SPEAKERS & EVENT HOSTS
Dr Angela de Sá
TOPIC: Integral Medicine
Dr de Sá is a Family Physician at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Family Medicine at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town. She is also an Integral Coach and did her training at The Integral Africa Coaching Centre. She has worked in the public health services in the Cape Metro for 30 years and has taught and supervised undergraduate as well as postgraduate students for 16 years. She is currently a Family Medicine consultant at Retreat CHC and has an interest in using an Integral Coaching approach to developing and supporting students and healthcare workers. She believes that healthcare workers often have extraordinary demands placed on them and is passionate about using her skills to foster self awareness and leadership skills. Given the high rates of burnout with health professionals she believes we need to create effective spaces for healthcare workers to manage their stress and grow their resilience. “Coaching is one of many pro-active interventions we should be offering frontline healthcare workers so that they are equipped with the skills and insight to sustain themselves through this very demanding career. I believe patients would be better served if we capacitated ourselves in a way that supports us to remain empathic and compassionate.”
Bedelia Theunissen
TOPIC: Transform to Perform
Bedelia Theunissen is an accomplished Industrial Psychologist and Human Resources professional with over 24 years of comprehensive experience. She possesses deep expertise in Organizational Development and across the entire HR spectrum. Bedelia is passionate about understanding and unearthing psychodynamics in organisations. A dedicated life-long learner, Bedelia holds a BA in Social Science, Honours degrees in Psychology and Industrial Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Industrial Psychology. She has held various senior and executive leadership positions across multiple industries, including Financial Services, Technology, Consulting, Mining, and Manufacturing. In 2018, Bedelia was honored with the Top 100 Most Influential Global HR Professionals award. Her guiding principle is embodied in her favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see” by Mahatma Ghandi.
Dr Birgit Viertlböck
TOPIC: Trauma and Epigenetics. How to CLEAN UP individual and transgenerational trauma, to WAKE UP and GROW UP into a healthy future and society
Birgit spent most of her former career (17 years) as a lauded lecturer and research scientist in the physiology and immunology department of the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Munich, Germany. In 2019, she made a radical career change, building on her critical thinking skills and exemplary scientific knowledge. She became a naturopath and coach and completed training in NLP, systemic therapy, hypnotherapy, shamanic healing, and integral relationships. Using her extensive knowledge of scientific methods, she is a pioneer in developing new methods and refining tried-and-tested methods that help people get quickly and permanently on their path to mental and physical health. She developed the patented Doletionstherapie®️, a very fast and sustainable trauma therapy method, which positively impacts both physical and mental health by activating intuition and following self-healing capacities. In addition, she works with nutritional medicine with a focus on therapeutic fasting to let go of past physical issues and restart the body connection towards intuitive eating habits. Birgit lives in Munich, Germany and loves traveling and connecting with all kinds of people. She likes to spend quality time with her four children, who she is co-parenting with her ex-husband in an arrangement where the children stay in the parental house and the parents take turns. This unconventional system and her free spirit open up the world for her and her children.
Dr Calum McComb
SPECIAL EVENT: Social Dreaming Matrix
Calum is a consulting psychologist whose primary interest is working from a systems psychodynamics consultancy and research stance. He has consulted to small family-owned business, large national, and international organisations. Passionate about deriving psycho-dynamic insights, he has convened listening posts, social dreaming matrixes and has consulted to a group relations conference. He is the former chair of IGSPO and remains on the executive committee. He is a certified Analytic Network Coach and specialises in executive leadership and team development and a member of the Eco-Leadership Institute. Calum works with clients in making sense of the unconscious emotional life and brings defensive patterns of behaviour to awareness to enable transformation of anti-task behaviours. He holds a PhD in consulting psychology having researched the systemic and unconscious psychodynamic processes of voluntary turnover of high potentials.
Camillo Zimba
TOPIC: Restoration of the African Psyche (with Nomkhubulwane Africa)
Camillo is an Autodidact, an Academic Performance Specialist, Author and Poet. He started Brilliant Brainz for tutoring students from grade 4 – 12 for 20 years! This is in all subjects, focusing on mathematics and in helping students achieve distinctions. His published book is titled “Def Ink’s Poet” . He also started Andromeda Azure Ascensions which focuses on personal profiling, including birth charts, synastry chart, etc, these help people to make smarter decisions when it comes to their business and personal life.
Dr Charlene Moodley
TOPIC: Spiral Dynamics Integral: A Beige Manifestation in this Era
More than 15 years of progressive finance and operations management experience at an executive level in various industries together with a BCOMM Degree, MBA, PHD, and an impressive background in managing multi-faceted organisations with budgeting and finances, capital and human resources improvement, strategic planning, project management and development. Executive Director in Finance, Operations, Manufacturing, HR, possessing highly accomplished, results-driven, meticulous, and reliable, solid leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with all levels of employees, management, and external business associates. Demonstrates the ability to proactively work independently, to produce and lead exceptional performance within a team environment and to creatively resolve problems and capitalise on opportunities. Adept multitasker and a true partner to senior executives, employees, auditors, external consultants and is heavily relied upon for valued opinions in key decision-making aspects. Strong research skills in optimising current and efficient cash management team operations. Above average user of Excel, Sage Evolution, Pastel Partner Version 18, PowerPoint, QuickBooks, and a quick study of any other relevant software programme with a proven ability to constantly challenge and improve existing processes & systems. Emulates a passion for coaching, mentoring, and motivating leaders, managers, and supervisors to ‘grow people’ to their full potential.
