Richard Poplak

Richard Poplak is an award-winning journalist, author and filmmaker whose body of work spans investigative reporting, long-form nonfiction and documentary film. His bylines appear in globally respected publications including the Financial Times, The Guardian, The Atlantic and The Globe and Mail, underscoring his credibility on international platforms. Poplak has authored five books and a graphic novel, cementing his reputation as a writer with depth, voice and versatility.

Poplak’s primary beats – corruption, State Capture and politics – have positioned him as one of the leading critical voices in post-apartheid South Africa. His work dissects the structures of power and influence with historical rigour and contemporary relevance. Reporting from more than 30 developing countries, he brings a global perspective to African political economies and postcolonial systems of governance. His investigative work, often in collaboration with Daily Maverick’s Scorpio team, contributed to uncovering major scandals that reshaped public understanding of institutional corruption in South Africa.

In 2019, Poplak and his team were awarded the Global Shining Light Award,one of the world’s highest honours in investigative journalism, for their reporting on State Capture. His 2020 co-directed feature documentary, Influence, which investigates the rise of global political manipulation through PR firm Bell Pottinger, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for Best Political Documentary at the Critics’ Choice Awards. It has screened at more than 40 international festivals, contributing to the global discourse on ethics, propaganda and democracy. His reporting continues to spark debate, unsettle the powerful and inform policy and public awareness in South Africa and abroad.

Poplak is a provocative and incisive speaker known for his ability to break down complex systems of political power into narratives that are both intellectually robust and deeply engaging. His style blends irony, sharp analysis and storytelling, making his commentary not only accessible but compelling. He does not shy away from controversy – his presentations are often unflinching, fact-rich and delivered with journalistic precision, resonating with both professional and general audiences seeking truth in a disinformation age.