Thought Leadership in Action

The Thinc Conversations brings thought leaders together on issues facing South Africa and the world

The Thinc Conversations is a 24-minute television series produced in partnership with Business Day TV, bringing together executives, academics, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage on the issues shaping South Africa and the World.

Across the series, The Thinc Conversations explores critical themes at the heart of South Africa’s development agenda, including:

  • State capability and public administration reform
  • The evolving role of young people in society
  • Economic transformation and inclusive growth
  • Food sovereignty and development systems
  • Local government performance and institutional effectiveness
  • Leadership, governance, and national direction

Episodes feature leading voices from across sectors, engaging in dialogue that reflects both practical experience and intellectual depth. The Thinc Conversations sit at the intersection of research, policy, and public discourse.

Each episode is designed not only to analyse challenges but to:

  • Surface practical insights
  • Facilitate cross-sector understanding
  • Contribute to national conversations on development and governance

  • Hosted by Dr Lucky Mathebula, the series creates a platform for structured dialogue on governance, policy, and development, translating complex national challenges into accessible, high-level conversations.

  • Produced in collaboration with Business Day TV, The Thinc Conversations reaches a national audience, positioning The Thinc Foundation within mainstream policy and economic discourse.

  • This partnership reinforces the Foundation’s role as a contributor to thought leadership at the intersection of governance, business, and society.

  • The series extends the work of The Thinc Foundation beyond research and advisory into broader public engagement. Watch The Thinc Conversations to engage with ideas, perspectives, and discussions shaping South Africa’s present and future.

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Selected Episodes

The Thinc Conversations 

The Thinc Conversations has featured a range of leading voices, including Reuel Khoza, Victor Sekese, Busani Ngcaweni, Theuns Eloff, Xolani Qubeka, Titus Mafolo, Zakes Motene, Nkosana Thobela, Manakedi Ntlatleng and other reputable thought leaders, reflecting a diverse mix of leadership across business, government, academia, and civil society.

About The  Host

Meet Lucky Mathebula

Dr Lucky Mathebula is a public policy analyst, strategist, and founder of the Thinc Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on socio-economic development. He holds a Doctor of Administration from the University of Pretoria, specialising in intergovernmental relations.

He has served as a strategic adviser and speechwriter to senior political leaders and has contributed to policy development, governance, and national dialogue across South Africa. His work spans academia, government, and industry, with a focus on translating complex socio-economic challenges into practical, long-term solutions.

His thinking is grounded in political economy and systems thinking, enabling him to diagnose structural challenges and design interventions that are both credible and implementable.

Trusted by organisations, leaders, and featured in leading media