About The Communication Academy

A legacy of communication excellence — built over two decades of professional training across South Africa.

Delia Thompson - Founder of The Communication Academy

Delia Thompson

ATCL, LTCL — Trinity College of London • Founder, The Communication Academy

Delia Thompson was one of South Africa's foremost communication specialists — a speech tutor, trainer and public speaker whose work transformed the professional lives of thousands of South Africans over more than two decades.

Qualified with ATCL and LTCL designations from Trinity College of London (associated with Cambridge University), Delia founded The Communication Academy with a conviction that the ability to speak with confidence and clarity is not a gift that some people have and others do not. It is a skill that can be taught, developed and refined by anyone willing to do the work.

That conviction proved correct. Under Delia's leadership, The Communication Academy became one of South Africa's most respected communication training providers, delivering SETA-accredited programmes (Services SETA, Accreditation No. 0824 — NQF Level 4, 21 credits) that were recognised across government, business and public life.

  • ATCL, LTCL — Trinity College of London (Speech Tuition)
  • Services SETA Accredited Trainer — NQF Level 4, 21 Credits
  • SAQA Accredited Communication Specialist
  • Presented for SABC — business programme host and contributor
  • Featured in The Star newspaper (2006) — educational communication articles
  • Trained by Speakers International, London — clients included Manchester United, England Rugby, England Olympic Team
  • Personal coach to Selby Baqwa (former Public Protector of SA, UN ombudsman)
  • Personal coach to numerous government officials, senior executives and public figures

A Career of Extraordinary Impact

Over two decades, The Communication Academy worked with some of South Africa's most significant organisations.

Media Experience

Delia Thompson had a distinguished media career alongside her training work. She presented a business programme for SABC, was interviewed live on SABC World News, and worked as a voice specialist for radio. Her educational articles on communication were published in The Star newspaper and she was featured in numerous magazines over the course of her career.

The Face the Media Programme

One of The Communication Academy's most sought-after programmes was Face the Media with Confidence — a specialised training course that Delia presented personally. This programme attracted SA Rugby referees and management, Golden Lions Rugby Union, politicians from multiple parties, lodge owners, college executives and business leaders who needed to handle media interactions with precision and composure.

Corporate Training Excellence

The Confident Communication two-day workshop was the training flagship of The Communication Academy — a Services SETA accredited programme that ran monthly across Midrand, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban. It was described by participants from organisations as diverse as Anglo American, Eskom, the South African Reserve Bank and the South African Police Service as "the best investment I have made in my future."

Individual Coaching

Beyond group training, Delia provided individual one-on-one coaching to some of South Africa's most prominent figures — including senior government officials, public servants who needed to handle high-profile public communication, and sports personalities preparing for media responsibilities.

Organisations Trained

A selection of the organisations whose professionals benefitted from The Communication Academy's programmes.

Anglo AmericanEskomSABCStandard BankTransnetHighveld SteelSouth African Revenue ServiceDPSASouth African Reserve BankAnglo PlatinumAnglo GoldMTNCell CTelkomJSE Securities ExchangeDepartment of Trade and IndustryDepartment of LabourMinistry of JusticeDiscovery HealthSAPSCorrectional ServicesSouth African AirwaysComairNedbankRand Merchant BankInvestecAlexander ForbesPfizerCSIRWits MedicalSunday TimesSowetanSA RugbyGolden Lions Rugby Union

The Legacy Continues

Delia Thompson passed away, leaving behind a legacy of thousands of professionals whose careers were shaped by her training and her belief in the transformative power of communication. This website continues that work — providing access to the insights, principles and practical techniques that made The Communication Academy one of South Africa's most trusted names in professional development.


If Delia's training changed your professional life, we would be honoured to hear from you.


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