Damien J du Preez

As a South African with a passion for both business and politics, I bridge both worlds in my mission to leverage new opportunities and bring ambitious ideas to life. Since relocating to Frankfurt, Germany in 2024, my focus has been on connecting African know-how and resilience with global opportunity.

Now as the founder of Beagle & Baobab and Veld Works, I've brought my energy and strategic thinking to the global tourism and hospitality industry. By reimagining African adventure for a new generation of discerning travellers, I aim to reinvigorate South Africa’s status as a must-visit destination for immersive travel – where culture, cuisine, and nature collide in unforgettable ways. 

In my previous role at CREDO, I led the development of South Africa’s first citizens’ assembly, transforming a novel idea into a political project buttressed by government and civil society partnerships. With nothing but a laptop and a bootstrapped marketing strategy, I also significantly expanded the reach and reputation of an international research centre.

Parallel to all of this, I’m pursuing an MA at the Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, building on my BA in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Stellenbosch University. When not in Frankfurt, I can be found exploring the wonders of Europe with my wife and constant companion, or visiting the family farm in Tonteldoos, South Africa.