TEDxSoweto 2014: Silver Linings

Featuring business insights from Victor Kgomoeswana, trends from Pierre du Plessis, technology guru Gustav Praekelt's work that reaches 50 million in sub-Saharan Africa and many others, "Silver Linings" will showcase what it means to be an African today.

South African society in particular is going through testing times, where the country's legacy often rears its head to test cohesion between citizens. News headlines point to a political climate that is under constant scrutiny and the youth, who are the country's largest and fastest growing part of the population, live at the cutting-edge of technology and often make mention of being uncertain about their economic independence.

While acknowledging the challenges, the strides that South Africa has made in its twenty years of democracy can certainly not be ignored. The digital revolution will continue to empower the youth in ways that will make democracy more accessible to people. New technologies, though sometimes met with resistance, will shift more power into the hands of ordinary people. Change is happening more rapidly than ever before. The future unfolds at such a rate that it can be missed in a blink.

Click here and come celebrate with some of South Africa's, and arguable Africa's, foremost thought leaders.

The innovative speaker line-up includes:

PIERRE du PLESSIS - Flaneur, Trend Analyst

Pierre du Plessis analyses trends and observes the flow of the world. He has worked in advertising, fashion and trends for the last 15 years; done over 400 talks; and shopped for about 9000 hours. He lives, proudly, in Pretoria.

Pierre on Twitter: @pierreduplessis
Web: pierreduplessis.co.za

VICTOR KGOMOESWANA - Africa Business Specialist:

In his new book, 'Africa is Open for Business', TV and radio personality Victor Kgomoeswana shares stories of innovation and opportunity on the African continent through 50 curated business headlines from the last ten years.

Victor on Twitter: @VictorAfrica

GUSTAV PRAEKELT - Technologist

Gustav heads Praekelt Foundation where he builds technologies and solutions to improve the health and well-being of people living in poverty. His work reaches up to 50 million people across 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Gustav on Twitter: @gustavp
Web: praekeltfoundation.org

SISONKE MSIMANG - Writer, Activist, Opinionista

Sisonke Msimang is director of advocacy and accountability at Sonke Gender Justice and writes a column in Daily Maverick, one of South Africa's leading daily news and politics website. She is also one of thirteen select Aspen Institute New Voices fellows.

Sisonke on Twitter: @Sisonkemsimang
Web: newvoicesfellows.aspeninstitute.org

MORE DETAILS:

To view the full line-up and programme, please visit www.tedxsoweto.co.za.

A standard ticket costs R500.

Pay 10% less for every 5 tickets you buy.

NGOs and students pay only R250.

Lunch and refreshments are included in your ticket.

Tickets are available here.

For more information:

Kelo Kubu

Email: az.oc.grubsennahojxdet@olek

Nompumelelo Tshabalala

Email: az.oc.puorgocinro@tolelemupmon
Cell: 0786015896