Roger Jardine is a proud South African, father, businessman, and public servant. Roger grew up in a family deeply rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle. Born in Riverlea, Johannesburg, his father, Bill Jardine, was an anti-apartheid activist who played a key role in the unification of sports in South Africa. Inspired by his father, Roger engaged in anti-apartheid activities during high school, participated in the United Democratic Front, and earned degrees in physics from Haverford College and Wayne State University.
At 29 years old, Roger became the youngest director general in South Africa at the Department of Arts, Culture, Science, and Technology. During his tenure, he contributed to nuclear disarmament policy and the first white paper on science and technology, establishing modern infrastructure such as the South African Large Telescope and the Technology Innovation Agency. As the head of the department, he spearheaded opposition to corruption and leadership issues in South African politics.
Transitioning to the private sector, Roger served as CEO of Kagiso Media, Aveng Group, and Primedia, before becoming the chairperson of FirstRand, one of the largest banking groups in South Africa, before stepping down in November 2023. Additionally, he serves as Chairperson of the Centre for Development and Enterprise: a think-tank which focuses on initiatives to combat racism and xenophobia in Gauteng Province.
