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Welcome to the official Thato Mmereki, C.F.R. website.

I’m Thato Mmereki — strategist, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth empowerment. Here, you’ll find insights on political risk, developmental diplomacy, regulatory affairs and international relations, along with the work I do through the China–South Africa Youth Forum, Nikela Trust, and Rounda.

Explore, connect, and be inspired by ideas and initiatives driving impact across Africa and beyond.

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  • Thato Mmereki, C.F.R.

    Writer. Speaker.

    Social Entrepreneur.

    Political Risk. Intelligence. Developmental Diplomacy. Geopolitics.

    Philanthropist.

    "Having been raised in a South Africa that is burgeoning with the debilitating baggage of colonial apartheid, I understood very early in my life that I cannot and shall not yield to the many misfortunes that my people have accepted as fate."

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  • Profile

    Meet Thato Mmmereki

    Political Risk, Intelligence, Developmental Diplomacy & Geopolitics Specialist

    Thato Mmereki is a South African-born entrepreneur, strategist, and published columnist, recognised for his leadership at the intersection of political risk, developmental diplomacy, strategic communications, and international relations. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of the China–South Africa Youth Forum, where he advances bilateral youth engagement, policy development, and multilateral collaboration. With extensive experience advising governments, multinational corporations, and development organisations, he is celebrated for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical, regulatory, and reputational landscapes across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

    As a writer and commentator, Thato has contributed thought-provoking analysis to leading publications including the Sowetan (South Africa), New Era (Namibia), and the Southern Times (SADC regional newspaper). He is also the founding Chief Executive of the African Youth Secretariat (AYS), a Johannesburg-based advocacy organisation championing youth empowerment, education, and improved living standards. His entrepreneurial drive also led him to establish The Commissionaire Group, a pioneering security start-up designed to safeguard South Africa’s township economy — protecting homes and businesses at the grassroots level.

    Born in the small mining town of Kuruman in the Northern Cape, Thato attended Kuruman Primary School before enrolling at the prestigious Tiger Kloof Educational Institution. These early experiences shaped his commitment to excellence, resilience, and service — values that continue to define his leadership today.

    Throughout his career, Thato has held senior positions such as Head of Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement at Zambezi Hydro, where he spearheaded lobbying, policy development, and regional diplomacy for one of Southern Africa’s largest hydro-power projects. At the EOH Group, he shaped public sector strategy and led youth employment initiatives that mobilised over 300,000 young people into the workforce. Earlier, he served as an intelligence analyst at the State Security Agency and as a media strategist in the Office of the Premier (Gauteng Provincial Government).

    A seasoned journalist and analyst, Thato has a solid grounding in public and media relations, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. His work is complemented by his international speaking engagements, where he has addressed audiences at the United Nations General Assembly, the Africa Financial Inclusion Summit, and the Global Sustainable Development Congress, among many others.

    Academically, Thato holds a BA in Politics, International Relations & Sociology from the University of Johannesburg, as well as a Public Relations qualification from UNISA. He has been awarded The Bronze Standard – The Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People by both HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and President Nelson R. Mandela.

    At heart, Thato is a lateral thinker with both a local and international perspective, driven by entrepreneurship, youth activism, and the power of communication. He reflects the qualities of intellectual imagination, personal initiative, selflessness, perseverance, and achievement excellence, making him a dynamic leader shaping conversations on diplomacy, development, and the future of Africa.

    Biography Synopsis

    In the world of influence, diplomacy, and entrepreneurship, Thato Mmereki is a rising force, making waves across business, media, and international platforms. Young, stylish, and media-savvy, he embodies a new generation of African leadership — blending strategy, innovation, and cultural influence with a deep commitment to youth empowerment and social change.

    A South African-born entrepreneur and columnist, Thato has written for leading publications such as the Sunday Independent, Daily Maverick, Sowetan, New Era (Namibia), and Southern Times (SADC). His strong background in public sector affairs, media strategy, and international relations has shaped him into a sought-after spokesman, strategist, and commentator. He has previously served as youth spokesman for the late Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, a provincial legislature reporter and media liaison officer in the Office of the Premier (Gauteng Provincial Government), and a researcher and producer at the SABC’s PM-Live radio current affairs programme.

    Thato is also an entrepreneur and innovator. As founding director of the African Youth Secretariat (AYS), a Johannesburg-based advocacy organisation, he has championed youth development, education, and rural empowerment across Africa, aligning its mission with the African Youth Charter. His organisation mobilises resources, provides entrepreneurial training, and builds platforms for youth civic engagement, linking grassroots voices to national and continental policies.

