1. Boyd Varty

“In the cathedral of the wild, we get to see the best parts of ourselves reflected back to us.” Boyd Varty, a wildlife activist, shares stories of animals, humans and their interrelatedness, or “ubuntu” — defined as, “I am, because of you.” And he dedicates the talk to South African leader Nelson Mandela, the human embodiment of that same great-hearted, generous spirit.

2. Miranda Bambata

Miranda Bambata is a student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She speaks on the issue of embracing diversity in South Africa, a country where its women and children end as grim statistic.

3. Jakkie Cilliers

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Might South Africans build the future they want? Jakkie Cilliers’ deep probes into the future give us a priceless glimpse into what lies ahead for country and continent. His TEDxJohannesburg 2014 presentation forecasts three possible futures for South Africa: Mandela Magic, Nation Divided, and Bafana Bafana. The prospects of each are self-evident. Either way, he says, it‘s the choices that South Africans make today that will determine where in the future the country ends up.

4. Sisonke Msimang

Writer, activist and opinion-maker Sisonke Msimang shares thoughts on how she finds herself wondering, given the number of recent violent and racist incidents that have taken place in South Africa, if Nelson Mandela’s chosen path of reconciliation and forgiveness over redistribution and justice was at all helpful. Msimang is director of advocacy and accountability at Sonke Gender Justice and writes a column in South Africa’s Daily Maverick online newspaper.

5. Lindi Nolte

“I grew up as a barefoot kid in South Africa …”  begins spoken word artist, Lindi Nolte, with her inspiring poem about where her love for nature was born and why the beauty of our planet is vital in our lives. Through storytelling, vivid imagery, and poetic expression, Lindi reminds us of our deep connection with the living world and urges us to protect it. Spoken Word Poet, Lindi Nolte, teaches creative writing, facilitates workshops, performs and lives in Vancouver, BC. She has a rare ability to transform simple truths and insights about the human experience through the language of the heart and soul.

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