She is a former host of popular international television program, South To North on Aljazeera, whose aim was to deepen conversations between the Global South and audiences from other parts of the world. Redi identifies as a fearless feminist writer and her award winning books, tell stories of strong women who have survived sexual violence and are often failed by society and the law. She is a sought after speaker and moderator, particularly on matters affecting women.

Redi recently moderated the Discovery Leadership Summit, where she was in conversation with Olympic gold medalist, Caster Semenya, who is currently in a grueling fight for her identity and right to compete. Amongst others, she has moderated a discussion with former British Prime Minister David Cameron and Oprah Winfrey. Redi is passionate about matters of social justice and economic empowerment of women. When she is not writing or working, she enjoys punishing her body by running ultra-marathons.