Quick Enquiry

Daniel Silke


Daniel Silke

Daniel Silke is an Independent Political Analyst and Keynote Speaker specialising in South African and International politics. He has a specialist interest in political parties and elections and is a renowned Futurist lecturing widely on issues surrounding globalization and the future of the world.

Daniel Silke holds a Masters degree in International Politics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Daniel Silke has served six years in publicly elected office between 1995 and 2001 having faced three elections. Daniel Silke has served four years as a Member of Parliament in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa after being re-elected in 1999. Daniel Silke has held the Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Economic Affairs, which includes the portfolios of Economic Development, Tourism, Agriculture and Transport. In addition, he served on the Committees of Finance, Health and Gambling and has been Chief Whip for his political party. He is also a former City Councillor in the City of Cape Town having served on that city’s Economic Development Portfolio Committee. Daniel Silke was attached to the Institute for the Study of Public Policy at the University of Cape Town where he tutored students for five years.

Daniel Silke contributes widely to publications both in South Africa and overseas. He currently writes for the Australian Quarterly published by the Australian Institute of Policy& Science in Sydney. He has been the foreign correspondent for the Juluka magazine based in Los Angeles, California for over 10 years. Daniel Silke has co-authored academic chapters in publications on South African politics and is often published in major newspapers and online. His press comments are regularly quoted in publications as far afield as Dubai, Jamaica and Pakistan. He is a regular guest commentator on both e-tv and the SABC and is often heard on Radio France International, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and many other leading broadcasting networks.

Daniel Silke currently lectures widely throughout the world on contemporary South African and Global Issues. He recently completed a semester at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida where he participated in the Dialogues of Innovation lecture series. He was the Rooney Visiting Scholar at the Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Daniel Silke has enjoyed three seasons as guest speaker at the South Palm Beach lecture series in Florida, USA and has presented to the Financial Planners Association of Australia in Sydney.  He has lectured to the prestigious World Affairs Council in Washington DC and the American Committee on Foreign Relations. He has recently lectured for CISCO and Microsoft Corporation and has delivered presentations at Duke University (North Carolina), Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia), Transylvania University (Kentucky), Washburn University (Kansas), the Philadelphia Bar Association and for Rotary International amongst many others. His local client list includes Standard Bank, FNB, Price Waterhouse, Deloittes and Alexander Forbes amongst many others. Daniel Silke is contracted by a number of major US travel companies (including Regent, Cunard, Silversea and Holland America) to provide lecture and seminar series

South African Keynotes
The latest interpretation & analysis of the South African political, economic and social environment as the country settles into the era of Jacob Zuma.

Zuma Into the Future: The Road Ahead. Most Requested SA Keynote & Fully Updated!

In his flagship keynote, Independent Political Analyst, Daniel Silke, takes a balanced and comprehensive look at Jacob Zuma’s South Africa. In this fascinating and current presentation, Silke will discuss the quality of democracy in the country, the role and cohesiveness of the ANC alliance, the future independence of state institutions and policy options in addressing pressing economic, social and foreign policy needs. Silke will also focus on the nature and character of Zuma’s leadership style. In addition, the talk analyses the composition of the Cabinet and prospects for its successful functioning. Finally, the presentation identifies 6 core political trends that are set to change the face of politics, leadership and governmental performance in the years to come. A cutting-edge keynote for any audience concerned about the future of South Africa under Jacob Zuma. This is one presentation on the future of South Africa you will not want to miss!
“A brilliant topic and the crowd loved you!” - Alisea Ann Chetty, Communication Manager, Momentum Financial Services Centurion, September 2009.

The State of the Nation: Critical Issues Facing South Africa Now & in the Future. Revised & Updated!

