The inaugural NdB Liberty Indaba

The Liberty Indaba is the brainchild of the late Neil de Beer, hence the NdB prefix. He wanted it to be held as a partnership with BizNews and, preferably, in Hermanus on the day before the annual BizNews Conference, where he received a standing ovation last year - the only time this has ever happened.

Neil intended the content at this special event to focus on exposing emerging threats to South Africans' personal liberties.

This is the inaugural Liberty Indaba, and Neil selected the speakers. Below is the programme for 9 March 2026. You'll find Neil's biography below that.

Summary Biography of Neil De Beer

Neil De Beer, a South African born in Stellenbosch, began his career in the military, serving in the South African Defence Force and specialising in intelligence. He moved into business and worked in infrastructure development in Africa, heading organisations such as the Organisation of African Business Development and the Investment Fund Africa. No less remarkable was his political career, shaped by his fight against apartheid. He later joined Umkhonto we Sizwe and became one of the ANC's national security advisors. He also advised on roles in the African Union. In 2020, after many years with the ANC, he established the United Independent Movement, a political party advocating for citizens' rights and government reform. De Beer has continued to focus on economic growth, infrastructure development, and political reform throughout his life in Africa.

Early Life

Neil De Beer was born on a farm in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, and spent his formative years around the pastoral landscapes of one of the world's famous wine-producing regions. After high school, De Beer joined the then-South African Defence Force in 1987 and actively participated in frontline fighting during the Angola Border War. His military service was not confined to South Africa and included duties and deployments throughout parts of Africa. He specialised in intelligence activities and received training in foreign and domestic intelligence.

Personal Life

Neil De Beer was charismatic, possessed a sharp mind and an unmatched sense of humour. He was a family man who valued his children and was a staunch Christian. Relationship-building and an innate concern for people have shaped both his personal and professional lives.

Business Ventures

After the military and intelligence worlds, De Beer moved into business, focusing on infrastructure development across Africa. He founded the Organisation of African Business Development (OABD) and served as its first Secretary-General. He was the President of Investment Fund Africa (IFA), which was leading the call for a R9 billion fund to support entrepreneurship development and infrastructure across the continent. He has decades of experience across sectors, advising numerous leaders in Africa and Europe and leveraging it to shape economic growth and development. De Beers played a significant role in global sports marketing and the mining industry, leaving a lasting impact.

Career Politics

It was a political path with massive twists and turns in De Beer's life. Having served under apartheid, he crossed over to become part of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the ANC, where he then contributed to the liberation struggle. He was a security advisor to the ANC during President Nelson Mandela’s tenure and later served under various Presidents across Africa. His roles extended to the African Union, where he assisted various African presidents and leaders. In 2020, after more than three decades with the ANC, de Beer resigned and founded the United Independent Movement, which later became a political party, educating citizens about their rights, promoting centrist values, and driving change in South Africa. The UIM contested the 2021 municipal elections, gaining seats in various metros, while De Beer even stood as the mayoral candidate for Cape Town.

Legacy

Neil De Beer's legacy is one of steadfast commitment toward positive change in South Africa and the African continent. His many-faceted career of military service, intelligence work, business leadership, and political activism testifies to a commitment toward infrastructure development, economic growth, and community empowerment. In his work, De Beer strives to make a lasting difference in Africa's growth and prosperity and in the lives of its people. He passed away in August last year after a long battle with cancer.