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Vasti Geldenhuys will make most people feel a bit uncomfortable in a court room, but for Vasti, it is a familiar territory.
In a world of exploration, dominated by men, Vasti always watched and supported from the sideline as her now husband, pioneering explorer, Riaan Manser, completed 3 World first’s. This inspired Vasti to do something extraordinary with her own life.
After a seemingly innocent request for a holiday to New York, Vasti never imagined that she would exchange her legal surroundings to something very, very unfamiliar. The mighty Atlantic Ocean. On a journey humorously but aptly called “Take Me to New York”, Vasti and her husband embarked from Morocco, enduring a 6 month journey at sea on a 6.9 meter rowing boat.
On landing in Miami, USA on 7 May 2014 the pair became the first people ever in history to have rowed from mainland Africa to North America. Vasti also became the only woman from the African Continent to have ever rowed across any Ocean.
They continued their journey by tackling the East Coast of the USA to finally reach New York City on 20 June 2014. Rowing up the Hudson River and passing by the iconic
Statue of Liberty.
In 2015 Vasti Geldenhuys completed her pupillage at the Cape Bar and was admitted as an Advocate. The thrill of exploration remained. In 2016, after tying the knot, the now husband and wife pair decided to set new a standard for the term “Honeymoon”.
Vasti Geldenhuys again tackled the Ocean, this time the mighty Pacific, on the exact same row boat. They rowed from California to Hawaii in a record breaking time of 39 days. They earned themselves another Guiness World record for the fastest mid-Pacific row. This record was previously held by a 4-man rowing team.
Hit by a 6 meter wave and capsized, 2000 km from shore; Riaan getting separated from the boat and Vasti unable to stop the boat drifting further and further away; 12 hour rowing days while managing a new marriage in life threatening situations are just a few examples of life at sea.
Storms and ship traffic provided for harrowing escapes from natural and human threats. But there were the quiet moments when the couple could reflect, savour the sunsets on the ocean and be intrigued by the amazing wildlife.
Vasti Geldenhuys will intrigue the audience with a unique woman’s perspective of the world of adventure; a world usually reserved for rugged and very brave men. Her talk will not only inspire the audience to new possibilities but show ordinary men and women that one is capable of much more than one thinks.
Being inspired lasts longer than being motivated, real stories of having gone out and actually achieving what you set out to do.
As of July 2015, Vasti Geldenhuys can deservedly add the title of Advocate Geldenhuys to her growing status.
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ROSANTHORN CELLO TRIO are new, innovative and one of the most enchanting new collaborations on the corporate entertainment scene. This stylish act takes the cello to new heights with their hauntingly beautiful music and bewitching performances.
The Album:
This world-first all-female electric cello trio has released their first album.
The Performances:
Rosanthorn has performed twice at the Oude Libertas Concert Series, headlined the Plett Music Festival, Greyton Classics for All.
They are hugely popular for gala events and have performed for YPO (2000 guests), Toyota, ICC, Distell, Zeitz and numerous international tour groups.
Their TV appearances include Expresso Show and Hectic Nine 9. Rosanthorn has featured in SA’s top print media and on radio (Cape Talk, KFM, FMR etc)
The Music:
Rosanthorn have set out a compositional and technical journey to explore all that the Cello has to offer across multiple genres and timbres, with the help of South Africa’s top composers and producers.
The ROSANTHORN CELLO TRIO repertoire includes recordings and re-interpretations of works as varied as Vivaldi’s Double Concerto in G Minor, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, Imogen Heap’s Hide & Seek, Bright Blue’s Weeping and Abdulla Ibrahim’s Mannenberg. Anjulie Nock has composed new works such as Night Journey (with a stirring Game of Thrones feel) and an original Tango (think Scent of a Woman for Cello).
The Parting, by Helmut Meijer, is a reflective, stripped-down, soulful composition which inspired their first music video. Their second video (Secrets by One Republic) was released in May 2019 and was filmed at Zeitz MOCAA.
