Meet The
2026 Speakers
Bringing diverse perspectives to one stage, united by a shared commitment to ideas that inspire, challenge, and create meaningful impact.
Dr. Kiana Dancie
One Language, Every Wound: What Laugh Therapy Teaches Us About Human Healing
What if healing didn’t begin with words, but with something more universal?
Dr. Kiana Dancie explores the power of laughter as a tool for healing, connection, and emotional release. Through her work in Laugh Therapy, she shows how laughter can break barriers, restore well-being, and create space for transformation across cultures and experiences.
This talk challenges us to rethink mental wellness and embrace joy as a powerful path to healing.
Mr. Selwyn Willis
From Charity to Change: Rethinking How We Give
We see the need. We respond. We give. But are we truly changing lives—or simply sustaining survival?
Selwyn Willis challenges the way we think about giving, urging a shift from short-term relief to long-term impact. Drawing from decades of leadership in the nonprofit sector, he explores how more intentional, strategic approaches can create sustainable change in communities.
This talk is a call to move beyond charity—and toward transformation.
aphiwe tafeni
Waiting is the Risk: Innovation Begins Before You Are Ready
We often believe we need resources, certainty, or validation before taking the next step—but what if waiting is the real risk?
Aphiwe Tafeni challenges this mindset, showing how innovation and growth often begin in moments of uncertainty and limited access. Drawing from her work in business and community development, she explores how mindset, identity, and action shape who we become.
This talk is a call to move forward, build anyway, and trust the process of becoming.
Gerald Pietersen
The Innovation Mindset: How Young People Can Build Opportunity Where None Exists
In a world where many young people face limited resources and opportunities, Gerald Pietersen explores how innovation begins with mindset, not circumstance. Through leadership, creativity, and resilience, he challenges youth to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.
This inspiring TEDx talk highlights how problem-solving, vision, and community impact can transform challenges into possibilities, proving that innovation is not defined by where you come from—but by how you choose to think and respond.
Ezethu sivuku
The Future of Learning is Local: Using Culture to Power Global Education Innovation
Education is most powerful when it reflects people’s language, culture, and lived experiences.
Ezethu Sivuku explores how culturally-driven, localized innovation can transform inclusive education and improve student outcomes. Drawing from her work in AI-powered, gamified learning, she shows how solutions rooted in community can scale globally.
This talk is a call to rethink education—not as one-size-fits-all, but as a powerful tool shaped by the people it serves.
Neal Prinsloo
Motivation Is Overrated: Becoming Before You Are Ready
In this powerful and deeply personal TEDx talk, Neal Prinsloo challenges the idea that people must feel motivated before taking action. Through his journey of resilience, recovery, and transformation, Neal shares how growth often begins in uncomfortable moments—long before confidence or certainty arrives.
This inspiring talk explores the power of discipline, mindset, and perseverance, reminding audiences that becoming the person you are meant to be starts with moving forward, even when you don’t feel ready.
Debbi Dimaggio
In this inspiring TEDx talk, Debbi DiMaggio explores how success, growth, and purpose are built through endurance, consistency, and resilience—not quick wins. Drawing from her experiences as an entrepreneur, author, and leader, she shares how adopting a “marathon mindset” can help people navigate challenges, embrace change, and stay committed to long-term vision.
This talk is a powerful reminder that lasting impact is not created overnight—it is built step by step, with persistence, passion, and purpose.
The Marathon Mindset
Dr TerrEnce Elliott
Healthy Enough To Survive?
Survival Starts Before and After Diagnosis!What if the greatest threat to our health isn't disease, but how long we ignore the warning signs? Drawing from his personal journey as a prostate cancer survivor, this talk explores the importance of prevention, early detection, and proactive healthcare. It also highlights the emotional, mental, and spiritual resilience needed to navigate life's unexpected challenges.
Key Takeaway: Survival starts long before diagnosis—and continues long after it. Your body has been speaking to you. Are you listening?
Sisanda Mbodlela
The Power of Becoming: The Art of Innovation & Advancement
In a world that is changing faster than ever, innovation is no longer reserved for tech companies or entrepreneurs—it is a mindset available to everyone. In this inspiring talk, Sisanda Mbodlela, CEO and Founder of SM Solutions, explores how embracing innovation, adaptability, and continuous growth can unlock opportunities for individuals, businesses, and entire communities. Through personal experiences and real-world examples, she demonstrates how technology and forward-thinking solutions can become powerful tools for transformation. Attendees will leave challenged to rethink limitations, embrace change, and recognize that becoming is a lifelong journey of advancement, purpose, and impact.
dalton koregay PhD
Manhood Was Never Meant to Be Learned Alone: Behind Every Strong Man Is Someone Who Stayed
In a world that often celebrates the "self-made man," this talk challenges the myth that strength is built in isolation. Drawing from the power of mentorship, brotherhood, and community, this speaker explores how the men who guide, support, and stay present in our lives help shape who we become. Through personal insight and practical wisdom, audiences will discover why meaningful connections are essential to developing strong men, healthy families, and thriving communities.
Lendy Spires (IKS)
Beyond The Labels
Becoming Living Heritage: Reclaiming Khoekhoesan Identity in South Africa
What happens when you discover that the identity you have carried your entire life is only part of your story?
In this powerful and thought-provoking talk, Dr. Lendy Spires explores the journey of reclaiming KhoeKhoeSan identity in South Africa and the impact of labels that have shaped generations. Through personal reflection, cultural insight, and historical perspective, she challenges audiences to look beyond the categories society assigns and reconnect with the deeper stories that define who they are.
More than a conversation about heritage, this talk is an invitation to rediscover belonging, honor ancestral legacy, and embrace the transformative power of knowing where you come from.
Bishop Juanita Morris
Still Becoming: Innovation Has No Age Limit
In a world changing faster than ever through technology and artificial intelligence, many people feel like they are being left behind—especially older generations. But Bishop Juanita W. Morris believes innovation is not about age. It is about willingness.
Bishop Morris shares her journey of witnessing the world evolve from handwritten letters and rotary phones to smartphones and AI. Through wisdom, faith, leadership, and life experience, she reminds us that growth never stops and purpose does not expire with age.
This inspiring TEDx talk encourages people of every generation to continue learning, adapting, and embracing change while holding on to humanity, compassion, and connection.
Because no matter your age… you are still becoming.
Special AI Tribute
archbishop grady l morris, sr.
Celebrating the Life, Honoring the Voice, and Preserving the Legacy!
May your voice echo beyond this moment, your message endure through time, and your wisdom live on.
August 11, 1954 - March 31, 2026
Archbishop Grady L. Morris, Sr. was a man of unwavering faith, leadership, and service whose life was dedicated to uplifting others and building strong communities. A former athlete, military serviceman, law enforcement professional, and ultimately a respected spiritual leader, his journey reflected a life of discipline, purpose, and continual evolution. As Archbishop of New Covenant Family Church, he led with wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals to walk boldly in their calling.
Archbishop Morris was selected as the first speaker for TEDxSummerstrand, a reflection of the power and relevance of his voice. Although he passed before having the opportunity to deliver his talk on stage, his message lives on. His talk was recorded, submitted, and officially approved prior to his passing.
In honor of his life and legacy, TEDxSummerstrand proudly shares his message on this international stage—ensuring that his voice, his wisdom, and his impact continue to inspire audiences around the world.