All-In on TEDxJohannesburg Countdown: A Partner’s Perspective
Every so often in business, a project comes along that isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s a project that makes you step back and remember why you started in the first place. It’s a chance to align your skills with your values and contribute to something genuinely impactful.
For my partners and me, that project is TEDxJohannesburg Countdown 2025.
As you know, I’ve been a fan of TED’s mission for years, the simple belief that sharing ideas can change the wwworld. So, after meeting iThateng Mokgoro at Ummah Tech last year and he also happened to be one of the Organisers of TEDxJohannesburg I thought our paths would cross again. Cross again it did, he shared the vision for this year’s Countdown event while I was travelling in Kenya. It was an immediate, “How can I help?” from me and after chatting to my business partners something happened. This turned into a call to action not simply a collaboration opportunity.
TEDx Johannesburg’s goal is to “connect the global urgency of the climate crisis with local lived experiences and solutions”. It’s a vision that recognises that the world’s path to a sustainable future runs through Africa. This isn’t about importing solutions; it’s about showcasing the powerful ideas and innovations already taking root here.
Our decision to partner was simple. We looked at what Kelo and her incredible team of volunteers were building, and we knew we had to be a part of it.
- For us at Naritive, it was a chance to use our storytelling and adtech platform to amplify ideas that deserve a global audience.
- Our friends at Lucky Hustle are pouring their creative and design genius into making the climate conversation resonate.
- The team at Network X OOH is turning the city itself into a canvas, using their digital billboards to spread the message across Gauteng.
Together, we’re a coalition of creative and tech partners, proud to stand behind the incredible experience the TEDxJohannesburg team has designed for later this month.
On 24 and 25 October, 750 attendees will embark on a journey that is so much more than a conference.
Day 1 (24 October) is designed for deep immersion. After an opening session at GIBS on the future of transport with the Gautrain, participants will break out into ten different activations across Sandton and the rest of the city. Unlike stuffy workshops; they are chances to see the new economy in action, from a tour of the waste-picker economy with Urban Surfer to a creative exhibition by Fine Acts. The day ends with a celebration of sound and light at the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.
Day 2 (25 October) moves to the breathtaking NIROX Sculpture Park in the Cradle of Humankind. Here, 14 speakers will take the iconic TEDx stage to explore what it means to lead on a changing planet. The lineup is a testament to the team’s vision, featuring voices like:
- Crispian Olver, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Climate Commission.
- Nokulinda Mkhize, a Sangoma and writer bridging ancestral wisdom and climate futures.
- Sifiso Gumbi, the co-founder of Urban Surfer, who is reimagining waste as opportunity.
These talks will be interwoven with art, music and performance, creating a true festival of ideas set in nature.
We’re just one part of this puzzle. The real credit belongs to Kelo, Thati and the dedicated volunteers who are bringing this globally significant, unmistakably local event to life. We’re honoured to be able to contribute our skills to their vision. The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to see you there.
Tickets are on sale now. They’re selling fast. Be part of the ideas shaping tomorrow, today.
See you there 👐