Darren Curtis
TOPIC: Plant Music – Unlocking the Sound of Nature
Darren Curtis is an Australian Sound Artist & Musician who focuses on awakening a global consciousness. He is an explorer into the outer depths of inner space and currently works at Sacred Resonance. His Honours degree in Music Technology is from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide. Darren does research in Musicology, Music Technology, Visual Arts and Performing Arts. His work includes immersive experiences of sacred art and music education which aims to facilitate an interconnectedness for the mind-body-spirit. In addition, he has produced/composed numerous meditation tracks, produced large-scale award-winning art-sound installations and mastered sacred music CDs for artists around the world.
Ferial Puren
TOPIC: Personal happiness and wellness – an integral part of our better future together
As an evolutionary social systems strategist, Ferial helps people reimagine their lives, businesses, and their world from an evolving paradigm by combining personal development with social development. As the co-founder and CEO of Living Cities Earth (LCE), she is dedicated to co-creating processes that can help guide city leaders and communities towards a thriving future through the integration of innovative technologies and circular economy principles. With a background rich in social entrepreneurship, life and business coaching, nutrition, writing, and public speaking, Ferial skillfully connects projects and individuals to amplify their impact far beyond their individual capabilities. She approaches her work with a deep sense of empathy and a keen awareness of cultural nuances, continually striving to broaden her own understanding and adapt her strategies to meet her own personal, and the complex societal challenges we all face. Through her various leadership roles, Ferial is committed to providing tools for personal transformation, thereby empowering change-makers to significantly improve their effectiveness and contribute to the development of thriving communities. At LCE, Ferial stewards the efforts of 100 co-founders and 1000 plus strategic partners, collaborating to merge personal development with strategic social and cultural development of communities and infrastructures. By cultivating their own personal happiness, wellness and conscious development, together, Ferial and her team of world-class experts, innovators and thought leaders, have created an ecosystem of people, capable of leading processes that help all of us move away from harmful practices towards engagements that consider long-term well-being, emphasising just value exchanges that prioritise the health of both human and non-human stakeholders above short-term financial gains.
Frans van der Colff
TOPIC: Lessons from the African continent in support of an integral approach to the development of a thriving and sustainable Africa
I am strategically minded and commercially astute business leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and vast experience leading strategy development and execution with the aim to achieve organisational excellence. I possess a passion for assisting young entrepreneurs to start new businesses, spearheading franchise divisions, providing strategic development guidance and shedding light on how to succeed on the African continent. As an expert in the African context, an Executive Fellow at Henley Business School and a Thought Leader in business, I offer advanced operations, financial and general business leadership skills, as well as expertise in identifying gaps, formulating solutions and developing systems in order to turn performance around. I excel in engaging and managing relationships with stakeholders, as well as developing and leading high-performing teams to ensure achievement of organisational goals. In addition, I provide strong mentorship and leadership development skills, and excel in planning and coordinating training initiatives, developing and implementing training material and facilitating change.
Hendrik Crafford
TOPIC: Stress to Strength: Reframing scarcity narratives for collective empowerment
Hendrik is a seasoned financial coach who finds joy in researching, learning, teaching, and applying the principles of integrating Financial Coaching and Financial Planning. He trains and coaches financial planners to integrate Purpose-Driven Financial Coaching as part of their client engagement and advice process – enabling them to support clients in enjoying the life they want with the money they have. His 34-year career journey in the insurance industry started as a planner and then evolved to executive management, managing large-scale projects. Currently, he enjoys being back in the trenches, working alongside planners and clients to test and apply his learning. Financial Coaching combines his financial planning experience with 19 years of coaching involvement and enables him to share and coach planners and clients in a pragmatic way. His unique Purpose-Driven Financial Coaching Process integrates Ontological Coaching (a branch of philosophy that studies existence, being, and becoming) and Life Planning (financial planning focusing on the client’s purpose, story, and life). His academic qualifications include a CFP® and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (University of the Free State). He obtained his Professional Integral Coaching qualification from the Centre for Coaching (University of Cape Town Business School). He has also studied Conscious Embodiment, NLP, EFT, The Enneagram, and FEBI, among others, to broaden his integral approach to coaching. He is a member of The Financial Planning Institute, COMENSA, and the American Financial Therapy Association. He is also an active Integral Coach with New Venture West and a credentialed senior coach with COMENSA.
