Theme: 17 Global Goals

TEDxJohannesburg, supported by the United Nations in South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), brings you an unforgettable lineup of speakers and performers sharing ideas around the world's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This inspired partnership, harnessing the strengths of TEDxJohannesburg's idea-sharing platform, GIBS’ expertise in leadership and strategy, the United Nations in South Africa's regional strategic interventions and advocacy, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation's enduring legacy, was crafted to amplify voices and catalyse action. These goals provide a roadmap for addressing pressing global challenges and promoting sustainability as we approach the 2030 target. The event comes two months before world leaders descend on the UN HQ to attend The Summit of the Future to forge a new international consensus on “how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.”

TEDxJohannesburgSalon: 17 Global Goals takes place on Nelson Mandela International Day, Thursday, 18 July 2024, from 8:30 am to 4 pm at GIBS.

The day promises to be an extraordinary affair, with four sessions featuring 17 changemakers - experts, thinkers, and doers - who will share their experiences, insights, and solutions for embracing, advancing, and embodying the 17 goals. The programme will open with a partners’ panel discussion, followed by an eclectic mix of speakers, artists, and performers from the partnership's extensive local and regional networks. Each champion will explore the theme through the lens of a specific goal. Together, through talks, poetry, music, and art, they will illuminate the limitless potential in the intersections, connections, and transitional spaces between them.

Expect the quintessential TEDxJohannesburg experience - a dynamic mix of incisive, fast-paced talks infused with profound wisdom, interspersed with moments of levity, and underpinned by a foundation of innovation. In true TED style, be prepared to have your mind challenged and expanded on issues at the heart of our survival.

Each of us has the power to shape our world and our shared future through the ideas we embrace and the actions we take. This responsibility, this opportunity, is firmly in our hands. Let's embrace it and cherish it. Together, let's ignite possibility and move towards a better world.

GIBS
26 Mellville Road
Illovo
Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2196
South Africa

Adam Welz

Author, Global Conservationist

Adam Welz is a South African writer, photographer and old-school naturalist. His work focuses on nature conservation: How we do it, how we pay for it, and especially how we think about it. He’s lived, travelled and worked a wide range of jobs on six continents, though he now lives in Cape Town with his wife, Sarah, and their triplet daughters. He’s a keen birder and will debate you on just about anything. P.S. Climate breakdown is real and coming for you.

Bongani Sithole

CEO Founders Factory Africa

Bongani Sithole is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and investor with 20 years of industry experience. As CEO of Founders Factory Africa and Partner at Utopia Capital Management, he drives innovation and growth across the African startup ecosystem. With a background in computer science and a track record of building successful ventures, Bongani empowers African entrepreneurs to achieve global scale and impact

Ferrial Adam

Eco Justice Advocate

Ferrial Adam is a prominent environmental justice activist in South Africa with over 20 years of experience. She is the executive manager of WaterCAN at OUTA and has a PhD on "Citizen Science and Environmental Justice in South Africa's Water Sector". Adam works to empower civil society through water testing and monitoring to drive accountability and advocacy. Her grassroots activism has given her a unique understanding of government, human rights, politics and the environment.

Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi

Government Expert

Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi is a prominent African leader dedicated to social and economic transformation. As former UN Development Programme Democratic Governance Director and Special Envoy on Gender at the African Development Bank, she championed gender equality and inclusive development. With extensive experience in government, including as South African Minister, Fraser-Moleketi has been a driving force for sustainable growth across Africa.

Jackie May

Editor Twyg

Jackie May, with over 20 years in mainstream media, launched Twyg in 2018 to promote a kinder, inclusive, and nature-friendly future. She collaborates with Refashion Lab on sustainable fashion. Jackie holds degrees from Stellenbosch University, UNISA, and the University of London, and is pursuing an MPhil in Sustainable Development.

James Delaney

Artist, Urban Renewal Activist

James Delaney, a multidisciplinary artist from Johannesburg, specializes in sculpture and placemaking. He spearheaded the transformation of a 40-acre abandoned park into the city's top-rated public space. Delaney's laser-cut steel sculptures, which dialogue with nature, have garnered international acclaim. Working from Victoria Yards, he also creates prints, paintings, and photographs, exhibiting globally and winning multiple awards.

