Theme: Leapfrog

The inevitable future is here; for the first time in living history much of what we thought impossible now seems totally doable. New technologies have given us a plethora of possibilities, which in turn have allowed us to experiment with the most improbable ideas – in the arts, media, health services, communications, transportation, education and in every other facet of life. The results are often delightful, occasionally challenging and consistently surprising. But the inertia of tradition, convention and habit remains persistent.

Will Africa seize the moment and find new ways to close the gaping wealth gap? Will we harness renewable energies to develop in a more sustainable trajectory? Will we build a digital Ubuntu and export our ideas to the world?

Soweto Theatre
Bolani Road , Jabulani
Jabavu
Soweto, Johannesburg, 1809
South Africa

Shaka Sisulu

Born into a freedom fighting family, Shaka Sisulu himself is a social-activist, entrepreneur and media-technologist. As a connector, Shaka seeks to leverage access to decision-makers, opportunities and resources for the benefit of African society at large. Shaka is a founding member and Executive Director of the 8,500 member volunteer organization, Cheesekids, which has undertaken many successful community-service initiatives in South African townships and informal settlements since 2007.

Denver Hendricks

Denver is a true bridge-builder in architecture and urban design. Owner of INafrica Designstudio Architects and Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, Denver has a wealth of experience from commercial to low cost housing and public buildings. Because he has worked on projects from shoe-string to multi-million Rand projects, Denver deeply appreciates how each requires its own approach. He has attended the Green Building Council Course and intends to become a “green” accredited professional.

Phiwayinkosi Mbuyazi

Phiwayinkosi Mbuyazi’s early years began in rural KwaZulu-Natal and ended at Oxford University. His passion for igniting minds began with authoring the series The WIBY Kids, available in isiZulu as AmaYIPHENDLEYA, widely considered a major contribution to the advancement of South African indigenous languages. A columnist for the Sunday Times, isiZulu Edition, his columns are compiled into two volumes Kanjalo Nje and Kusekhona Manjalo, published by Mbuyazi Publishing, a company he founded in 2012.

I see A different You

I See A Different You is a trio of creatives from Soweto who combine their passions for fashion, art and photography to portray Africa as they see it. Justice Mukheli (Ogilvy JHB), Innocent Mukheli (Draftfcb JHB) and Vuyo Mpantsha (Draftfcb JHB) are behind this unique and proudly African aesthetic. Their photo blog started in December 2011 as homage to place, family and style. It showcases a series of images shot in locations around Johannesburg, including Yeoville, Melville and Braamfontein.

Dumisani Phakathi

I See A Different You is a trio of creatives from Soweto who combine their passions for fashion, art and photography to portray Africa as they see it. Justice Mukheli (Ogilvy JHB), Innocent Mukheli (Draftfcb JHB) and Vuyo Mpantsha (Draftfcb JHB) are behind this unique and proudly African aesthetic. Their photo blog started in December 2011 as homage to place, family and style. It showcases a series of images shot in locations around Johannesburg, including Yeoville, Melville and Braamfontein.

Thulani Madondo

Thulani Madondo, resident of Kliptown in Soweto, is one of 10 finalists for the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year award, an annual campaign which honours everyday people doing good deeds in their communities. Madondo, one of 45 000 nominees from more than 100 countries, is nominated for his work with the Kliptown Youth Programme (KYP), which provides meals for children, support with school fees, after-school care, educational help and tutoring to about 400 disadvantaged children from the Kliptown area.

Yaron Assabi

Yaron Assabi is an entrepreneur with a passion for ICT. Consulting for 16 years in the US, UK and South Africa, he founded Digital Solutions Group (DSG) in 1998. DSG focuses on relationship marketing solutions using multi channel commerce. In 2004-06, DSG was awarded the Public Sector Innovation award jointly with the Independent Electoral Commission for most effective use of IT in government. In 2006, DSG opened offices in Namibia and this year it is launching in Mauritius, Tanzania and Uganda.

Lorenzo Nassimbeni

Architecture meets fine art in the work of Lorenzo Nassimbeni. From wallcovering, to fabric and mural design, Nassimbeni’s portfolio is unified by a signature architectural style of drawing: a distillation of black line on white background. His mural designs complement the spaces of Neil Ellis Wines, Stellenbosch and the residence of Zolani Mahola, lead singer of Freshlyground. Nassimbeni is currently working on a bespoke fabric collection for a furniture range designed by the company 'WORK'

Tlale Makhene

Architecture meets fine art in the work of Lorenzo Nassimbeni. From wallcovering, to fabric and mural design, Nassimbeni’s portfolio is unified by a signature architectural style of drawing: a distillation of black line on white background. His mural designs complement the spaces of Neil Ellis Wines, Stellenbosch and the residence of Zolani Mahola, lead singer of Freshlyground. Nassimbeni is currently working on a bespoke fabric collection for a furniture range designed by the company 'WORK'.

Anne Githuku-Shongwe

Anne Githuku-Shongwe is the Founder and CEO of Afroes Transformational Multi-Media & Consulting. Afroes is a social enterprise that creates and deploys innovative interactive digital and media technology dialogue solutions rooted in Africa’s rich heritage. Prior to establishing Afroes, Anne has been an International Development professional with over 20 years of social and economic development experience working with the United Nations and Management Consulting firms across Africa, Asia and the United States.

Miche Fabre Lewin

UK based Miche Fabre Lewin is an artist and culinary activist. She co-founded her practice, Touchstone Collaborations, with partner Flora Gathorne-Hardy. This socially engaged arts and research practice is dedicated to thinking with nature and living in balance with the Earth, and to creating convivial environments suited to inspiring cultures in transition. The practice inspires a sensuous experience of the connections between healthy soil, healthy food, healthy bodies and a healthy planet.

BIG FKN GUN

Although BIG FKN GUN honed their craft during what might be considered the golden era of Durban rap in the early 2000s, the formation of the group happened almost a decade later. The resulting music was unlike any of the earlier works of the founders Bra Sol, Soulfaktor and So&So. Despite the initial criticism, BFG stuck to their GUNs – if you may - to dream up a new view. Thankfully, the collective continues to force-feed the mainstream with new ideas and to affirm an Afro-Futuristic Renaissance.