Hillen Cocq
SPECIAL EVENT: Healing Inside Out (Prayer)
For the last 30 years Hillen has been serving others on their healing journey. She was initiated into an ancient northern German healing mystical tradition which included the transmission of a prayer to initiates for stewarding to future generations. Hillen is dedicated to updating this ancient healing tradition into the 21st century. In 1996 Hillen became a naturopath and has been in private practice since 2003. She has attended extensive trainings in many different alternative medicine and psychotherapy approaches including Systemic Constellations, Internal Family Systems as well as integrally identified models. She has also been a long-time student of mystical principles with Thomas Hübl. On her long ongoing professional and personal healing journey she realized that she could best in terms of healing through an emphasis on prayer. By connecting people to their own healing source, Hillen attunes the work to the developmental state and structure of the client. Besides her passionate work as a healer, Hillen was active in martial arts for 20 years. She loves sailing, dancing, active artwork and traveling while learning from different cultures by following the drum sound of her shamanic heart.
Hugh Harrison
TOPIC: In search of a transcendent third – letters from the organisational soul and the path of the divine in leadership. Lessons we have forgotten we already know
With 30 years of organisational experience, 22 years of which have been in senior, executive roles, including as a Big-4 firm partner and CFO, Hugh brings a rare, nuanced insider’s perspective on the dynamics of development and leadership as they intersect with the demands placed on organisations today. Hugh’s most recent focus has been the interconnectedness between strategy and resilience, at an individual, team and organisational level. Alongside his operational roles, Hugh has coached and delivered highly individualised multi-year transformational journeys for functional and executive teams. This work has evidenced objectively measurable step-changes and lasting shifts that can often prove elusive in traditional developmental offerings. From traversing the world of finance to the humanities, natural sciences, spiritual and mystic traditions, Hugh’s approach draws on diverse modalities. These include system psycho-dynamics, neuroscience, complexity theory, constructive development theory, constellations, Enneagram and the like. By weaving a synergistic and systemic approach, he engages across the centres of intelligence accessing both conscious and unconscious domains. Hugh’s work is fundamentally geared towards helping individuals connect to and express their unique diversity and potential.
Dr James Forson
TOPIC: Integrating the Concept of “Showing Up” into Integral Theory
Dr Forson teaches at Regenesys Business School. Before joining Regenesys, James was a management consultant with a special interest in strategy, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement. James has 32 years’ experience in the areas of general consulting, feasibility studies, due diligence, and turnarounds. James is a former Associate Director of AccountAbility, the London-based custodian of the AA1000 suite of International Standards. He is an experienced company director and board chairman.
Dr James Keevy
TOPIC: The Prime of Purple – A Turquoise Way of Doing Human Better (with Dr Rica Viljoen)
James Keevy is an experienced policy researcher that has worked in South Africa, Africa and internationally for the last 30 years. Following 13 years at the South African Qualifications Authority in research policy and international liaison capacities, he joined JET Education Services in 2014 as the chief executive. His specific areas of expertise include qualifications, the recognition of learning, digitalisation, and the professionalisation and migration of teachers. He has worked closely with several international agencies, including the OECD, ILO, UNICEF, World Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth of Learning, SADC Secretariat, African Union Commission and others. At present his main expertise lies in the ability to oversee large multinational research and evaluation teams to execute programmes in a robust and efficient manner. He brings a strong international network and perspective that has translated into a wide range of published research, most recently, this includes a mapping study on qualifications for the African Union Commission, as well as the development of microcredentials frameworks in a range of countries.
Janet Mrenica
TOPIC: Cultivating Safe Spaces in Climate Work: Climate Grief
A curious trilingual award-winning oversight professional, Janet has extensive experience working in diverse environments and Cultivates Safe Spaces in Coaching, Consulting & Facilitation services. She brings the lenses of well-being, inclusion, intersectionality. decolonization, indigenous / ancient traditions / wisdom, Circle practice and low carbon economies to her work. With over 30 years of experience in the Government of Canada & not for profit organizations, nationally/internationally, Janet is an experienced certified Change Manager (Prosci) in human-centred development, transformation & change. She has over 14 years of experience at the Executive level. She is designated as Fellow Accountant and is an Integral Professional Coach, with ICF ACC accreditation. She has evolved in various strategic management, oversight, policy & transformation roles she has held. She is a certified Climate Change Coach, Trauma Informed Coach & Cultivating Safe Spaces Facilitator & is a Graduate of Next Steps FacilitationTM Intensive. She is a trusted advisor in the technical & strategic nuts & bolts in organizational development, oversight and governance functions in corporate & policy development, climate science & finance, infrastructure, system transformation, measurement, audit / monitoring / compliance, human-centred process design, agility & social innovation. Janet integrates intersectionality, diversity, equity, inclusivity & accessibility the foundation for meaningful conversations for the things that matter most. Her care / compassion in supporting the navigation of change is held in her ability to be flexible with changing organizational circumstances & her practice of deep listening.