Where is South Africa going in the future? Challenge your conference with a future-oriented and broad-ranging lecture offering an independent analysis of the major political, social and economic problems and trends facing the country. This may include (inter-alia) the state of the economy, social challenges, labour & skills shortages, prospects for foreign investment, infrastructure development, regional & foreign policy, the role of the state, the quality of our democracy, race, unemployment and the complexities of the political debate going forward.  The lecture may also focus on the future of the ANC, leadership issues and the role of opposition in society. It may also be tailored to a broader and more focused Economic (or Political) analysis if needed. This is the Real Deal and provides a thought-provoking, honest and challenging new overview of contemporary South African problems and challenges. – warts and all!

After the Final Whistle: Politics & Policy in a Future South Africa. Updated & Topical!

Take your conference beyond the FIFA World Cup!

Yes, the World Cup will bring great benefits to South Africa. But, are the advantages sustainable and what will the country be like once the players and visitors have left our shores? Can the Zuma administration expand our democracy and really provide for the poor – and middle classes? Will the ANC continue to rule or will its power-base slowly decline? And, what is SA’s place within changing global context amidst a world-wide recession and the emergence of new political and economic powers? The answer to these questions and more can be found in Daniel Silke’s provocative and predictive new South African keynote. Not to be missed!

South Africa in a Globalizing World: The International Landscape & its Effect on SA. Updated!

Do you know how South Africa ranks in the world? Are we competitive when compared with other nations? How desirable are we as a destination for outsourcing and as a location for off-shore services? Just how much are we part of a Globalizing world and how free are we – economically? What are the prospects for a growing China & India on our economy? These key questions will be addressed by Independent Political Analyst & Keynote Speaker, Daniel Silke, in his latest presentation. By assessing the data from 4 major international surveys of South Africa, Silke will uncover the true status of the country in the global context. He will look at the advantages and disadvantages that the country enjoys and will offer a checklist of areas where improvements are vital if we are to move up the international rankings. If you would like to know where South Africa fits in – and who our major competitors are in the global game to secure business and investment, then this dynamic new presentation is for you!

This is the New South Africa: The Saga of Transformation & Quest for Stable Democracy. Exclusively Designed for Foreign Audiences!

A broad introduction to South Africa and how the country is governed. A general overview of the story of the new South Africa from the dark days of the past, through the Mandela years towards a new system of government and the unique transition to democracy. Ideal for in-bound, incentive, business and special-interest groups looking for a comprehensive scene-set or orientation. This entertaining and compelling presentation also covers the ‘political geography’ of the country and outlines languages, ethnic diversity and coping with change from a political and social perspective. Optimized for foreign audiences and designed as an opening keynote for international conferences in South Africa.
International Keynotes
From Global Trends to the rise of China & India – these international Keynotes are fully illustrated and applicable world-wide and in SA.

Tracking the Future: The Top 10 Trends that will Transform the Globe over the Next 20 Years – and Longer! Most Requested Presentation!  

Do you know the future of the World? Get ready for a thrilling ride! As the world emerges from a dramatic financial crisis, key trends are emerging that will influence all our lives – for some time to come. Political Analyst & Futurist, Daniel Silke, presents a compelling and challenging new analysis of the top ten trends that will transform the world over the next two decades. Silke identifies 10 key areas of dramatic change that will affect all our lives – as individuals, in society or in the business environment. Some of these changes are already here – and many more are coming at a ferocious speed. Are you or your business ready to understand this and adapt? This Presentation will identify and explain these changes in an all-encompassing talk - fully illustrated and not to be missed. It is designed to inform and entertain – and no two lectures are ever the same. Nor will be your thought patterns after this one!

Trends Include:

Future Today: Tips, Trends & Predictions on the World of Tomorrow.  Fast & Fun!

It’s Fast, it’s Urban, it’s Tribal, it’s Universal, it’s Radical & it’s increasingly Ethical. It’s the FUTURE! Political Analyst and Futurist, Daniel Silke, mixes it up with a healthy dose of politics, economics, sociology, travel and consumerism in a brand-new presentation that is both enlightening and entertaining. Change is with us. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to turmoil in international finance, global relations are undergoing the most critical transformation since the end of World War Two. What are the key political, economic & social trends that are set to influence us over the next ten years? Can the US remain all-powerful or are there the new players lining up for the crown? Will technology change the way we think & express new values? Which are the regions of the world most likely to influence our way of life? Is business & capitalism changing its ethos and values as environmental & ethical questions take center-stage? The answer to these questions and more can be found in Daniel Silke’s provocative and predictive new International keynote. Not to be missed!

