GEORGE NEWS - The inaugural TEDxGeorge made its much-anticipated debut on October 5th at the George Arts Theatre, and attendees were captivated. TED stands for technology, entertainment, and design - three broad subject areas that are collectively shaping our world.
A TED conference is broader still, showcasing important research and ideas from all disciplines and exploring how they connect.
TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover "ideas worth spreading".
TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe. The event delivered on TED’s mission of sharing transformative ideas, bringing together an inspiring line-up of speakers and performers who pushed the boundaries of thought and creativity.
The room sparked with energy and innovation as attendees were treated to a diverse array of talks and performances. The event explored a range of pressing topics, from cutting-edge technology to environmental sustainability and social equity. Each speaker left the audience with fresh perspectives, sparking conversations that will continue to resonate in the local community.
Head organiser and Chairman of the TEDxGeorge Board - Marshall Grant
Alongside the talks, interactive exhibits by local organisations, including the NSRI, George Fire Department, Algoa FM, Conlon Property and Tavcor, contributed to the atmosphere. Music added soul to the event with a Cape Afro Jazz performance by Germaine Leonard, while Betty’s Nuklear, a local alternative rock band, set the room buzzing with high-energy music. Unity, diversity and forward-thinking were the order of the day, inspiring attendees to reimagine their roles in shaping a more inclusive future.
As the first TEDxGeorge, the event lived up to its promise, leaving a lasting impact on those present. The day concluded with the announcement of the theme, 'SHIFT', for the next TEDxGeorge event in 2025.
Visit their website - tedxgeorge.com for more and follow them on social media for upcoming events/information.
Co-organiser and Event MC - Udy Obi
The speakers for this inaugural event included:
- Alexandra Burger - "Evolving artificial intelligence"
- Edmondo van der Berg - "Equipping the young with tools for the future"
- Thandy Mkhambi - "Diversity of thought"
- Germaine Leonard - Musical performance
- Cawille Abrahams - "Making water safe for everyone"
- Elsie Harmse - "Future of work in Africa"
- Malaka Grant - "The language of belonging"
- Jonathan De Graaf - "Race and society in the balance"
- Brenda Voster - "Women leading against the grain"
- Locadia Dzingwena - "Breakthrough in baboon research"
- Nikki du Toit - "How good can influence the world"
- Dr Ansua Steyn-Ahlstrom - "Accessible cutting-edge healthcare"
- Betty's Nuklear - Musical performance
- Anthony Noble - Artistic performance
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