Janine Hills
TOPIC: Becoming the Authentic You
Jay Naidoo
SPECIAL EVENT: Fireside chat with an Elder
Jay Naidoo is an Elder, grandfather and social activist. He has played many roles from a student, community, political and union activist in the past. These include: Founding General Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions, Minister of Reconstruction and Development and then Communications in President Mandela’s Cabinet, Board member Mo Ibrahim Foundation & Founding member Africans Rising. Today he is a volunteer working towards an authentic intergenerational conversation in Africa and globally. He supports a radical collaboration with youth and women grassroots leaders that co-creates a new activism based on movement building that puts and alternative paradigm, ecology and indigenous wisdom at its centre. “We need to break the bondage of a toxic patriarchy that has poisoned our relationships with each other, the millions of other species we share our planet with and our very Mother Earth.”
Dr Jean Cooper
TOPIC: Being a white African man: Reflections from a motorcycle journey through Africa
Jean is an Industrial and Organisational Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). He obtained his MCom I/O Psychology (cum laude), MPhil Applied Theology (cum laude) and PhD I/O Psychology from the University of Pretoria. Dissertation title: The forces involved in being a member of a small group. Jean works as Organisational Consultant and Executive Coach to various organisations (since 2005). He is the founder of The Institute for Leadership and Transformation (TILT) and has been a part-time faculty member at the University of Pretoria (since 2006) and The Chicago School for Professional Psychology (2012-2018). He is an Associate Editor for the UK-based journal ‘Organisational and Social Dynamics’ as well as a member of the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA). Jean presented Tavistock Group Relations training conferences to postgraduate students at Northwestern University (Evanston, IL), Columbia University (New York, NY) and The Utrecht Business School (Utrecht, NL), amongst others. He also directed two Group Relations Conferences in partnership with the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations and GIBS (2016 and 2017). Jean travelled 18200km along the West Coast of Africa, from Pretoria to Madrid, on a motorcycle in 2023. He is currently writing a book on his experiences.
Jeff McKenzie
TOPIC: Reimagine the Next Generation Church
Jeff McKenzie is the Chief Executive Office / President of McKenzie Systems Engineering Associates (MSEA) and has a B.S. in Engineering. His years of service when combined with private and government work, has provided over 30 years of engineering, test and evaluation and program management with an emphasis on cyber security programs. He provides direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals. His leadership has been instrumental in operations with our state and federal government clients. Using his expertise, MSEA has been successful in winning and maintaining several long-term contracts with government clients and larger prime contractors. He has been recognized with citations and awards. 2011, his company (and several key employees) was recognized by the American Society of Naval Engineers (Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties) as one of the projects of the year recipients. Jeff is very engaged civically. He is an angel investor with an interest in investing in sustainability minority startup companies. He sits on the Oxnard College Foundation Board of Directors (Chair of the Scholarship Committee). Jeff is cofounder and President of an entertainment production company (Rhodes Fest Concerts Foundation) and volunteers time at his Church. Jeff is also a member of the Miracle Center Church Leadership Board and conducts organizational analysis related to Church operations and outreach.
Jesse Rowe
TOPIC: Shadow Shadow on the Wall
With over two decades worth of experience in the successful formation, launch and running of businesses with a national and international scope of operations, as well as raising three children singlehandedly, Jesse brings to the table a solid understanding of the many and varied challenges that life can present. His personal philosophy, grounded in Stoicism and the teachings of Carl G. Jung, combined with a keen interest in people and organizations, their stories and development, gives him a wisdom and understanding that goes beyond skin-deep and enables him to help others to gain new insights, and solutions to their challenges, fast. As a Certified Jungian Coach he is able to understand and guide others in the application of Jungian philosophy and concepts, in the solving and overcoming of any business, personal and relational problems and challenges they may be facing. He also has experience in group facilitation and conflict resolution, as well as acting as an Envoy or representative. With decades of hands-on business experience, he is ready and able to help business leaders and entrepreneurs as a Business Coach (Certification pending – University of Cape Town) and Trusted Advisor who will give invaluable perspective on their unique challenges and situations.
Drs JJ and Desiree Hurtak & Darren Curtis
TOPIC: Plant Music – Unlocking the Sound of Nature
Dr JJ Hurtak and Dr Desiree Hurtak are Social Scientists, composers, authors and futurists. JJ is the author of the best-seller The Book of Knowledge: The Keys of Enoch. They are the founders of Academy For Future Science, an international NGO. They are also well known for their inspirational video graphic animations, as well as their music, including their latest CD in collaborative with Steven Halpern – ‘Sacred Cyphers of the Divine Mother’. They are pioneers in Acoustic Archaeology having done music testing in Mayan Temples and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Together, Drs. Hurtak continue to introduce music, having over 30 albums to date, to help unify cultures within the larger global society. Their lectures, seminars and musical events have been attended by world leaders, educators and their scientific colleagues.
