Theme: "Beyond Limits: The Power of Critical Thinking and Personal Growth"

TEDxJabavu 2025: Beyond Limits
TEDxJabavu is more than just an event—it’s a movement dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations, inspiring action, and challenging the way we think. Under this year’s theme, "Beyond Limits: The Power of Critical Thinking and Personal Growth," we bring together a diverse lineup of speakers, visionaries, and changemakers who are redefining boundaries in their fields.

From thought-provoking talks to immersive experiences, TEDxJabavu 2025 will explore how critical thinking and personal development shape the way we navigate life, solve problems, and drive innovation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, creative, or leader, this event will challenge your perspectives and empower you with ideas worth spreading.

Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and transformation as we push beyond limits and unlock new possibilities.

The Venue
17 The High Street
City of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2001
South Africa

Boitumelo Makgoba

Founder of Fensti Data Technologies

Boitumelo Makgoba is a visionary leader in Data Science, AI, and Predictive Analytics, driving data-driven innovation and business transformation. As Founder & CEO of Fetsi Data Technologies, she leads AI strategies, data monetisation, and agritech initiatives. Through Fetsi Impact Hub, she empowers entry-level IT professionals and unemployed graduates with career pathways. She also champions agritech training, equipping farmers with climate-smart skills for economic resilience. Recognised among SA’s Top 10 Tech Leaders, Top 100 CIOs, and Top 50 Under 50 (UN Women), Boitumelo is committed to democratising knowledge and opportunity. At TEDxJabavu 2025, she will share her mission to empower IT professionals and agripreneurs through inclusive platforms that drive growth and social impact.

Carrie Lupoli

Behavior Specialist, Nutritionist, and Entrepreneur

Carrie Lupoli is a unique combination of certified nutritionist, award-winning behavior specialist, and educator dedicated to empowering women through sustainable health solutions. Overcoming her own struggles with disordered eating, Carrie founded Disruptive Nutrition and the Diet Disruptors podcast (Apple’s Top 100 Health & Wellness podcast) to support women through the science of blood sugar stabilization and behavior change. She also co-founded PFC3 to train, certify, and support other health professionals. Carrie has been featured on national news outlets (TODAY, ABC, FOX, etc.) for challenging the status quo in health and wellness. Carrie was previously a special educator and founded the largest educational consulting firm in Singapore. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science, two Master’s degrees, and certifications from the International Board of Nutrition and Fitness Coaching. She is also a board member of the International Coaching Academy of Nutrition.

Celamusa Thusi

Founder of Eswatini Coding School

Celumusa Thusi is an accomplished IT specialist, entrepreneur, and technology advocate from Eswatini, with a deep commitment to driving innovation within the country's tech sector. He currently serves as the Managing Director of HOPEMAT Ltd., where he leads the development of secure payment systems, digital solutions, and custom software across various industries. As the founder of Swazi Smart Data, Celumusa is focused on providing impactful, digital-first solutions to enhance Eswatini's technology infrastructure, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and software development. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Celumusa serves as a board director at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), where he supports technological growth and fosters innovation. His leadership extends to mentoring and judging in key events, such as the MTN Hackathon, where he evaluates and encourages groundbreaking digital solutions.

Chris Hardwick

Adventurepreneur - Business Coach - Speaker

Chris Hardwick - Adventurepreneur, is an executive business coach, speaker, and global leadership strategist helping CEOs, founders, and teams navigate uncertainty with clarity and courage. With 30+ years of business experience, he has led $3.5B in infrastructure projects and scaled six companies to $50M+. Today, he empowers owners and leaders to build innovative purpose-driven businesses with adventurous cultures to break mental roadblocks, overcome fear and take bold calculated risks. Chris is also the founder of the Adventure Club 1000 that takes adventure seeking entrepreneurs on trips around the world. A former rally car driver and downhill mountain biking champion, soccer coach and lifelong learner and adventurer. Chris brings his “Adventurepreneur” mindset to life through peer groups, immersive corporate retreats, and one-on-one coaching. Whether scaling mountains or businesses, Chris helps leaders think critically, lead boldly, and thrive beyond limits. “Go Get It”

Daniel Miller

Founder of Dan Miller Wellness

Dan Miller is an internationally renowned nutrition and fitness expert, dedicated to developing comprehensive health and wellness programs tailored for individuals from all walks of life, including busy executives and professional athletes. His mission centers on promoting vibrant longevity, aiming to prevent disease and disorder through sustainable lifestyle changes. In recognition of his impactful work, Dan was honored as Speaker of the Year by members of Vistage, the world's leading executive coaching organization. His engaging and interactive presentations have inspired thousands to achieve permanent, life-changing results Through his company, Dan Miller Wellness, he offers a range of resources, including speaking engagements, workplace wellness programs, and curated health products, all aimed at helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Joe Mittiga

Chairman of Avion Energy Inc

Joe Mittiga is a conscious CEO, heart-centered entrepreneur, author, and sought-after speaker with over 31 years of sobriety and freedom from codependency. As a highly evolved spiritual guide, Joe walks the path of healing and transformation alongside others, sharing the self-loving practices and emotional insights that helped him rediscover his power and purpose. His message is grounded in deep honesty and vulnerability, offering both spiritual wisdom and practical tools for living a life of love, clarity, and financial abundance. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Joe travels the world, inspiring business and personal development audiences with his lived experience and unwavering commitment to growth, authenticity, and service.

Joel Ellis

Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Personal Development Expert.

Joel Ellis is a leadership coach, speaker, and personal development expert with over 50 years of experience. As the founder of Foundations For Solid Success, he helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through strategic coaching and motivational speaking. Based in Bessemer, Alabama, Joel has a strong background in leadership, communication, and personal growth. He studied at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has dedicated his career to inspiring transformation. His engaging approach equips people with the tools to achieve lasting success.

Lebohang Makubetse

Strategic Storyteller | Wellness Visionary

Lebogang Makubetse is a corporate strategist, wellness visionary, and founder of Forest Lodge The Retreat, a holistic healing retreat nestled in Magaliesburg. With an MBA and over 12 years of experience in global pharmaceutical leadership, she has worked across Africa, Europe, and South America, most recently in Vaccine strategy. By day, she navigates the corporate space; by night, she listens to ancestral whispers and walks the path of the healer. At Forest Lodge The Retreat, she blends modern wellness with African indigenous wisdom—offering cannabis therapies, ukufutha (traditional steaming rituals), ice-bath breathwork, river cleanses, and herbal healing rooted in sacred plant intelligence.

Reabetswe Makokwe

Founder and CEO of Pride Ornamental

Reabetswe Makokwe is a visionary entrepreneur, economist, and changemaker in African design and business. As the founder and CEO of Pride Ornamental, one of South Africa’s few black female-owned interior design firms, she blends aesthetics, functionality, and cultural storytelling. With a BCom in Economics and International Trade (cum laude) and an Honours in Economics, she integrates economic insight with creative innovation. Her leadership earned her the 2024 Global Recognition Award for Innovative Leadership in Interior Design, and she is a 2025 Woman of Stature Awards nominee for CEO and Entrepreneur of the Year. She is also a Forty Under 40 South Africa 2024 nominee and was named Most Promising Female Business Leader by the Consumer Excellence Awards. Beyond business, she founded The Proud Foundation, mentors young designers, and is spearheading the South African Black Interior Designers Association (SABIDA) to drive industry transformation.