The stories we tell will change the world

I am passionate about creating sustainable and compelling journalism that holds power to account.

As featured in:

What I do

I specialise in media start-ups, leading editorial teams, writing, speaking and digital strategy.

Journalism

Founder of news start-up explain.co.za and former editor-in-chief of the Mail & Guardian and HuffPost South Africa. Winner of several awards including the CNN African Journalism Award.

Speaking

Experienced trainer in digital and social media as well as reputation management. Rounded speaker for corporate and other events at competitive rates. 

Digital strategy

Worked with brands like Power FM, M&G and City Press  to deliver quality digital strategies across platforms. 

Need a speaker?

From current affairs and understanding South Africa to talks on cyber bullying, parenting, empowerment and more. 

A selection of my writing

With over 15 years reporting and writing experience.

My latest takes on TikTok

Blog

This is how women can ‘have it all’

I get sad at the number of talented women I know who are either exhausted trying to do too much out of some misguided notion that it’s the right thing to do, or whose talents and careers have taken a major backseat to their husbands.

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Testimonials

“She is an insightful and dynamic speaker who connects and engages with her audience. I would highly recommend her as a speaker or moderator for anyone looking to add interesting content and deep insights to their event agenda.” 

Daniella Bergman | Communications manager, Allan Gray

She is a totemic figure in SA as a young editor who represents and speaks for a generation of millennials who want more from the media, more from democracy and more from freedom.
Ferial Haffajee
Daily Maverick Editor At Large
The uncertain terrain of digital media requires a constant attention to the new. Verashni Pillay is perfectly suited to any program that emphasises invention and learning.
Chris Roper
Code For Africa Deputy CEO
She is a gifted editor and innovator who has the track record and gravitas to take any opportunity and run with it, stand up to challenges and pressure, and make a success of things.
Bob Mabena
POWER 98.7 station manager

Hi! I am the founder of explain.co.za, a WhatsApp-driven portal aimed at making the news more accessible to neglected audiences. I am passionate about digital and the future of journalism. 

I was previously the Head of Digital at broadcaster Power FM, editor-in-chief of the Mail & Guardian and inaugural editor-in-chief of HuffPost South Africa. I have also worked as a media consultant and trainer in various newsrooms, specialising in digital journalism, social media and convergence.

I am the recipient of the CNN African Journalism Award, several Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards and an Open Society Foundation journalism fellowship. I was awarded a Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2018 and am a council member of the South African National Editors Forum. Read more.