Ruben Richards

About Ruben Richards

Dr Ruben Richards served as the Executive Mayor of the Cederberg Municipality, founded a civil society movement – Cederberg Eerste, established his own Foundation which focuses on the healing of trauma, and served as former Executive Secretary of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Human Rights Violations Committee. He also served as founding Deputy Director‑General of the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions). A published author. educator, and executive level leader, his work focuses on national healing, democratic governance, community safety and building an inclusive South Africa through historical story-telling.

Key message

Truth builds trust; healing is practical; safety requires whole-of-society action; history can heal and unite when taught well.

Speaking topics and expertise

• From Truth to Trust – a TRC insider’s playbook for healing
• Fighting Crime Without Breaking Communities
• Healing through History - Teaching the Untold Story
• Leading/Leadership in dark places – fixing dysfunction with courage – (When Utopia and naiveté conspire)
• How to solve the situation – Governance with a loaded gun against your head.
• Active citizenry – Democracy is not a spectator sport.
• Owning your democracy beyond the ink and the ID document.
• Insights from the dark side of society – a review of the criminal and democratic economy.
• The stone that rises from the ocean: Stories of the Khoi and San in the shadow and valley of Hoerrikwagga (Table Mountain)

Achievements

Established community healing programs via Ruben Richards Foundation; research used by WCED for curriculum content.

Education

Certificates in Mechanical Engineering, PhD (Religious Studies), University of Cape Town; further studies in Switzerland, USA and Germany

Delivery style

Story-rich, facilitative, pragmatic; strong Q&A.

Why audiences listen

Credible leadership across TRC, Scorpions and local / municipal governance; proven community programs.

What the talks address

De-escalating conflict, rebuilding trust, rescuing South Africa from imploding, and preventi

What participants will learn

Dialogue frameworks, measurable trust-building steps, community-safety levers.

What audiences take home

Action checklists and templates to apply in organisations and municipalities.

Benefits for individuals

Clear frameworks for leading through conflict; confidence in facilitating difficult conversations.

Benefits for organisations

Stronger trust, improved stakeholder engagement, and safer communities around operations.