South African society is going through testing times. Our population is getting younger and more unpredictable; our political environment is in a state of entropy; more and more, our economic fortunes are determined by forces beyond our control. While we want to acknowledge these dark clouds, we can’t ignore the very real promise of a brighter tomorrow. The digital revolution will continue to empower our youth in ways we can’t imagine. Big data will make our democracy less opaque. New technologies will shift the means of production into the hands of ordinary people. Change begets new ideas. The future, here we come.
TEDxSoweto took place on Saturday, November 22 at the Soweto Theatre under the theme ‘Silver Linings’. We drew our lineup from the spectrum of disciplines—activists, designers, artists, technologists, storytellers, magicians, and logicians. They debunked the myths, recharged our conscience, excited our senses, and lifted us up to higher levels.
Happy holidays
Here’s how the programme panned out:
09:00 – 10:00 | REGISTRATION
10:00 – 11:30 | S1 | PREDICTABLE SURPRISES
TED Talk
Pierre du Plessis – Flaneur, Trend Analyst
Mothusi Lukhele – Maven, Entrepreneur, Farmer
Victor Kgomoeswana – Africa Business Specialist
A Huge Impact – Hip Hop Outfit
Maketse Hosea Malope - CEO of South African gambling guide zonkems.co.za
11:30 – 12:00 | CONVERSATION BREAK
12:00 – 13:30 | S2 | ABUNDANT SCARCITY
TED Talk
Gustav Praekelt – Technologist
Mandy Pakkiri – Girl Education Champion
Judy Hofmeyr – Ebola Care Project Lead
Thorsten Deckler – Architect
13:30 – 14:30 | CONVERSATION BREAK
14:30 – 16:00 | S3 | TEMPORARY ETERNITY
TED Talk
Sisonke Msimang – Writer, Activist, Opinionista
Litha Soyizwapi – App Developer
Amo Ngoepe – Young Traveler
Muzi Kuzwayo – Author, Marketer, Adman
Sibusile Xaba – Musician
16:00 – 18:00 | DRINKS & CONVERSATION
See the full programme with brief speaker bios here.