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Zipho Sikhakhane is a globally recognized business strategist, keynote speaker, and thought leader whose transformative insights have inspired audiences across six continents. As the first black South African woman to earn an MBA from Stanford University, she brings a unique blend of academic excellence, corporate experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to her engagements. Raised in a township in KwaZulu-Natal, Zipho’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and visionary leadership.
Her keynotes delve into themes of authentic leadership, organizational transformation, and Africa’s economic potential. Drawing from her roles at global firms like McKinsey & Company and Inditex (ZARA), as well as her leadership at EMZ Advisory, Zipho offers actionable strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her storytelling captivates, her insights challenge the status quo, and her presence energizes any event.
Zipho Sikhakhane’s professional trajectory is marked by a series of pioneering achievements and impactful roles. After completing her MBA at Stanford University on a full scholarship, she embarked on a career that spanned continents and industries. At McKinsey & Company, she contributed to strategic initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, including establishing the firm’s presence in Nigeria. Her tenure at Inditex (ZARA) as International Project Director saw her managing projects across five continents, enhancing operational efficiencies and customer experiences.
In 2015, Zipho founded EMZ Advisory, a management consulting firm dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness and productivity. Under her leadership, EMZ Advisory has delivered customized solutions in leadership development, change management, and strategic execution to clients across Africa. Her commitment to fostering inclusive growth is evident in her investments in early-stage ventures throughout East, West, and Southern Africa.
Beyond her corporate endeavors, Zipho is a published author and former weekly business columnist for South Africa’s Sunday Times. Her thought leadership extends to board roles, including positions at Allan Gray Group and E Squared Investments, where she influences decisions on asset management and impact investing. Her TEDx talk, “The Poetry of My Africa,” delivered in the USA, reflects her passion for redefining Africa’s narrative and potential.
Zipho’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science with first-class honors from the University of Cape Town and has completed leadership programs in Austria, China, the Czech Republic, Russia, and South Africa. Her educational background equips her with a global perspective and a deep understanding of diverse business environments.
Her accolades include the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from the UNESCO Center for Global Education and recognition by the Independent Pan-African Youth Parliament. These honors underscore her influence as a leader committed to driving positive change and empowering the next generation.
Zipho Sikhakhane embodies the qualities of a transformative leader: resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to empowering others. Her journey from a township in South Africa to global stages exemplifies the power of vision and determination. As a speaker, she offers more than insights; she provides a roadmap for individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and drive meaningful change. Booking Zipho ensures an event marked by inspiration, engagement, and lasting impact.
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Aubrey Matshiqi is a Financial Mail rated political analyst. He was a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Policy studies (CPS) in Johannesburg until March 2011, and was a research fellow at the Helen Suzman Foundation until December 2016.
In 2010, he was invited to take up a research fellowship at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies (Stias). At CPS he specialised in South African Politics with a special focus on the ANC and the Alliance, the re-alignment of opposition politics, electoral system reform and the state of democracy in South Africa.
At Stias he did research on historical memory and politics in post-apartheid South Africa. In May 2014, Aubrey Matshiqi was invited to speak at a symposium held in honour of Nelson Mandela at the Uppsala university in Sweden, and in October 2016 he was invited to speak in London at an investment conference on South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria.
Aubrey Matshiqi is a former Mathematics, Science and English teacher, strategist at the Premier’s Office in Gauteng, as well as, spokesperson for the MEC for education in Gauteng. He holds a degree in History and English Literature. He is also a former member of the United Democratic Front, African National Congress, Umkhonto we Sizwe (the military wing of the ANC) and the South African Communist Party.
He writes a monthly column for Engineering News and polity.org. He also writes regularly for other publications in and outside South Africa.
He has written book chapters, policy briefs and research papers on the following topics:
Aubrey Matshiqi has also given lectures at the National Defence College on South Africa, the UN Security Council and the International Balance of Forces. He has also guest-lectured to the MBA class at the Gordon Institute for Business Science (GIBS) on The Political Environment of Business.