    He is also the founding president of The Commissionaire Group, a pioneering township security start-up producing affordable alarm products for underserved communities. The venture has expanded into a “business in a box” model, empowering unemployed youth as resellers and installers — combining entrepreneurship with social impact.

    As a global voice, Thato has spoken at international platforms including the United Nations General Assembly, the Global Sustainable Development Congress, the Africa Financial Inclusion Summit, and Global Entrepreneurship Week. His keynotes centre on Africa’s youth as the continent’s greatest natural resource, bridging the education-to-employment gap, creating SMEs in rural areas, and tackling Africa’s major economic challenges.

    His corporate and brand collaborations reflect his wide-ranging influence. Thato has partnered with Sergio Tacchini Africa, Skin Renewal/Renewal Institute South Africa, Falke, Via La Moda, and Mercedes-Benz (“MB Life” campaign) — embodying upward mobility, innovation, and style. In 2017, he was named GQ South Africa’s Best Dressed Man of the Year, followed by a cover feature in Man Magazine in 2018.

    Thato’s achievements also extend to youth employment. He spearheaded the Youth Employment Challenge, which mobilised the private sector to absorb over 300,000 young people into the job market and provide them with on-the-job training. His leadership was further recognised when he became the youngest company director heading a Southern African hydro power project, expected to generate 1500MW for the Southern African Power Pool — creating jobs and transforming infrastructure across the region.

    A recipient of The President’s Award (The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award for Young People, Bronze Standard), conferred by both HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the late Nelson R. Mandela, Thato reflects the values of initiative, perseverance, excellence, and service.

    Today, Thato continues to shape conversations on geopolitics, development, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship while writing his debut book, Finding Your Place Under the Sun — a guide to helping young people discover their core genius and become upwardly-mobile powerhouses in work, health, relationships, and creativit

  • Founder: African Youth Secretariat®

    Service to others, therein lies the joy of life.

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    The organisation is a response to a world that continues to showcase pervasive hunger, abject poverty and inadequate education. AYS is a proactive solution to harnessing the very real power of the market to move capital, people and resources for the benefit of humanity. What we do at AYS is marry capitalism and philanthropy. In this way we are using the power of the free market to drive socio-economic progress.

     

     

     

    We believe that technical training should be the backbone of any modern society. Developing society demands greater technical innovation, and it goes without saying that advanced technical training is vital to this region because we sitting with high unemployment figures.

     

  • Experience, Affiliations & Strategic Partners

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    China-South Africa Youth Forum

    ​Chief Financial Officer

    I currently serve as the Chief Finacial Officer of the China-South Africa Youth Forum (C-SYF), a prominent youth-focused organization that fosters collaboration and shared opportunities between the youth of China and South Africa, focusing on areas like trade, investment, innovation, and solidarity.

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    Nikela Trust & Rounda

    ​Trustee

    Nikela Trust and Rounda are complementary pillars of social and economic development in Africa, each driving impact through strategic support for communities and entrepreneurs.

    Nikela Trust is a philanthropic organisation dedicated to fostering sustainable social change across Southern Africa. By funding and supporting grassroots initiatives in education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and community development, Nikela Trust strengthens local institutions, promotes social equity, and creates lasting, measurable outcomes in the communities it serves.

    Rounda operates at the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact, providing a platform that connects startups, social enterprises, and entrepreneurs with mentorship, investment opportunities, and strategic networks. By equipping innovators with the resources, guidance, and market insights they need, Rounda accelerates business growth while ensuring tangible social and economic benefits for the wider community. Together, Nikela Trust and Rounda cultivate a holistic ecosystem where grassroots social development and entrepreneurial innovation reinforce one another. Their shared vision is to empower communities, drive inclusive growth, and create sustainable pathways for progress across the region.

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    Allan Gray Orbis Foundation

    Fellow

    The Foundation is of the firm belief that high impact responsible entrepreneurs will dramatically contribute to a positive economic, social and political change. The Foundation therefore identifies, selects, and invests in individuals that show potential greatness over the long-term through its Scholarship and Fellowship opportunities. I was part of a core team in the 2006 Allan Gray Orbis systematic program which focused on education, skill development, job placement and mentoring.

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    South African Broadcasting Corporation

    Producer

    SA FM is the SABC's national English language public radio station with its headquarters at Radio Park, Auckland Park, Johannesburg. It was established in 1936 at the time of the creation of the SABC. In the year 2010 I worked as a radio news and current affairs producer in the slot PM LIVE (4pm-6pm Daily) with well-known broadcasters Ms. Tshepiso Makwetla and Mr. Xolani Gwala.

