TEDxHilton

Speakers

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

• Brooke Carter

  Brooke Carter is a South African conservationist and the host of Wild Wonders with Brooke on EarthXTV. At just 14 years old, she has turned her lifelong fascination with wildlife into a platform that educates and inspires young people around the world. From experiencing hands-on conservation work as a child to exploring ecosystems and wildlife across the globe, Brooke has witnessed both the wonder of nature and the urgent need to protect it. Through television and social media, she is challenging young people to rethink how they use their screens ; transforming “screen time into green time” by creating content that sparks curiosity, joy and care for the natural world. At TEDxHilton, Brooke shares her vision for using social media not simply as a source of entertainment, but as a powerful tool to reconnect people with nature and inspire the conservationists of tomorrow.

• Carl Bradfield

  A titan of South African domestic cricket, Carl Bradfield’s professional career is defined by over 5,000 first-class runs and nearly a decade of leadership with the Eastern Province Warriors. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the country’s most meticulous schoolboy coaches, renowned for a disciplined, pedagogical approach that extracts the very best from young athletes. Beyond technical mastery, Carl focuses on the character of the game, guiding young men to reach their full potential both on and off the field. A mentor and strategist with a profound understanding of the foundations of success.

• Chris Pappas

  Chris Pappas is the Mayor of the uMngeni Local Municipality and a dedicated advocate for transparent, service-driven governance. A Hilton College alumnus with a background in Town and Regional Planning, Chris previously worked as a development economist before entering public service. His transformative approach to local leadership earned him a place on the 2023 TIME100 Next list, recognizing him as a rising global leader. Born and raised in the Midlands, Chris is passionate about unlocking the economic potential of the region while building a resilient, collaborative future for all its residents.

• Denim Richards

  Denim Richards is a Hollywood Actor and Filmmaker with more than two decades in the Entertainment Industry and over 40 credits across Theatre, Television, and Film. He is widely known for the role of Colby Mayfield alongside Kevin Costner on the #1 hit television series Yellowstone. Beyond acting, he is also serving as the Ambassador to Botswana and the Director for Media, Arts and Culture and within the African Union. With this, Mr. Richards is advancing opportunities and creating pathways for African Artisticpreneurs to thrive on the Global Stage. Denim Richards is the CEO of Opulent Entertainment Group, developing emerging talent within Africa's Creative Economy. His directorial work includes the short film The Zoo, which was accepted into the Oscar-qualifying Pan-African Film Festival.

• George Harris

  George Harris is the Headmaster of Hilton College, a role he approaches with deep-seated optimism and a commitment to stewardship. His career has spanned both rural and urban education, including the transformative experience of establishing Lebone II for the Royal Bafokeng Nation. A Klingenstein Fellow of Columbia University and a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative (ALI), George is deeply committed to the promise and potential of young people. He finds inspiration in the cultural richness of Africa, literature, and the natural world.

• Hayley Lombard

  Hayley Lombard is a South African contemporary artist whose work explores the connection between creativity, presence, and the way we experience the world around us. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and building a career abroad, she felt an intuitive pull back to painting - a shift that reshaped not only her career, but her way of seeing and living. Now based in Ballito, Hayley creates layered, textured works inspired by nature, translating light, movement, and memory into abstract forms that invite pause and reflection. Her work is held in private collections internationally and exhibited across South Africa, with collaborations including Investec and La Motte Wine Estate. Through her practice, she invites others to reconnect with creativity - not as something reserved for artists, but as something deeply human.

• Muhle Ndwalane

  Muhle Ndwalane is the Founder and Managing Director of Asante Solutions, a digital marketing and technology company helping African businesses grow through structured systems and data-driven strategies. Recognized as a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree, he has led digital transformation projects across industries including education, finance, and enterprise. Muhle is passionate about solving one of Africa’s biggest challenges: helping businesses move from hustle to structure. His work focuses on building practical systems that enable sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and long-term impact.

• Prof Bonang Mohale

  Professor Bonang Mohale is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State and a Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School. A towering figure in South African industry, he serves as Chairman of The Bidvest Group and ArcelorMittal, and was recently appointed as the Sherpa for the Values 20 (V20), advising the G20 on human centered policy. The best-selling author of Lift As You Rise, Professor Mohale is a globally recognised advocate for ethical leadership and economic transformation. His lifelong commitment to mentorship and social justice has earned him numerous accolades, including the African Union’s Lifetime Achievement Award.