Lebohang Liepollo Pheko

Political Economist

Lebohang Liepollo Pheko is a leading scholar, policy expert and global movement builder in Afrika-centred international trade, regionalism, feminist economics and development theory. She has contributed to framing policy alternatives centering African countries in post-COVID economic recovery. Pheko is a member of the Walter and Patricia Rodney Commission on Reparations, ambassador of the Wellbeing Economic Alliance, Senior Research Fellow at Trade Collective, and National Planning Commissioner. Her work has taken her across 47 countries to date.

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju

CEO of DLO

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju is a seasoned renewable energy developer, award-winning CEO, and internationally experienced board executive with over 16 years' experience. At 27, she founded DLO Energy Resources Group, a 100% black female-owned company that owns one of Africa's largest wind farms. She has raised over $5.5 billion in funding and served on boards across sectors.

Michelle Lissoos

iSchoolAfrica Founder

Michelle Lissoos, a 20-year veteran in educational technology integration, champions tech empowerment for all. She leads iSchoolAfrica, supporting 100,000+ vulnerable learners, including those with disabilities, to thrive in the digital world. Her expertise spans roles as Director of iStore Education, Director of Learnthings, and lead participant on the Nepad e-commission

Miriam Altman

Economist

Dr. Miriam Altman, a distinguished authority in the realms of development economics, strategy, and social activism, has made profound contributions to economic development and transformative leadership. She is currently Director in Altman Advisory and is a Professor of 4IR Practice at the University of Johannesburg. Her most recent work focuses on infrastructure development in areas of energy, transport, telecoms and water security, as well as infrastructure state-owned entity reform. Currently she is convening a multi-stakeholder Water Security Partnerships initiative. Miriam's impactful career includes co-drafting SA’s National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and serving on the SA Presidency’s National Planning Commission, orchestrating the turnaround of Telkom as Chief of Strategy, leading a think tank on how to solve for unemployment at the Human Sciences Research Council, and academic positions globally.

Nkuli Boikhutso

Medical doctor, CEO Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital

Dr. Nkuli Boikhutso is the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital in South Africa. Her personal experiences as a child cancer survivor inspired her to pursue medicine. Under her leadership, the hospital has become a leading institution for paediatric care in the region, serving disadvantaged children with healthcare needs that would otherwise not be accessible.

Shudufhadzo Musida

Author, Mental Health Champion

Shudufhadzo 'Shudu' Musida: Author, Mental Health Champion, and former Miss South Africa. With degrees in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and International Relations, Shudu advocates for mental health and sustainable development. As UNFPA Regional Champion, she promotes sexual reproductive health rights. Her two books on mental health reflect her dedication to this crucial cause.

Tawanda Gwasera

Nirox Foundation

Tawanda Gwasera will introduce the Nirox Foundation’s private initiative to regenerate and protect the Kromdraai Valley in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. He'll highlight the collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to preserving this unique landscape, integrating arts, farming, and community engagement. Gwasera will invite attendees to experience the valley firsthand, emphasising its significance beyond mere description.

Tessa Dooms

Director, Rivonia Circle

Tessa Dooms, Director at Rivonia Circle and author of 'Coloured', is a sociologist and development practitioner with 18 years of experience. Her expertise spans governance, youth development, and innovation. Tessa has worked across sectors to advance Africa's development. She holds an MA from Wits University and is a Trustee of the Kagiso Trust.

Wandile Sihlobo

Agricultural Economist

Wandile Sihlobo is the Chief Economist of Agbiz and author of two books on agriculture. He serves on South Africa's Presidential Economic Advisory Council and is a Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Sihlobo holds positions on various national committees, chairs the BRICS Agribusiness Working Group, and is a columnist for multiple publications. He has degrees in Agricultural Economics.

Yaya Mavundla

Activist

Yaya Mavundla is a South African artist, multi-award-winning transgender activist/media personality, and former reality TV star. She was introduced to the South African mainstream through "Becoming," a reality TV show on Mzansi Magic & Showmax. She became the first person in Africa to wear the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress and launched her clothing line, Queer Comfort. Her "Black, Trans & Bold" exhibition has been showcased at Constitution Hill. She has hosted major events and was featured on a billboard in Luzerne, Switzerland.

Zandile Ndhlovu

Ocean equality pioneer

Zandile Ndhlovu is a pioneering South African conservationist, social activist, and filmmaker, renowned as the first black female freediving instructor from her country. Founder of The Black Mermaid Foundation, she empowers communities through swimming and environmental education. Named to the BBC's 100 Women list in November 2023, she champions ocean conservation and inclusivity.