Aubrey Matshiqi serves as a political analyst are used by academic institutions, research institutions, foreign embassies, ratings agencies, political parties and private companies.
Aubrey Matshiqi is currently writing two books one on the ANC and the state of the nation, and a second on his spiritual journey and becoming a sangoma/healer. In November 2012 Matshiqi’s e-book, The Zuma Moment and the Road to Mangaung, was published and is available on amazon.com and on Kindle books.
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What the world has begun to realise is that Elvis Blue resonates with a creative force that ebbs only from the most talented of artists. One simply has to listen to the hauntingly beautiful Things My Father Said or Lighthouse or Save Me, or any of his original compositions for that matter, to realise that you are in the company of greatness.
Balance this divine gift with great humility, a kind heart and the work ethic of Henry Ford and you begin to understand the soul within this artist.
The gifted musician’s journey started when he was a young boy, singing in school choirs, and busking in the streets of Joburg and Scotland. His one and only goal was to make and perform music.
After a stint overseas as a street musician, Elvis returned to South Africa where he decided to study contemporary music.
After appearing in numerous bands Elvis started a project where he sang under the name MONO. He released three albums under this time. When MONO’s record deal came to an end, Elvis decided that he would move to George where he would become a music teacher, write his own music, and live a quiet life.
After spending some time in George, Elvis was approached by a record company who wanted him to record an Afrikaans album. “The first album I did was under the name Jan Hoogendyk, my real name, and the album did really well. It won an ATKV Lier Toekening award. His second Afrikaans album, Ontskemer also under the name Jan Hoogendyk, was nominated for a 2010 SAMA Award.
While living in George he met the friend whose name he would adopt in 2008. “My wife works at an organisation that is a hospice and children’s home and I met this little boy there when I used to go and play my guitar for them.
He really wanted to be a keyboard player, and his name was Elvis Blaauw”, he says. When he passed away in 2009, as a tribute to this amazing young man, Jan Hoogendyk adopted his name and Elvis Blue was born.
In 2010, Elvis Blue won the title of Mnet Idol for that year – sharing half the profit with runner up Lloyd Cele.
Elvis Blue released the album that would change his life as a musician and consolidate all his years of hard work.
This album was simply titled Elvis Blue. On the album’s release in November 2010, it shot up the radio and sales charts and reached Gold status.
The first two singles Things My Father said and Lighthouse were massive hits, and with the third single, Save Me, is currently on playlists across the country.
The album went platinum in late 2011 – with sales in excess of 40 000 units.
Since the release of his album, Elvis has set himself apart as an exceptional performer of live music, using some of the best local musicians to round out his band on stage, insisting on delivering music with depth to audiences across the country.
Elvis is also a dedicated husband and father besides being a world class musician and a household name in South Arica.
Elvis was named an official global ambassador for the 46664 Bangle initiative, and through this opportunity he helps to educate people on the social justice ethos of Mr. Nelson Mandela.
The 46664 Bangle initiative is one of the 46664 Foundation’s key initiatives.
Elvis has also partnered with Bavarian Motorcycles as their BMW motorcycle brand ambassador for the year 2012.
In April 2012, Elvis’ credibility and talent was further acknowledged when he took home the SAMA (South African Music Award) for Best Adult Contemporary Album for the double disc special edition of his self-titled album, Elvis Blue.
The success Elvis Blue over the past few years enabled himself to invest in something very near and dear to his heart – The Elvis Blue Music Academy.
The Academy was started by Elvis to teach underprivileged children the joy of music. The organisation provides instruments and instruction in a safe, warm environment. “Music has the ability to heal,” Elvis says.
“This venture is living proof of that.” The Elvis Blue Music Academy operates in the Western Cape, George and is rolling out in Alexandra in Gauteng in the near future.
Elvis’ success is due to years of hard work, passion and commitment, and even though the path has been long and sometimes never ending, the real journey has only begun now.
There is a lingering feeling of awe when you meet this humble artist. True talent begets respect and admiration. And that’s exactly why Elvis Blue has our country at his feet.
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