John Vlismas
TOPIC: Player Zero – Leading Diversity
His career as a controversial stand-up comedian saw him appointed as a 46664 Ambassador for the Mandela Foundation, and perform at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Modern Art Museum and the Tempodrome, Berlin. He won the first ever South African Comedy Award for Comic of the Year. John’s gravitation to the taboos that frame prejudice has won him a following of diverse fans who recognize his comedy as valid social commentary. His work on freedom of speech saw him collaborate with noted media law expert Dario Milo to prepare submissions for Parliament to amend the proposed Hate Speech Bill. These submissions were successful. He co-founded OGO Creative – an agency that builds measurable branded media platforms that combine live performance and digital reach to amplify marketing strategies. As Head of Strategy, he designs experiences that influence consumer behaviour using data gathered from them. Vlismas was awarded an MBA scholarship at Henley Business School in 2018. His involvement there has seen him co-design and facilitate course material with Dr Puleng Makhoalibe. He has been appointed to head the Henley marketing team. John got distinctions for the Strategic Marketing and Relationship Marketing modules in his MBA. He also got a distinction for his final thesis, which was about trust between races in senior management. Described by those who attend his talks and learning sessions as a disruptive thinker who is able to articulate complex concepts in an accessible, entertaining way, John has synthesised his new academic journey with decades of experience delivering comedy on world stages to bring entertaining and enlightening talks to corporate audiences. John was selected as an RMB Solutionist, has spoken twice at Suits and Sneakers and is on the HeavyChef platform. His Creative Mornings talk has been viewed over 30 000 times.
Dr Joyce Malombe
TOPIC: Integral Team Leadership Coaching: An Africa Experiment
Dr Joyce Toendepi
TOPIC: African Perspectives on Leading: The me-we-us Perception
Joyce is an experienced business strategist with expertise in devising and promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking and work well independently and in teams. She is an articulate communicator, able to negotiate effectively, influence important decisions, and manage professional relationships with tact and common sense, a strategist who applies forward-thinking methodologies to add value to various business models. Joyce possess market and industry analysis expertise to help position the business for market leadership. I am currently a senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, in the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management. Her fields of expertise include: Leadership and Leadership Development, Leadership in a Multicultural context, Strategic Management, Change Management, Systems Thinking, Social Justice, African Consciousness, Social Psychology, Qualitative Analysis, Grounded Theory
Keabetswe Kganticoe
TOPIC: TBA
Keabetswe is a three-time graduate of the North West University (Potchefstroom) and the University of Pretoria. She holds a Master’s Degree in Security Studies, a BA Honours Degree in International Relations, and a BA Degree in Development & Management where she majored in Public Governance, Politics with Law Subjects. At ReimagineSA, she is responsible for providing public policy analysis; conducting research; monitoring & reporting on Political, Economic, and Legislative developments.
Lisa Ashton
TOPIC: The philosophy of complexity – an emphasis on Levels of Work/Stratified Systems Thinking
Lisa holds an M.Com degree in Human Resources Management (Industrial Psychology) and is a senior Industrial Psychologist. Lisa has worked in corporate in the financial and then the telecommunications sectors, before going into consulting. Having joined Bioss SA in 1999 as a principle consultant and being appointed to director that same year, she has been Managing Director since 2006. She has consulted at senior and executive levels to clients across a wide range of industries and in every country in Sub Saharan Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Libya, Dar es Salaam, Kenya, Indonesia, Australia, UK, Eastern Europe, USA and India. Lisa forms part of the Global Executive Team for Bioss International.
Louis van der Merwe
TOPIC: Ancient wisdom contained in Indigenous Knowledge Systems-Integral to Organisation-Renewal and -Resilience
Louis van der Merwe PhD (Development and Management)An Internal Change Catalyst Tshwane City Government. AIESEC National President 1974. Eskom turnaround 80s. 1990 Educator, Business Schools WBS and MIT. Management Consultant USA, Canada, UK, China (PPC and ROC), anglophone West Africa, South Africa and Western Europe. Key clients: Nokia Helsinki, Shell Oil USA, Shell Europe Oil Products in 28 Countries, The Open University. Typical Assignments; Scenario-based Strategy, Organisation Renewal, Capacity Building. Author in Organisation Resilience. Credentials: PhD (Development and Management) North-West University, Master of Arts ABS (Applied Behavioural Sciences), City University, Seattle, USA, Bachelor of Arts (Economics, Psychology, Ethnology), University of Pretoria
Lurinda Maree
TOPIC: Moving Unspeakables: Embodied witnessing within an aesthetic experience as reflective wellness intervention in organisations (with Prof Marié-Heleen Coetzee & Dr Nicola Haskins)
Lurinda Maree is an Industrial Psychologist and Applied Theatre Specialist in private practice. Lurinda specialises in individual development, team development and creative development. She does individual coaching in the areas of leadership; wellness and productivity; and career-orientation, including Life Design Counselling. She also works with teams on healthy team dynamics and effective communication. For creative development, Lurinda uses her own branded approach called Comedication © where she combines comedy and communication to provide corporate entertainment, stress relief and fun-filled learning engagements. Her approach includes psychology, systems psychodynamics and applied theatre.
