TEDxGeorge

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Andrew Strobel

  Former Mayor

• Deon Stoffels

  Garden Route Fire department Chief

• Dr Tatenda Mapeto

  Forest Management Scientist

  Tatenda Mapeto is an academic and consultant specializing in sustainable forest management, climate adaptation, and carbon management. He holds a PhD in Nature Conservation and has more than a decade of experience across both research and industry. His work focuses on providing strategic expertise to organizations developing afforestation, reforestation, and improved forest management (ARR/IFM) projects. Tatenda currently serves as a Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University, where he teaches and conducts applied research in forest management and forest hydrology. In addition to his academic role, he contributes to the design, development, and monitoring of forestry and forest carbon projects, helping organizations navigate the complexities of climate change mitigation and nature-based solutions. Through his work, Tatenda aims to bridge academic research with practical implementation, supporting global NetZero goals and advancing sustainable environmental solutions.

• Judah Mkhambi and Chloé Swanepoel

  Students

  Judah Mkambi and Chloé Swanepoel are young South African dancers whose work blends technical excellence with powerful storytelling. Emerging from the Garden Route and shaped by the Rhythmical Seeds collective, they have performed on both national and international stages, using movement as a language of purpose, emotion, and connection. Together, their artistry reflects a new generation of performers redefining dance as more than entertainment; it becomes a tool for healing, expression, and cultural shift. Judah brings discipline and vision rooted in impact, while Chloé’s performances carry strength, sensitivity, and authenticity. Their work demonstrates how young voices, grounded in creativity and purpose, can inspire, challenge, and move audiences, proving that dance has the power to tell stories that truly matter.

• Lorna Scott

  Founder

  Lorna Scott is the CEO and founder of Inverroche Distillery, known for pioneering the use of indigenous fynbos botanicals in premium gin. Her career journey spans roles from international air hostess to corporate leadership, eventually leading her to Still Bay, where she also served as Deputy Mayor of the Hessequa Municipality. Inspired by the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage, Scott set out to build a global brand rooted in sustainability and local identity. Drawing on the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Region and the deep history of the area, she introduced fynbos-infused gin to the international spirits market. Today, Inverroche is recognized as a model of eco-conscious entrepreneurship. The distillery blends innovation with community impact, with a workforce largely made up of women from the local community and a production philosophy that works in harmony with the environment.

• Luigi Marucchi

  Master Luthier

  Luigi Marco Marucchi is a master craftsman, educator, and entrepreneur whose career spans jewelry making, fine furniture design, violin and guitar construction, and artisanal distilling. After qualifying as a teacher and shaping young minds in Johannesburg, Luigi transitioned into bespoke manufacturing, eventually mastering the art of instrument making. His ventures have ranged from founding a furniture factory to launching Six Dogs Distillery. Today, he continues to share his passion for craftsmanship through guitar and instrument-making courses, blending artistry, precision, and a lifelong commitment to creating with his hands.

• Melian Dott

  Founder

  Melian Dott is the Founder and Product Development Lead at BAOM Eco Solutions, a Cape Town–based biotech startup developing sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. Driven by a mission to create cleaner ecosystems and healthier food systems, she leads the design of 100% home-compostable and even edible bio-based films that replicate everyday packaging materials such as cellophane, baking paper, tape, and leather. A self-taught biotech innovator with more than five years of research experience, Melian focuses on developing scalable biofilms that support human, animal, and environmental well-being while addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution.

• Raquel De Castro Maia

  Nature Conservation Photographer

  Raquel de Castro Maia is a multidisciplinary creative, photographer, illustrator, and graphic designer whose work blends visual storytelling with purpose and impact. With a background in fine arts and more than a decade of experience, her creative lens is shaped by a deep connection to nature, culture, and human emotion. Her photography captures more than moments; it tells stories that evoke empathy and curiosity. Through illustration and design, Raquel creates immersive visual narratives that amplify ideas, movements, and brands. She has collaborated with purpose-driven organizations across Africa and beyond, using art and design to support education, conservation, and community empowerment.

• Shimmy Isaacs

  Actress, Comedian, Writer

  Shimmy Isaacs is a celebrated South African comedian, actress, and writer whose work blends raw authenticity with sharp observational humour. Born and raised in Worcester in the Boland, Shimmy moved to Cape Town at 17 with a clear purpose: to build a career in entertainment through writing and acting. After overcoming early financial challenges, she earned a full scholarship to AFDA in 2003, where she collected multiple performance accolades before graduating with an Honours Degree in Screenwriting and Acting. She later expanded her skills internationally at Black Nexxus in New York, specialising in Susan Batson’s film acting technique. Her career spans stand-up comedy, theatre, television, and film, making her one of South Africa’s most versatile comedic performers. Shimmy’s ability to translate personal experiences, cultural nuances, and everyday chaos into relatable humour has earned her a loyal following.

• Siyakhona Youth Development

  Chior

  As the Siyakhona Youth Development, we do arts and culture activities such as drama, music, poetry, gamboots dance, and traditional dance.