Alex and Renias offer insights at a time when global polarisation reaches unprecedented levels. Their story is one of a journey towards profound mutual understanding. It is a tale of striking contrasts: white and black; man and boy; apartheid and unity; third world and first world.

In the late 19th century, Alex van den Heever’s family played a key role in making Afrikaans an official language in South Africa, a language linked with oppression. Alex grew up with the privileges of the Apartheid regime.

Renias Mhlongo’s family were hunter-gatherers in the greater Kruger National Park, displaced by Apartheid’s segregation laws. Rejecting education in the oppressor’s language, Renias left school at age 10, facing a future of poverty.

Our Talk.

You will discover the three key principles that enabled Renias and Alex to build a strong and enduring relationship.

You will gain the following from the presentation:

  • How Renias saved Alex from a leopard attack.

  • How they built, broke and rebuilt trust.

  • How they used their differences to their advantage.

  • How they established a shared purpose.

  • How they built a lasting business.

“The standing ovation that Renias and Alex received was a testament to the power and relevance of their message. They showcased the importance of relationships and demonstrated what is possible when we collaborate towards a shared vision. Their inspiring stories and profound insights left a lasting impact on everyone present.” 

Colin Bell

Alexand Renias have presented in South Africa, England, Singapore, China, Australia, Brazil, Chile and the USA.

Alex and Renias Presenting with Wildlife Slide

Alex and Renias were paired as guide and tracker at Londolozi Game Reserve to take safaris for discerning travellers. Their story explores their 30-year journey together, detailing how they communicated, breached and built trust, established shared identity, and overcame cultural barriers.

Acceptance, curiosity and warmth became the ideals by which they formed an unbreakable bond. The presentation highlights their path towards a profound connection despite their stark differences.

With humour, sensitivity, and humility, Alex and Renias demolish the walls that isolate each one of us.

They demonstrate how to break down cultural barriers that separate us. It is not a methodology they offer but rather an ability to inspire the audience and open their minds to their potential as individuals and as a team.

The presentation culminates with a few insightful and extremely entertaining stories told by Renias in his mother tongue, Shangaan, which Alex translates for the audience.

Alex and Renias Speakers

“Alex and Renias’ story had a profoundly moving impact on our group. They have a gift for storytelling and the experiences they share paint a picture of the powerful bonds that can be formed between people from diverse backgrounds. They demonstrated how by getting to the heart of each other’s humanity you can build genuine connection, understanding and trust. Alex and Renias’ warmth and humour shone through at every moment, but they weren’t afraid to challenge us to think differently, to feel differently, to act differently. I would welcome them back to speak to our organisation in a heartbeat.”

Joe Ellison
Director, People & Culture

Alex and Renias delivered a powerful and captivating presentation on the Power of Relationships at our Rhino Connect event. Their message was exceptionally well received by the audience.

The way they presented their story was both beautiful and authentic, capturing the attention and hearts of everyone present. The topic was incredibly relevant to our event, resonating deeply with attendees and leaving a lasting impact.

Alex and Renias’ ability to connect with the audience and convey their message with such genuine passion made their presentation a standout moment of the event. Their insights into the importance of relationships were not only inspiring but also actionable, providing valuable takeaways for all who attended.

We are grateful for their contribution and highly recommend them as speakers for any event focused on meaningful and impactful topics.

Dawid Minnie
Rhino Africa

Alex and Renias Presenting at a Conference

Alex and Renias’s Audiences include:

Exclusive Books
GIBS
Investec
Massmart
Multichoice
Penguin Books
Singita Game Reserves
Spar
Sure Travel
Lester House Australia
Tiger Brands
Total
Virgin Active
Young People Organisation

Book Us.