In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

The Pencil
1 Ncondo Place
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320
South Africa

Bongani Baloyi

Creative Entrepreneur, Bongani has cemented his legacy withing the media space quite effectively. From being apart of one of South Africa’s Youtube channel called “Defining Love”, to being an experienced Technical Producer and Event Co-ordinator, Bongani is one force to be reckoned with.

Dr. Kirsten van Heerden

Dr Kirsten van Heerden is one of only a handful of people in South Africa to have both represented her country as an athlete and also hold a PhD in the area of sport psychology. She has worked and travelled extensively within high performance sport for more than 10 years and her services have been used by many Olympians, World Champions and South African sports teams. Kirsten has many interests within the area of sport psychology and has recently published a book on the challenges athletes face when they retire from elite sport, and is also the founder and chairwoman on Girls Only Project – a non-profit company focusing on women in sport issues. Kirsten is currently in private practice in Durban at Newton Sports Agency.

Manqoba Zungu

As the CEO and Co-founder at GetReadyskills, which is an innovative, successful mentorship programme focused on unemployed graduates, Manqoba Zungu leads with nothing but pure excellence.. Manqoba also has immense experience in leadership and mentorship having served in some of the following roles nationwide: Class leader: MBA Gordon Institute of Business Science, Leadership Programme Chairperson: Association of Black Accountants in South Africa (ABASA), ABASA JHB Board Member, ABASA KZN General Secretary and Chairperson: Deloitte BPS Employment Equity Forum.

Mbali Makhathini

Mbali Makhathini is a Bachelor of Environmental Science (UKZN), Programme for Management Development Programme (GIBS) and Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Business (University of Cambridge) graduate with extensive environmental, social and governance experience in the finance sector. She is a certified natural scientist by the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professionals (SACNASP). Currently serving as Head of ESG at Standard Bank, Melville Douglas, she is responsible for developing an ESG integration strategy guiding investment decision making ensuring responsible and impact investing. She is an advocate for the conservation of biodiversity and impact investing. Mbali has held various leadership positions most recently her role as an elected steering committee member and Middle East and Africa representative of the Equator Principles Association and as the Deputy Chair of the Standard Bank Investments, Diversity and Inclusion Forum.

Naretha Pretorius

Naretha Pretorius is the Campus Head at the IIE Vega School, Durban Campus. She’s an integral coach and a reframed thinking facilitator, with experience in creative problem-solving for innovation, design thinking, purpose development and strategic decision making. Her approach in finding solutions and reframed thinking sits in the art of asking ‘the right’ questions. Naretha has over 20 years’ experience in curriculum and programme development in higher education, transformative educational methodologies, and leadership. Naretha is also a practising artist with a Master’s Degree in Fine Art (Cum Laude) from the Durban University of Technology. Naretha participated in several group exhibitions, a solo exhibition as part of her master’s studies, and presented as guest speaker at several conferences and published several articles and guest columns. Naretha is a trained NLP and Integral Coach.

Sebabatso Thulo

Sebabatso Thulo is an Agricultural Science Teacher. She is also The author of Reflections Through My Glasses, and Dear Black Parents a letter from Your Child's Teacher. From time to time she recites poetry. She also runs a Women's Networking Lunch called Healed and Loved which is aimed at creating a safe space for women to come together, connect and heal. She has recently started a parenting workshops that helps parents connect better with their children's teachers and schools in general. She has a passion for conversations that are inspiring which has organically led her into the podcasting space. Her Podcast Carrrnversations is testament to her passion and bubbly personality.

Yael Geffen

Yael Geffen is the CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa. She grew up in a real estate dynasty established by her grandmother, Aida, and, prior to joining the family business in 2009, she acquired extensive real estate marketing, brand building and business development experience in the United States. Yael is also an accomplished public and motivational speaker and her broadcast experience includes hosting and producing her own radio show from 2013 to 2017. Yael is a sought after Life and Business Strategy Advisor and is the 2020 winner of Standard Bank’s prestigious Top Woman in Property Award. Yael is a mental health advocate and has been chosen to represent South Africa as a speaker for the World Leaders Summit in November 2021.