Past TEDx event

TEDxUniversity of Johannesburg

Beyond the Binary

Took placeSeptember 17, 20265:00 PM - 9:00 PM (GMT+2)
LocationJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
FormatUniversity
Beyond the Binary challenges the false comfort of either/or thinking and invites us into the complex spaces where real progress happens. At the intersections of justice and mercy, tradition and innovation, human and machine, local and global, this theme calls for ideas that transcend rigid categories and redefine how we understand power, identity, knowledge, and the future. Because the world isn’t either/or anymore, and neither are the solutions it needs. In an increasingly polarised world, we are conditioned to think in opposites: right or wrong, tradition or progress, human or machine, justice or mercy. Yet the most pressing challenges of our time refuse to fit neatly into these categories. Beyond the Binary is a call to move past rigid either/or thinking and explore the complex, interconnected spaces where real understanding and innovation emerge. TEDxUniversityofohannesburg 2026 will showcase ideas that challenge false dichotomies, invite nuance, and propose integrative ways of thinking across law, technology, identity, economics, governance, and culture. By amplifying voices that sit at the intersections rather than the extremes, this theme positions the University of Johannesburg as a platform for bold, interdisciplinary thought that reflects the realities of Africa and a rapidly evolving global society. Because the world isn’t either/or anymore, and neither are the solutions it demands.

Speakers

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

  • Bami Iroko

    Author & Growth Marketing Strategist

    Author. Marketing Strategist. Growth Leader. Bami Iroko supports early-stage startups and enterprise companies across technology, publishing, finance, entertainment, and the arts.

  • Buyisile Mncina

    Counselling Psychologist

    Buyisile is a registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing through compassionate, community-based care. Working in independent private practice, she supports adolescents and adults in navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, substance use, and life transitions with evidence-informed therapeutic approaches.

  • Jason Bygate

    Development and Innovation Specialist

    Jason is a social impact innovator who harnesses technology, data and strategic partnerships to design scalable solutions that improve lives and accelerate sustainable development across Africa. Jason Bygate Development and Innovation Specialist is a seasoned consultant specialising in the development sector and public service arena, he has secured and managed large contract delivery across a variety of sectors including healthcare, social development, youth services, social enterprise, ICT for development, entrepreneurship and logistics. These project implementations have included deployments in multiple countries: South Africa, China, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Namibia and Guatemala.

  • Katharina Gihring

    Circular Economy Strategist

    Katharina Gihring is a circular economy strategist and CEO of the African Circular Economy Network, where she works to turn circularity from a sustainability slogan into an operational reality for organisations across the continent including through initiatives such as Circular South Africa.

  • Katlego Marcus Mokua

    Founder, MENWOMENTAL & Social Impact Advocate

    Katlego is a student at the Faculty of Humanities at UJ. A Law graduate from the University of South Africa and founder of MENWOMENTAL, an organisation that is passionate about challenging conversations around gender-based violence, mental health, and building a future where men and women heal, grow, and thrive together.

  • Khothatso Hlophe

    Development Practitioner & Author

    Khothatso is a Development Practitioner, traditional healer, author, and Global Polygamy Wellness Counsellor whose work challenges us to rethink leadership, identity, and the choices we believe define our lives.

  • Krijay Govender

    Director & Playwright

    Krijay Govender has been voted by the media as the funniest woman in South Africa and has been rated one of the top three MCs (Gwen Gill, Sunday Times). She works extensively hosting local and international events for government, business and corporates - including events for Heads of States and the FIFA World Cup. Govender is an award-winning actress, playwright, theatre producer and director. . In 2013 she participated in the Edinburg festival as playwright and performer with Cherry on Top and played Riaad Moosa’s granny in the movie Material. She is also an awarding winning playwright (Women in Brown). She has worked as a radio presenter, a columnist in the print media and is a published academic with a Master's degree in the Arts.

  • Paula Slier

    Global War Correspondent & Information Warfare Specialist

    Global War Correspondent Information Warfare Specialist & International Speaker Founder | Newshound Media International From Gaza to Ukraine, war correspondent Paula Slier has spent more than two decades reporting from the world’s frontlines, where she discovered that the world’s oldest weapon isn’t technology or propaganda, but human emotion.

Organizing team