Makhubalo Ikaneng
SPECIAL EVENT: GIDA FIRE A show about Zulu dance, Ubuntu and Teamwork
Makhubalo Ikaneng, widely recognized as Makhubalo The Storyteller, stands as a prominent figure in the creative industry, renowned for his multifaceted talents across various media forms. With a career spanning numerous successful projects, Makhubalo has proven himself not only as a director and producer but also as a prolific writer and advocate for youth empowerment through storytelling. His adaptability and creative vision shine through in his work across different genres and styles in live performance. Beyond visual media, Makhubalo has made significant contributions to literature with the publication of 5 books. His dedication to nurturing young talent is evident through the Young Authors Book Initiative (YABI), an initiative he leads that empowers learners by teaching writing skills and providing avenues for publishing their work. Recognizing the power of audio storytelling, Makhubalo has created 3 podcasts, leveraging the medium to engage audiences with diverse narratives and discussions. One of Makhubalo’s standout achievements includes the acclaimed play “Be A Better Dog,” which captivated audiences at the United Solo Festival in New York in 2018. This international recognition showcased his exceptional writing abilities and directorial talent on a prestigious global stage. In recognition of his profound impact on literature and storytelling, Makhubalo received the prestigious “Time of The Writer Festival Literature Champion Award for 2022.” This accolade not only celebrates his artistic achievements but also acknowledges his role as a mentor and advocate within the literary community.
Prof Marié-Heleen Coetzee
TOPIC: Moving Unspeakables: Embodied witnessing within an aesthetic experience as reflective wellness intervention in organisations (with Lurinda Maree & Dr Nicola Haskins)
Marié-Heleen Coetzee is an associate professor at the School of Arts: Drama at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. Her research centres on the use of drama and theatre-based methodologies in cross-disciplinary contexts, socially engaged performance and embodied pedagogies in performance praxis. She presents scholarly and creative work on varied platforms and is a co-director of the production company, LeftFoot Theatre Productions. She is in the process of becoming a certified movement analyst (CMA) through the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York.
Dr Marina Demchenko
TOPIC: Living Cities Action Research Ecosystem
Dr Marina Demchenko is researcher of Social Ecosystems Evolution and Integral Development practitioner, a futurist, visionary focused on the development of humanity. With a PhD in economics and substantial experience in global change management, for more than 20 years Marina has been researching the patterns and principles of integral personal, organisational and place-based development. Co-founder of the Russian-Swiss PANORAMA LAB, she was the first ever advisor to the Mayor of the City of Zverevo, Russia, on the holistic well-being and happiness of its citizens, and during that time developed her own methodology for the diagnosis and assessment of integral development of social ecosystems INNER KEY(C). The object of her current research is the correlation between states of wellbeing and happiness and the sustainable and regenerative development of the individual, community, organisation or territory i.e. a city, region, nation or planet. A TED speaker and author of several peer reviewed papers, she is currently also a co-founder and Head of Research and Development in Living Cities Earth – a global horizontally organised action community of 100+ of the world’s leading researchers and practitioners in the field of integral urban development. Marina defines herself as a weaver of abundant reality, an Earthling with a Slavic roots.
Mark Tarlton
TOPIC: Turquoise Animation
Mark Tarlton is a seasoned business executive that has transitioned to working with individuals on their transformation and growth, and applying the power of consciousness. His multifaceted journey has equipped him with a unique blend of skills, qualifications, and experiences that converge toward a singular purpose – fostering transformational development on both personal and organisational levels.Mark has a broad education that includes an MBL, a BSc Elec Eng, a CPIM a Gov cert compt and coaching qualifications. Mark is an ICF Certified Coach, team coach, an experienced theta healer and Energy Healing Practitioner. Mark has trained in Reiki, Alignment Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Kinesiology and Access Consciousness, and harnesses the power of energy healing modalities in his work. Mark integrates these approaches facilitating profound transformations and lasting personal growth. As a guide for the development of consciousness, Mark is passionate about helping individuals and companies navigate their journey toward higher awareness. Whether through one-on-one coaching sessions, transformative workshops, or organisational development programs. Mark is a catalyst for positive change, leveraging a rich tapestry of skills and experiences to guide individuals and organisations toward a more conscious and harmonious existence. His vision is to ignite a collective shift towards a more conscious and harmonious world.
Mncedisi Nkhoma
TOPIC: Transcontinental Intergenerational Trauma – Possible Contributor to South African Social Unrest
Having acquired extensive financial expertise and demonstrated leadership qualities across various industries, Mncedisi is a highly self-motivated individual with a pioneering spirit. His career spans roles as diverse as Finance and Inventory Manager for an online retailer, Finance Manager overseeing creditors at a logistics giant, and Financial and Operations Manager for a non-profit organization. His adaptive character allows him to easily integrate and contribute to team synergy, and his love and respect for numbers, coupled with cognitive skills, bring a balanced perspective to his judgments. Mncedisi is committed to continuous learning and optimization of both financial and human capital.
