Xolisa Phillip

I work as a communications consultant, having previously been responsible for Business Unity South Africa’s communications portfolio.

I write a column for Business Maverick (Daily Maverick/Opinionista) on policy and politics, taking a deep dive into macroeconomic issues. I have a particular focus on the intersection between public policy and public finances, and socioeconomic outcomes.

I report on South African business, companies, financial services, and the political economy for The Africa Report.  

I have 12 years experience as a writer, editor, and subeditor, and cut my teeth in one of the leading media houses in South Africa, Arena Holdings (then Avusa, Times Media, and Tiso). I have recently added conference moderator to my skills mix.

I am presently completing a master’s degree in governance at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Governance. My research study focuses on ministerial power in the formulation of the National Health Insurance through the prism of social policy.

Highlights:

• Moderating at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Annual Convention in Sun City; 

• Moderating at the 2023 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire;  

• Co-writing the South African central bank’s centenary book (credits on page 208) completed in 2021; and,

• Covering the Intra-African Trade Fair in 2021 for The Africa Report.

I have a BA in Media Culture and Communication from Nelson Mandela University; and I am presently completing a Master of Management in Governance from the Wits School of Governance.