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).

Radisson Blu Conference Venue
7 Lagoon Drive
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320
South Africa

Buli Ndlovu

Buli Ndlovu is a multi-award-winning marketing professional with over 17 years of experience across an array of industries. A strategic leader in the financial services industry, Buli is truly passionate about and has consistently delivered work that is socially impactful, commercially viable and brand differentiating. Voted in the Loeries 2022 Top 20 CMO / Marketing Directors in Africa and the Middle East, Buli is a sought after key note speaker on topics including building brands on purpose, personal growth and mastery as well as a proponent of female empowerment. Buli is curious about life, a closet geek and when she's not lecturing Marketing students, she's in constant pursuit of being a God-fearing wife and somewhat of a cool mom...the jury is still out on that one.

Jess Basson

Jess Basson is a writer, speaker and coach who has over 15 years experience working with schools, churches, and corporate clients. Like most of us, Jess wears many hats but she has one mission in mind: to share life-transforming ideas. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Management and a Master of Arts in Vocational Studies. Jess is a certified Life Coach, has published two books, and recently overheard her 16 year old niece describe her as a "wellness influencer" but she doesn't know what that is because she's forty years old now. Jess loves gardening, reading novels and procrasti-napping.

Prof. Salim Abdool Karim

Salim S. Abdool Karim, FRS, is a South African clinical infectious diseases epidemiologist widely recognized for his scientific contributions in AIDS and Covid-19. He serves as a Special Advisor on pandemics to the Director-General of the WHO. He is the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and CAPRISA Professor of Global Health at Columbia University. He is an Adjunct Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Harvard University, Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Cornell University and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is Vice-President of the International Science Council and serves as a member of the WHO Science Council and the Advisory Board of Physicians for Human Rights. He previously served as President of the South African Medical Research Council and as Chair of the South African Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19. He is a Board member of the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet Global Health and Lancet HIV. He is a member of the US National Academy of Medicine and The World Academy of Science. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Simon Grainger

Simon Grainger absolutely loves branding. Over the course of his career, he has advised individuals, startups, established businesses, and multinationals on their most valuable asset: their brand. As a seasoned speaker, he has had the honour of sharing his thoughts on branding around South Africa. I has also served as a senior lecturer at one of South Africa’s leading branding schools. He holds a Masters Degree in Culture, Media, and Communication and is passionately committed to mentoring young professionals making their start in the world. On a personal note, he is married to his incredible wife, Kate - together they have beautiful daughters, Sophie and Isla.

Tom Basson

Husband to Jess, and father to Will & Luke, Tom is the Co-Lead Pastor of Grace Family Church in Durban, South Africa. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy as well as a Master's in Theology. His blog (remember when blogs were a thing) has been read internationally by thousands and translated into several languages. In addition to his regular preaching role at Grace, Tom is also a sought-after motivational speaker to businesses and organisations around the world. Tom is a successful Obstacle Course Racer, placing 2nd at the 2017 OCR World Championships, and more recently placing 2nd at the 2022 Altitude OCR World Championships at Mt Everest - breaking a Guinness World Record in the process! When he's not speaking or climbing mountains, you can find him drinking good coffee, or playing sports with his two boys, who are never naughty. Ever.