Dr Mothomang Diaho
TOPIC: Beyond health and wellness
Natasja Müller
TOPIC: How transcendence to include rather than to oppress or dissociate can improve gender transformation in the mining industry
Advanced training and experience within a large, global, complex organization – making a difference through leadership, innovation and facilitation of transformation and development programmes, and development of more effective systems models and processes. With 25+ years’ experience, Natasja is a Global Talent & Learning Specialist, has demonstrated history of working in Mining & Metals Industry and has global HR experience. Her qualifications include MBA Cum Laude – UCT Graduate School of Business, Industrial Psychology Background (BCom) & Certified Coach with core skills: HR, Organisational Development, Talent, Learning & Development
Dr Ngao Motsei
TOPIC: Building Psychologically Safe Spaces: Safeguarding Your Workplace Against Bullying
Dr Nicola Haskins
TOPIC: Moving Unspeakables: Embodied witnessing within an aesthetic experience as reflective wellness intervention in organisations (with Lurinda Maree & Prof Marié-Heleen Coetzee)
Nicola Haskins is an award-winning embodied moving researcher, choreographer, and dancer who has performed nationally and internationally over the last 20 years. She is a full-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology in the Performing Arts, Dance Stream. She has an MA degree with distinction in Drama from the University of Pretoria. She completed her BA with distinction in Drama and Psychology. She was a performer for the First Physical Theatre Company for 4 years. She has won three Standard Bank Ovation Awards and a Gold Ovation Award for her company’s production, The Anatomy of Weather. Her company, The Matchbox Theatre Collective, founded with Bailey Snyman, has produced and performed a variety of works nationally and internationally. She toured for 10 years in Dada Masilo’s Swan Lake throughout Europe, America, and Asia. Nicola is committed to teaching and learning practices; specifically choreographic practice and how new approaches and methods can be explored. She has recently completed her PhD study at the University of Pretoria entitled: Decolonial Storying: embodied memory in facilitating choreographic composition and graduates in September 2023. She is in the process of becoming a certified movement analyst (CMA) through the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York.
Nomkhubulwane Sangweni Africa
TOPIC: Restoration of the African Psyche (with Camillo Zimba)
Nomkhubulwane Sangweni Africa kaGwala is a Sanusi, an Author, Researcher, and a Commercial Specialist who has 18 years of work experience in corporate South Africa in the FMCG space, IT, Advertising and the Legal fraternity. She took up her calling in 2019 and decided to pen her experiences of the spiritual awakening which culminated into a book titled Idlozi, a journey of my calling. She currently heads two organisations outside of the healing space, for marketing strategies, research etc. to help businesses realise maximum growth and the Nomkhubulwane Africa Group, committed to the amalgamation, preservation and dissemination of African Indigenous knowledge systems to realise a social cohesion that effectively addresses the layered injustices that have become so prevalent in our society.
Ntsikelelo Mzibomvu
TOPIC: The liberating power of holding space for courageous conversations
Ntsikelelo is an impressive and dynamic keynote speaker, visual artist, author, and master of ceremonies. As a speaker, he has over 12 years of experience speaking on various platforms ranging from high schools to public organisations, and corporates. His talks are filled with profound insights and new ways of looking at societal challenges. He’s the author of the bold visual artist coffee table book” The Path to Great Joy – A collaborative journey through the art and life of visual artist Njabulo Greatjoy Ndlovu”. A book in which he not only tells the biographic story of Greatjoy Ndlovu but also tackles the pressing topic of toxic masculinity and reaffirming positive masculinity. He’s also the Author of the personal development book “Reimagining Myself – A journey of personal transformational and entrepreneurial thinking” and facilitator for the Reimagining Myself Master Class. An authentic process-driven workshop geared to empower with personal transformational tools that bring about genuine positive change. He is also a contributor to the fatherhood memoirs book “A Father, A Stranger” edited by Bongani Luvalo of Cool Dad’s Foundation and features key figures such as Mike Teke, former president Jacob Zuma, Simphiwe Masiza, and many others.
Prof Paul Singh
TOPIC: Social Justice: Transforming ourselves about why we believe in what we do, and how injustices, biases and stereotypes develop
Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science (UP), Master of Arts in Human Movement Science (UKZN), Bachelor of Arts Honours in Physical Education (UKZN), Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education (UKZN). Prof Paul Singh started his career in education as Senior Lecturer at University of Pretoria, after which he headed the department of sport and movement studies at University of Johannesburg. Prof Singh has been specialising in sport and recreation as a management consultant since 2006. His notable experience saw him as Chief Director of Sport Support Services of Sport and Recreation South Africa where he oversaw and lead the following Directorates: International Relations; Sport Service Providers; Scientific Support; Research and Evaluation; Sport Infrastructure; and Major Events. He also had oversight of two state entities, viz. Boxing South Africa, and the South African Institute for Drug-free Sport.
