Matthew Willman: Photographic Storyteller

    • Highlights:
      • Versatile Talent: Matthew Willman is a renowned South African-based documentary photographer, author, and professional speaker. 
      • Documentary Photographer: Willman has documented significant historical, social, and cultural moments across the world. 
      • Nelson Mandela Foundation: Willman’s career includes working for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where he captured iconic images of the late South African president. His intimate and respectful portrayal of Mandela is one of the highlights of his body of work, earning him international recognition.
      • Author and Storyteller: As an accomplished author, Willman combines his photography with powerful storytelling. 
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Durban, SA
    • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Keynote Topics

    Matthew Willman is a South African based documentary photographer, author & professional speaker.  He has expressed himself through an extraordinary body of work which includes writing, storytelling and exhibition.

    Willman has gained over 24 years’ experience working for some of the world’s foremost institutions in the field of visual communication, development, visual arts and leadership.

    A true global citizen, Willman has worked in 48 countries tailoring his inventive brand of communication to the needs of an array of clients

    Which have included: Oxfam International, The World Health Organisation, The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Bill Clinton Presidential Library, The Vodafone Foundation, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre, Robben Island Museum and The European Commission.

    In 2019 Willman narrated and produced a short film documentary on the life of Nelson Mandela which was nominated and won an Emmy award in the USA.

    Matthew Willman | Photographic Storyteller

    Matthew Willman has had the pleasure of being commissioned to photograph individuals from a cross-section of the global community.

    Private commissions include: US Presidents Barack Obama & President Bill Clinton, 6 South African Presidents, Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Annie Lennox.

    Others include 22 Presidents, 12 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and a host of sports personalities, musicians, politicians and philanthropists.

    Perhaps one of Matthew Willman greatest achievements was his significant contribution to the recording of the process of South Africa’s democratic change.

    This occurred both in his work as a commissioned photographer to the Nelson Mandela Foundation and through ten years working with Mr Mandela himself.

    In 2003 Matthew was commissioned to archive and document the life and times of Nelson Mandela for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

    Over the years this afforded him many incredibly many intimate experiences with a man who for Willman embodies the very spirit and conviction we all possess as South Africans.

    His collection of work is now central to the Mandela Centre of Memory & Presidential Library in Johannesburg.

    View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    View further speakers

    • (16)
    • (3)
    Robb Holman - Inside Out Leadership

    Robb Holman is a globally renowned expert in personal transformation and the driving force behind the Inside Out Leadership philosophy. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker and best-selling author of four books, Robb has shared the stage with some of the most influential leaders of our time. As the CEO of Holman International, a leading […]

    • Travels from: West Chester, PA
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (15)
    Dr Trisha Smith

    Dr. Trisha Smith, affectionately known as Doc Trish, stands as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in the realm of lifestyle medicine. With a background as a sports chiropractor serving celebrities and athletes, she has transitioned seamlessly into the role of Lifestyle Clinician. Her philosophy, succinctly captured in the methodology she developed – “Expand Your […]

    • Travels from: San Diego, CA
    • Workplace Wellness
    • (19)
    Nadya Zhexembayeva

    Called ‘The Reinvention Guru’ (In Ventures magazine) and ‘The Queen of Reinvention’ (TEDx Navasink), Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva is a business owner, educator, speaker and author — specializing in reinvention. As a business owner, Nadya oversees a group of companies active in real estate, investment, and consulting. As a consultant, Nadya has helped such organizations as […]

    • Travels from: Columbus, OH
    • Strategy Speakers
    • (98)
    Julie Hyman - Image 01 (April 7, 2026)

    Julie Hyman hosts the 3-5 p.m. ET show on Yahoo Finance Live. Julie has been a financial journalist for more than 20 years, covering events including the Great Financial Crisis, the collapse of drugmaker Valeant and the rise of meme stocks. Welcome to the world of financial news, where expertise meets eloquence, and insightful analysis […]

    • Travels from: New York, NY
    • Event Emcee
    • (23)

    Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a CPAE (Council of Peers Award of Excellence) Hall of Fame speaker and an internationally recognized authority in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and bias. She has been included as one of the 100 Global Thought Leaders on Diversity and Inclusion by The Society of Human Resource Management […]

    • Travels from: Greensboro, NC
    • Diversity Speakers
    • (23)
    Venus Morris Griffin

    Venus Morris Griffin is an award-winning real estate agent and international motivational speaker known for her compelling story of resilience, perseverance, and success. With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Venus has not only built a reputation as one of the top agents in the Southeast but also as a powerful […]

    • Travels from: Augusta, GA
    • Real Estate
    • (55)
    • (3)
    Michael McQueen

    Michael McQueen is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker and expert in navigating change, recognized for his powerful insights on future trends and innovation. With over two decades of experience in helping organizations and leaders stay ahead of disruption, Michael has earned a reputation for delivering dynamic, research-backed strategies that drive resilience and adaptability. His best-selling […]

    • Travels from: Sydney, NSW
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (28)
    Marci Shimoff

    Marci Shimoff, a renowned speaker, and leading expert in personal development, happiness, and success. With a captivating presence and profound insights, Marci Shimoff has inspired countless individuals worldwide to transform their lives and achieve greater levels of fulfillment and joy. Marci Shimoff is a New York Times bestselling author, a celebrated speaker, and a leading […]

    • Travels from: San Rafael, CA
    • Leadership Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

    Our Mission:

    We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.