The TEDxHilton Movement
Speaker Line Up
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Professor Bonang Mohale
Chancellor, University of the Free State
Chairman, Bidvest GroupProfessor Bonang Mohale is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State and a Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School. A towering figure in South African industry, he serves as Chairman of The Bidvest Group and ArcelorMittal, and was recently appointed as the Sherpa for the Values 20 (V20), advising the G20 on human-centered policy. The best-selling author of Lift As You Rise, Professor Mohale is a globally recognized advocate for ethical leadership and economic transformation. His lifelong commitment to mentorship and social justice has earned him numerous accolades, including the African Union’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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George Harris
Headmaster, Hilton College
Fellow, Africa Leadership InitiativeGeorge Harris is the Headmaster of Hilton College, a role he approaches with deep-seated optimism and a commitment to stewardship. His career has spanned both rural and urban education, including the transformative experience of establishing Lebone II for the Royal Bafokeng Nation. A Klingenstein Fellow of Columbia University and a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative (ALI), George is deeply committed to the promise and potential of young people. He finds inspiration in the cultural richness of Africa, literature, and the natural world.
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Hayley Lombard
Contemporary Artist & Chartered Accountant
Hayley Lombard is a South African contemporary artist whose work explores the connection between creativity, presence, and the way we experience the world around us. After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and building a career abroad, she felt an intuitive pull back to painting - a shift that reshaped not only her career, but her way of seeing and living.
Now based in Ballito, Hayley creates layered, textured works inspired by nature, translating light, movement, and memory into abstract forms that invite pause and reflection. Her work is held in private collections internationally and exhibited across South Africa, with collaborations including Investec and La Motte Wine Estate. Through her practice, she invites others to reconnect with creativity - not as something reserved for artists, but as something deeply human. -
Denim Richards
CEO, Opulent Entertainment Group
Hollywood ActorDenim Richards is a Hollywood Actor and Filmmaker with more than two decades in the Entertainment Industry and over 40 credits across Theatre, Television, and Film. He is widely known for the role of Colby Mayfield alongside Kevin Costner on the #1 hit television series Yellowstone. Beyond acting, he is also serving as the Ambassador to Botswana and the Director for Media, Arts and Culture and within the African Union. With this, Mr. Richards is advancing opportunities and creating pathways for African Artisticpreneurs to thrive on the Global Stage. Denim Richards is the CEO of Opulent Entertainment Group, developing emerging talent within Africa's Creative Economy. His directorial work includes the short film The Zoo, which was accepted into the Oscar-qualifying Pan-African Film Festival.
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Brooke Carter
Global Youth Conservationist & Host
At just 14 years old, Brooke Carter is a global force for conservation with an organic social media reach exceeding 50 million views monthly. The host of three seasons of Wild Wonders with Brooke on EarthxTV, she has explored ecosystems worldwide, from wildlife research to game capture. A passionate advocate for the natural world, Brooke’s authentic mission—"I can change the world, so can you"—bridges the gap between entertainment and education. Join her as she shares her unique perspective on how curiosity and conservation can unlock a vibrant future for our planet.
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Muhle Ndwalane
Founder & MD, Asante Solutions
Muhle Ndwalane is the Founder and Managing Director of Asante Solutions, a digital marketing and technology company helping African businesses grow through structured systems and data-driven strategies.
Recognized as a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree, he has led digital transformation projects across industries including education, finance, and enterprise. Muhle is passionate about solving one of Africa’s biggest challenges: helping businesses move from hustle to structure. His work focuses on building practical systems that enable sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and long-term impact. -
Chris Pappas
Mayor, uMngeni Municipality, & Development Strategist
Chris Pappas is the Mayor of the uMngeni Local Municipality and a dedicated advocate for transparent, service-driven governance. A Hilton College alumnus with a background in Town and Regional Planning, Chris previously worked as a development economist before entering public service. His transformative approach to local leadership earned him a place on the 2023 TIME100 Next list, recognizing him as a rising global leader. Born and raised in the Midlands, Chris is passionate about unlocking the economic potential of the region while building a resilient, collaborative future for all its residents.
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Carl Bradfield
Performance Coach & Cricket Strategist
A titan of South African domestic cricket, Carl Bradfield’s professional career is defined by over 5,000 first-class runs and nearly a decade of leadership with the Eastern Province Warriors. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the country’s most meticulous schoolboy coaches, renowned for a disciplined, pedagogical approach that extracts the very best from young athletes. Beyond technical mastery, Carl focuses on the character of the game, guiding young men to reach their full potential both on and off the field. A mentor and strategist with a profound understanding of the foundations of success, Carl brings a wealth of experience to the TEDxHilton stage.
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Dr Brett Lyndall Singh
CEO of Alpha & Omega Group
Master of CeremoniesDr Brett Lyndall Singh — "The Revival Doctor™️" — holds a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and is a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Honoree. As Founder and CEO of Alpha & Omega Group, World Economic Forum Global Shaper, UN SDG Special Consultant, and Brand South Africa PYP Ambassador, he champions purpose-driven leadership at the intersection of Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, and Kingdom Finance. Brett serves as Executive Director and Licensee of TEDxHilton — Unlocking the Midlands.
