TEDxNelson Mandela University

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• David Bester

  violinist, educator, and researcher, currently serving as Senior Lecturer and Head of Strings at Nelson Mandela University

  David Bester is a South African violinist, educator, and arts leader. He is Senior Lecturer, Head of Strings, and Programme Leader for the BMus degree at Nelson Mandela University, where he also chairs the Faculty of Humanities’ Internationalisation and Engagement portfolio. A concertmaster of the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, David has performed with major South African orchestras and regularly collaborates with leading chamber ensembles. He holds music degrees from Stellenbosch University and the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and is completing a PhD on embodiment in string pedagogy. Founder of the Nelson Mandela University String Ensemble and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Southern Africa Strings, he is dedicated to revitalising string education, promoting research, and advancing creative collaboration across the arts.

• Gcina Mhlophe

  Author, Storyteller and Founding Director of the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust

  Dr. Gcina Mhlophe is a celebrated author, storyteller, and founder of the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works, translated into many languages including all South African ones, Kiswahili, and Braille, span literature, theatre, and music. Known for “Have You Seen Zandile?”, she has directed plays worldwide and edited Our Storytelling Tree, South Africa’s first storyteller directory. With eight honorary doctorates, she’s earned top honours including a SAMA, Fringe First, MultiChoice Legend Storyteller, and SAFTA Lifetime Achievement awards. Her podcast African Story Magic won multiple national awards, and October 24 is recognised as National Storytelling Day in her honour. Through her Nozincwadi Literacy Campaign and storytelling festivals, Dr. Mhlophe continues to inspire, preserve heritage, and empower African voices.

• Hlomla Dandala

  Actor, Director and Television Presenter

  Hlomla Dandala, born 22 September 1974 in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, is a renowned South African actor, television presenter, and director with a career spanning over three decades. He rose to fame in 1998 as Derek Nyathi in Isidingo, where he made history as part of South Africa’s first televised interracial kiss. Dandala went on to star in Jacob’s Cross, Scandal!, and The River, earning acclaim for his powerful and nuanced performances. As of 2024, he leads in Smoke & Mirrors as Ceasar Ngonyama. Beyond acting, he has directed episodes of Generations, Gaz’lam, Backstage, and Hard Copy, debuting as a director with Heartlines (2006). Fluent in five languages, Dandala holds a Drama degree from Wits and trained at AFDA and the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. A storyteller of depth and integrity, he continues to shape South Africa’s television and film landscape with excellence and influence.

• Laduma Ngxokolo

  Chief Creative Director and Founder of MsXhosa Africa, Designer, Storyteller and Innovator

  Laduma Ngxokolo, Chief Creative Director and Founder of MaXhosa Africa, is a visionary redefining African luxury fashion by blending heritage with innovation. His journey began with a university thesis exploring how Xhosa aesthetics could be reimagined for the modern world; an idea that gave birth to MaXhosa Africa, a brand that transforms cultural identity into contemporary style. Drawing from ceremonial knits and beadwork, Laduma creates bold statements that honour tradition while embracing the future. His designs have appeared on runways in Paris, Milan, and New York, and are showcased by the Smithsonian and MoMA. Expanding MaXhosa into a lifestyle brand, he brings African design into modern interiors. A fearless innovator and award-winning designer, Laduma continues to shape global perceptions of African creativity, empowering a new generation to celebrate, preserve, and elevate African craftsmanship.

• Pitika Ntuli

  Sculptor, Poet, Writer and Academic

  Prof. Pitika Ntuli is an acclaimed sculptor, poet, philosopher, and academic whose work bridges art, spirituality, and African wisdom. Born in Springs, South Africa, he spent years in political exile before returning to contribute profoundly to the country’s cultural and intellectual life. Known for his powerful bone sculptures and evocative poetry, Ntuli explores themes of memory, ancestry, and identity through deeply symbolic forms. His acclaimed exhibition Azibuyele Emasisweni (Return to the Source) affirmed his mastery of transforming natural materials into profound philosophical statements. A former professor at universities in the UK and South Africa, he has mentored generations of artists and thinkers. Honoured with numerous awards, including national recognition for his lifelong contribution to the arts, Prof. Ntuli continues to inspire through his writings, public lectures, and artistic practice, urging Africa to reclaim its creative and spiritual heritage.

• Rethabile Zilila

  Poet, Writer, Facilitator, Researcher, Engineer, Founder & Director of Poeta Grace Consulting

  Rethabile is the founder of Poeta Grace Creative and Wellness Consulting, where she works as a specialist wellness counsellor. She began her career in STEM as a design project engineer after earning a national diploma in Electrical Engineering from CUT-FS, before transitioning into social sciences, majoring in Politics, Sociology, and Psychology. She completed her Drama Therapy research and performance project with distinction. Rethabile delivered her first TEDx talk, Giving Myself Grace and Changing the Trajectory of My Life, and is a YALI alumnus in business and entrepreneurship leadership. She has volunteered with SADAG, served in community development through the Methodist Church, and contributes as a radio drama author for Monyaka on SABC Lesedi FM. Passionate about healing, social justice, and community, she facilitates workshops, mental health talks, and arts-based programmes in marginalised communities

• Unathi Lutshaba

  Executive Director of the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO)

  Unathi Lutshaba is the Executive Director of the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), hosted by Nelson Mandela University, where she leads a team delivering strategic research, data, and policy insights for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC). She oversees SACO’s extensive research portfolio in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Rhodes University. Unathi also serves on the Board of IQOQO, the Advisory Board of the HSE Global Cities Cultural Index (Russia), and the Steering Committee of FuturesPast, a cross-border immersive storytelling project in Southern Africa. She holds a BCom (Economics and Business Management) and a Master’s in Development Studies from Nelson Mandela University, along with postgraduate qualifications in Economic Analysis and Corporate Governance.

• Zolani Mahola

  Singer, Actress, Storyteller and Speaker

  Zolani Mahola, former lead singer of the pan-African supergroup Freshlyground, shared stages with legends like Stevie Wonder, BB King, Shakira, Hugh Masekela, and Johnny Clegg. Over 17 years, Freshlyground released seven albums, toured globally, and helped unify a divided nation through music. In October 2024, Zolani performed at Carnegie Hall for South Africa’s 30-year democracy celebration. A passionate advocate for nature, she is an ambassador for the Seachange Project, co-creating the award-winning podcast Back To The Water. An award-winning actress, she won the Fleur du Cap Award for The One Who Sings and performed with Yo-Yo Ma. Her 2021 solo album Thetha Mama won Best Produced Album at the SAMAs. She is working on a new album with The Feminine Force and a musical on African goddesses, with two films about her life and environmental work set for release in 2025.