Rebecca Davis

Rebecca Davis is a senior journalist at Daily Maverick, where she has been a cornerstone of the publication since 2011. With a BA Honours and Master's in English Literature from Rhodes University, as well as a Master's in Linguistics from Oxford University, Davis brings rigorous academic depth and an irreverent wit to her work. She also spent time at the Oxford English Dictionary, helping craft definitions — before returning to South Africa to define the stories shaping the nation.

Her unique journalistic beat spans power and parody, offering a panoramic yet incisive view of contemporary society. Rebecca speaks confidently on a broad spectrum of issues, including:

• South African politics and Parliament
• Social trends, media, and internet culture
• Feminism, gender justice, and LGBTQ+ issues
• Pop culture and wellness critique

Rebecca’s work has shaped public discourse, challenged dominant narratives, and entertained readers through a mix of sharp insight and humour. Her most notable contributions include:

• Key member of the investigative team behind the GuptaLeaks exposé
• Winner of the 2014 African Story Challenge for her investigation into miners with silicosis

Author of two critically acclaimed books:

• Best White: And Other Anxious Delusions (2015)
• Self-Helpless (2018), a satirical dive into the wellness industry
• Weekly contributor on CapeTalk Radio for 11 years, sharpening her public speaking and media analysis

Confident, articulate, provocative, and funny, Rebecca delivers talks that are as entertaining as they are thought provoking. Her hallmark is combining insider political knowledge with accessible wit, offering audiences an unfiltered but humorous guide to what’s really going on behind South Africa’s political curtain. She has delivered keynote addresses, moderated conversations, and led fireside chats for clients such as Old Mutual, Ninety One, and Motus, with consistently glowing feedback.