550 TEDx Vuvuzelas in Stellenbosch...

September 2, 2010

"Ideas control the world. They are the single most powerful force in our universe, and yet rarely do we openly test, celebrate and develop them in a communal setting. For ideas to impact the world, develop into innovations, ripple through communities and spread between cities, we need to tell their stories and rediscover a child-like state of wonder." Opening of TEDxStellenbosch, 13.08.2010

And so, after countless hours of skyping, sponsor cajoling, speaker prepping, and logistic lesson-learning our intrepid team brought the TEDx energy to a packed auditorium of more than 500 South Africans and visitors from across the world.

It was our goal, especially after the very successful soccer World Cup, to share exciting African concepts and jumpstart the exporting of ideas rather than minerals and skilled workers. Our talks were situated at the intersection between novel ideas and "makers;" and were rooted in Africa but applicable to the world. How could we not, after the World Cup, co-opt the Vuvuzela - global symbol of passion and excitement - to champion ideas and transform a traditional musical hall into a stadium of ideas ;-)

We were fortunate to draw from a rich local talent pool of entrepreneurs, researchers, student musicians, conservationists and leaders. Talks were divided into locally relevant themes: Storytelling, Innovation, Nature, and Community (Ubuntu).

Gustav Praekelt: The CEO and founder of the Praekelt foundation fascinates you with his quest to make Africa healthier through cellular technology.

Leslie Rochat: The Executive Director of AfriOceans Conservation Alliance shows you how to rethink the shark.
Peter Willis:The Director of the Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership awes you with the story of our future.
Yusuf Randera-Rees: A Rhodes Scholar and philanthropist inspires you with the Fellowship of Entrepreneurship.
Kumi Naidoo: The International Executive Director of Greenpeace astounds you with his vision of a greener world - video conferencing in!
Mugendi K. M'Rithaa: The first design doctorate at CPUT demonstrates a new way of meeting social needs through Design With Africa.
Miller Matola: The CEO of Brand South Africa persuades you with his story on how to showcase your country.

Barbara Nussbaum: A writer and visionary motivates you with the spirit of Ubuntu.
Dion Chang: A trend analyst shocks you by embracing a new world order - video conferencing in!
Marcel Mare: A research expert surprises you with insights on improving the African stove.

Nox Makunga: A PhD at Stellenbosch amazes you with the potential of a medicinal wonderland in our own backyard.
Vibha Pingle: The President and Founder of Ubuntu at Work enthuses you with her drive to bring employment to thousands of women all over the world.

And thanks to very creative and hard-working interns we had a surprize guest from the anti-slavery Not For Sale Campaign join us fresh off the plane from the States.

David Batstone: President of Not For Sale, a professor of Ethics at the University of San Francisco, he is also founder and president of Right Reality, an international social venture firm.

(download)

TEDxStellenbosch 2010 | With Africa

Africa is a continent with extreme constraints and disparities but also with under-utilized opportunities and unique cultures. In a post-recessionary world of uncertainty and scarce resources, we will depend more on local communities, require rapid technological progress, and see our fate merge with that of mother nature. Perhaps now more than ever, the world can learn from Africans--from our methods, our cultures and the unique blend of circumstances that inspire our resourceful nature. After all, "if it can work in Africa, it can work anywhere."

The intersections and contrasts between African and Western history and thought fuel a growing international conversation. Increasingly, ideas are challenged, adopted, and exported from the so-called developing or dualistic economies to the first world. The idea economy is open, and no longer flowing one way.

What better locale than Stellenbosch, South Africa's oldest university town and meeting point for African and European cultures industry, startups, multi-cultural art, interdisciplinary science, and viticulture, as well as being home to some of the oldest games we play.

Now it is your turn. Plant the seed of an idea wherever you can, and water it with passion and energy, so that it may one day sustain us all.

A warm and special thanks goes out to our awesome partners - ...XYZ Design and mdp Marketing - and student-team from Stellenbosch, Cape Town, and Harvard Universities, for fostering connections and idea sharing. Finally, thank you to the TED team, and TEDxBoston folks for helping us to build bridges and learn from each other.

Organizers

Eeke de Miliano, Gareth Pearson, , Thibaut Marquis, Pieter Botha, Mariska du Preez, Catharine Powell, and Hugo Van Vuuren.

See more photos here and stay tuned for videos. www.tedxstellenbosch.org

Thank you | Enkosi | Dankie

Posted by Hugo Van Vuuren

Sep 02, 2010

said...

I was there. I was an awesome event. When I went out of the venue, I felt more inspiration filling my spirit. Speakers were equally good.

I just like my gift.......a top of the range Vuvuzela!!!!

I wish I can attend The real TED or TEDActive.

Awesome.

Iyeoka Ivie Okoawo said...

i love the visuals.

Nov 15, 2011

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550 TEDx Vuvuzelas in Stellenbosch...

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