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    Office of the Premier

    Media Liaison/Researcher/Writer/Legislature Reporter

    I have worked in the Office of the Premier's Strategy and Media Liaison Directorate as Provincial Legislature Reporter and Researcher/Writer for Gauteng Online and Gauteng News under the leadership of former premier Hon. Nomvula Mokonyane.

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    Model United Nations

    Libya's Ambassador to the UN

    I have participated in Model United Nations - a conference similar to the United Nations in which young people participate as delegates to various UN Committees. Participants research and formulate political positions based on the actual policies of the countries they represent. I hold a certificate in Public Speaking Presented by SAB Miller, the Ministry of Education and Education Africa in partnership with United Nations Headquarters, New York.

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    Via La Moda

    ​Brand Ambassador

    I am brand ambassador for Via La Moda.

    Via La Moda was founded in 1989 and proudly combines timeless skill and traditional European craftsmanship together with modern technology to produce some of the finest leather bags and accessories available.

    Every bag and accessory is hand-made by highly skilled artisans who have been taught by third generation master craftsman and founder, Hanspeter Winklmayr, originally from Austria. Hanspeter is still intricately involved in the process and personally designs and engineers each piece.

    Every article is carefully crafted to the highest standards, using quality raw materials.

    Via La Moda handbags and accessories are timeless and classic and often one of a kind heirloom pieces that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

    Via Veneta is a range housed within the Via La Moda stable and is designed for those wanting to express their individual style. It is a more fashionable, yet stylish range without compromising on quality. The same artisans, using the same processes manufacture the bags and accessories in the same workshop.

    The pieces are revered and sought after due to the quality of the raw materials used and the quality of the workmanship.

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    Sergio Tacchini Africa

    ​Brand Ambassador

    I am brand ambassador for Sergio Tacchini.

    50 years of victories, but also of timeless products that have made the history of the brand. From the Young Line worn by McEnroe, to the Ghibli designed for the United States Davis Cup Team, Sergio Tacchini's garments are the synthesis of a success story. A tennis player who creates, with Italian style and innovation, a brand that evokes a whole world.

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    One Young World

    ​Global Ambassador

    I am the global ambassador for One Young World.

    One Young World is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation that gathers young leaders from around the world to develop solutions to the globe’s most pressing issues.

    The annual One Young World Summit convenes the brightest young talent from every country and sector, working to accelerate social impact. Delegates from 190+ countries are counselled by influential political, business and humanitarian leaders such as Justin Trudeau, Paul Polman and Meghan Markle, amongst many other global figures.

     

  • Media Interviews & Features

    Speaking to SABC News about One Young World and the plight of young people in South Africa.

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    Addressing One Young World delegates from 190 countries of the world in Johannesburg on 5 October 2013, Mrs. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela expressed a worrying regret; “You are building a world that we should have built for you”.

    Read complete the article from my blog below.

    Man Magazine Cover Story Photoshoot.

  • #MercedesLove

    I am a big fan of the Mercedes-Benz brand!

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    Thato x Mercedes-Benz E400 AMG Sport Edition

    I love the Mercedes-Benz brand for its longevity, elegance, safety and luxurious nature.

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    “The Best or Nothing” is reflected in the company’s core values of perfection, fascination and responsibility – and its cars work with you like a comfortable pair of shoes.

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    Thato x CLK320 Elegance

    Nothing beats an open air experience.

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  • Gallery

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    Naomie Harris (British Actress) & Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
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    Sudanese Ambassador to South Africa
    Chelsea Clinton (the only child of former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton) & Bridgette Majola
    Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is a South African activist and politician who has held several government positions and headed the African National Congress Women's League. She is a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee.
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  • Social Media Feed

    Check out my latest updates!

  • Blog

    Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.

    GQ Best Dressed Men of 2017
    November 10, 2017 · Lifestyle
    On Monday, the 23rd of October 2017, GQ South Africa and Jameson Select Reserve announced its Top 10 Best Dressed Men of 2017 in South Africa and I was delighted to be on the list amongst nine other young and aspirational social catalysts. Themed “Substance beyond the style realm”, these GQ...
    The Grandeur of Cantering Horses and Cheerful chatter at L’ Ormarins Queen’s Plate 2017
    January 13, 2017
    Cape Town has a thousand spectacles and a thousand and one tales and I am glad I was there in this New Year to help give this rollicking old seaport its strong atmosphere. Its old streets and narrow alleys have watched the story of the town roll by with the centuries. It is safe to say that...
    Inspire | by Mercedes-Benz South Africa
    June 23, 2016
    The first Mercedes-Benz I was privileged to be a passenger in was the S 500 5.0-litre V8 with long wheelbase. I revelled in its impressive innovations such as power-assisted soft closing for the doors and boot lid, electric windows that lowered back down when it encountered an obstruction, sonar...
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