The BRIC Future:  The Influence & Impact of Brazil, Russia, India & China (and Africa) on the World.  Brand New Insights & Analysis!

This is the Emerging Markets Century – and the countries to watch are the BRIC nations: Brazil, Russia, India & China. These four emerging super-powers are set to dominate global affairs. Their growing economies, population, skills and political clout make them all highly influential in almost every aspect of life. And Africa too, as a continent, holds out much promise as it also becomes a vital developing region and stakes its claim to recognition & investment. Delving into the fortunes of these nations Political Analyst and Futurist, Daniel Silke, identifies the key political, economic and demographic dynamics of these growing societies. And, he also identifies Africa as an important addition to this debate.  How these societies & regions interact and progress will change the future of finance, business & politics in the world. An essential introduction to these issues in an accessible & entertaining format.

Tracking Africa: Critical Issues Facing Africa in the Future.  New: Africa Focused!

Africa today might be regarded as the final frontier for investment. Languishing for too long under the effects of colonialization and corruption, the continent is fast emerging and is ready to take on the challenges of a globalizing world. In this new presentation, Political Analyst and Futurist, Daniel Silke, takes a look at some of the critical issues facing the continent into the future. This keynote will look at relations between Africa and the West; the growing influence of the Chinese on the continent; food production and the loss of arable land to foreign entities; the scarcity of skills; communication & technology, entrepreneurship as well as regional governance, co-operation and prospects for democracy. An essential guide to contemporary issues facing the African continent.

 

For the last decade, Dubai’s model for economic development transformed a desert without oil into a global financial hub and one of the world’s most globalized cities. Gleaming skyscrapers, prestige projects and enormous shopping malls became synonymous with a city that knew no boundaries. In addition, the entire Gulf elevated its status and power across the world. Then, in late 2009, Dubai’s debt got the better of the Emirate. Falling confidence and questions about financial integrity sent waves of panic through investors in the region. In this groundbreaking new Keynote, Political Analyst and Futurist Daniel Silke, explores the ascent to power of the Emirate. Silke looks at the recent history of Dubai, its relationship with oil-rich Abu Dhabi and prospects for the future. He also covers the Gulf region in general and explains the crucial and strategic role it has in global affairs.  An insightful and timeous account of one of the most-talked about new economic models of our time.

And now for something completely different…

Life’s a Cruise! Living the Life of Luxury on a Cruise Ship. The Light-hearted Travel Option!

Having spent the last 15 years developing and delivering lecture programs on-board luxury cruise ships all over the world, Keynote Speaker Daniel Silke, now presents an entertaining and engaging look at the world’s luxury cruise industry and his experiences in visiting more than 100 countries across the globe.

Life on board a cruise ship is the epitome of fantasy. Quantities of delicious food, outstanding service and exotic ports-of-call all combine to make cruising one of the fastest growing (and glamorous) sectors of the vacation and leisure industry worldwide. In this fully illustrated presentation, Daniel Silke will take his audience on a voyage of delight. He will cruise with you to the best buffet tables at sea; will introduce you to the most demanding passengers and their needs; expose the luxury cabins and suites only affordable to the super-rich and will offer a glimpse of some of the most exciting and unusual ports possible. This talk is a delight from start to finish. With his usual wry humor, Daniel Silke’s voyages around the world will not only bring a smile to your face, they will make you book your next ticket...or should that be voyage?!


Robyn

Just to let you know that both Daniel and Ian were wonderful speakers and both were greatly appreciated by all! It is a real pity neither of them could not have stayed a bit longer – I think the delegates would have loved chatting to them (I had to drag Daniel away so that he did not miss his flight!). Ian was the main topic of discussion at dinner table and the next day often reference was made to his analogies!

Amanda Steyn