Dr Raymond Toga
TOPIC: The Role of African Identity in Shaping Educational Policies and Practices
Dr. Raymond has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Human Resources Management degree, a Bachelor of Social Science Honours, and a Master of Commerce in Industrial Psychology degree, all obtained from the University of Fort Hare. He also holds a Doctoral Degree in Management of Technology and Innovation from the Da Vinci Business School. Dr Raymond Toga has dedicated over 15 years to the education sector, contributing to both public and private higher education institutions. His passion and expertise lie in learning, teaching, and enhancing the student experience. As one of the stalwart members of the DaVinci team, he has played various roles at the business school for the past eight years. His contributions include offering insights, enrichment, and learning coaching to countless students. His commitment to coordinating the learning journey stems from his belief in the transformative power of education, which he views as a catalyst for exponential growth and development. His approach to education is both collaborative and student-centered. His mission is to foster inclusivity and promote diversity, ensuring that every student he impacts feels valued and respected. He embodies the spirit of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. His work is anchored in his African identity, which shapes his understanding of education as a tool for empowerment and community development. His commitment to the principles of ubuntu underpins his efforts to create a supportive and nurturing educational environment for all students.
Robyn Whittaker
TOPIC: Africa Voices Dialogue in hosting spaces to convene, connect and support communities of care (Dr Andrew Wamua)
Shanaaz Majiet
TOPIC: Diversity and the Soul
A seasoned Chair, Non-Executive Director, Committee Member, senior business executive with over three decades of experience in board leadership and organisational development, she is known for her strategic foresight, integrity, and commitment to transformative leadership. With a distinguished track record in government, non-government, and advisory roles, she leverage top character strengths like honesty, kindness, and perseverance to drive ethical governance and impactful outcomes. As a recognised thought leader with extensive global networks, she is passionate about fostering inclusive cultures and developing strategic partnerships that enhance organisational effectiveness and sustainability. Dedicated to excellence, she is committed to leveraging her deep expertise and unique value proposition to influence positive change and achieve strategic goals in dynamic environments.
Bishop Dr Sidwell Mokgothu
TOPIC: African Philosophy and Leadership
Sidwell is a former liberation struggle activist in the different formations of the South African liberation struggle: Student, Youth, Civic and an Ecumenical leader grounded in social justice. He holds a BA Honours in Human Resource Development, an M Phil in Spirituality and a PHD focusing on racial integration. He is a passionate trainer, speaker, coach, retreat leader who has presented at international platforms. He is an ardent proponent of a spirituality that balances the contemplative and social action.
Tarryn Johnston
TOPIC: Water is a True Mirror, and Ultimate Reflection of humanity
The visionary founder of Hennops Revival, a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Hennops River in South Africa. Driven by a personal journey of healing and empowerment, Tarryn embarked on a mission in 2019, to revitalize the Hennops River, recognizing its ecological plight as a reflection of broader societal challenges. Her understanding of the transformative power of water inspired her to establish Hennops Revival as a catalyst for positive change. Leveraging her extensive social network and healing abilities, she mobilized a community of volunteers and activists to embark on a journey of restoration and renewal. Under her leadership, Hennops Revival has achieved remarkable feats, including the removal of tons of municipal waste, community volunteer events, riverbank stabilization, litter trap design and installation, water quality testing, job creation, and raising general awareness and mobilization. Tarryn’s efforts have been widely recognized, earning Hennops Revival prestigious accolades. Holding 20 titles for local and international environmental awards, and, Hennops Revival is the FIRST company in Africa to partner with Cummins Water Works USA, and fourth in the World! In addition to her groundbreaking work with Hennops Revival, Tarryn has extended her impact through the establishment of the Deep-Water Movement. This expansion reflects her dedication to addressing broader water challenges, with a focus on education, data-driven solutions, and poverty alleviation. Her visionary leadership and tireless dedication have positioned her as a beacon of hope and inspiration in the field of environmental conservation and community empowerment.
Thamsanqa Maqubela
TOPIC: Thamsanqa Maqubela
Maqubela cares about youth employment and entrepreneurship in Africa & the world. He is a renowned global advocate for student workplace training and is the founding President of the World Council for Graduates and President of the Africa Graduate Council since 2020. He is the former Chairman of the SA Council of Graduates. He represented the SACGRA at the 2018 Presidential Jobs Summit and presented solutions for youth employment. He served as the chairperson of the Presidential Youth Working Group to advise the President of South Africa on strategies to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship. He served as the board member and CEO of the South African Graduate Development Association. His dream of full employment for graduates in South Africa has propelled him to take the reigns at SAGDA, where he worked full time for 16 months with no salary, while growing the organizational revenue from high levels of indebtedness in 2010 to over R 80 million in 2013. He is a business turnaround specialist, an internationally recognized marketer and scholar with local and international awards in his field. Maqubela is a graduate of Vaal University of Technology; Charles Sturt University in Australia, and Korea Development Institute School of Public Policy & Management, MBA in Strategy & Global Management 2002. He is a recipient of the Global Ambassador Fellowship from South Korea. He has served higher education for 25 years as HoD International Relations (VUT 1996 – 2003); CEO, UNITECH (MACE 2003 – 2006) and Chairman, Qhubela Holdings (2006 – current) and founding President of African Council for Graduates.