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Nomonde White-Ndlovu is a seasoned Technology executive who currently heads up Risk, Governance & Compliance for Absa’s Groups Information Technology Office.
She has also been the joint-CIO for the organisation’s Infrastructure Services and Head of Technology for Absa Regional Operations (previously known as Barclays Africa Regional Management).
She began her career in Technology at UCS Solutions and later moved on to other multinational organisations such as British American Tobacco.
As the Chairperson of Wired4Women and in partnership with ITWeb and BCX, Nomonde is able to advocate for the upliftment and recognition of women at an industry level. In this role she is able to actively pursue gender parity and equality in the workplace.
Her MBA from GIBS (Gordon Institute of Business Science), a BA Law degree from Wits University and expedient courses from institutions such as MIT, Harvard and the London School of Economics and Political Science as a foundation, Nomonde is continuously growing her skill in the Technology industry, with a strong focus on business strategy, leadership, organizational design and efficiencies.
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If you haven’t heard of Breakfast Included – Jazz Band, you soon will. Their tongue-in-cheek name belies the caliber of Jazz they play, and this quartet has its sights firmly set on the top.
The band was formed just over two years ago, in the under-ventilated dungeons of UCT’s College of Music’s A-level; and from small beginnings at their first Café Camissa gig, these four UCT music students have become a force to be reckoned with.
Always striving for a high level of professionalism often seen lacking in the Jazz world, they have appeared live over 350 times since their debut at the ’99 UCT Jazz Festival.
This high play-rate, combined with their study schedule, has resulted in Breakfast Included becoming an experienced professional band in a very short space of time.
Don’t let their young age fool you – as a headline article in Argus reads: BREAKFAST’S NO BOY BAND!
Although they look like one; with an average age of just 21 – in an idiom almost solely dominated by established, older musicians, they won the coveted title of Best Band in the Western Cape (two years running ’00 & ’01) in the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters program, and have performed at the Davidoff International Vocal Jazz Festival with vocalist, Nonthutuzelo Puoane; an honour and show of confidence in the band’s abilities – (two of their members were then only 19 years of age.)
Breakfast Included has also played many other high profile gigs, sharing the stage with British band, Shakatak, opening for the Soweto String Quartet at a packed Appletiser Kirstenbosch Sundowner Concert, then the following year performing as the headline act.
Things were going so well at the end of 2000, the band went into the SABC Beach Road studios in January, and recorded a 10-track CD, and were lucky enough to acquire the services of Gavin Minter (production) and Richard Mitchell (engineering) who has worked with numerous artists (Dollar Brand, Moses Taiwa Mololekwa).
The CD has subsequently been released through South
Africa, Europe and has recently been released on an International Compilation by the Passion Jazz record label.Launched at a packed-to-the-rafters Green Dolphin, the self-titled album is received extensive airplay on both P4 and Fine Music Radio.
Breakfast Included-Conference Jazz Band
Breakfast Included are: David Poole (saxophones), Jason Gien-Reolon (piano), Dominic Peters (acoustic Bass) and Shaun Michau (drums).
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Michael Abrahamson – Corporate Mentalist is one of SA’s top mentalists and has modified his corporate show to feature unique routines which are mind-boggling. His show is fully interactive and promotes lots of discussion – the perfect ice-breaker to your event.
Michael originally made his name in the industry as a multi award-winning sports broadcaster on TV and radio.
He has covered high profile sporting events across the globe, including the Athens Olympic Games, World Cups in cricket, rugby and soccer, SA tours to the Caribbean, Italy and the UK and major events in over 20 sporting codes.
He was the recipient of the top radio broadcaster SAB award for the FIFA 2010 World Cup and his voice has been heard internationally.
He also does voice overs and acts as MC for numerous cricket, swimming and gymnastics events.
Originally a magician, Michael was exposed to mentalism in the early 2000s, and immediately started working on putting a unique show together.
Since SA has very few mentalists, Michael’s show is unique and a real eye-opener to clients looking for something very different to spice up their events.
Michael Abrahamson show varies from event to event and he never performs exactly the same show twice, in order to give people who might have seen him before, something new to watch and enjoy.
Mentalism is an art form which allows the mentalist to use his or her five senses to create some wonderfully unique entertainment.
Michael Abrahamson show incorporates mathematics, memory feats, psychological suggestion, mind reading, body language, eye movement etc, and he even prefaces his show with some information about how his audience can use these skills in their day to day life. As such, audience members leave the event not only with a mind-blowing show to talk about, but with some skills that they can use to better their own performances in their day to day lives.
His three mentalism stage shows, Powerbrain – The Mentalist, Powerbrain – The Mentalist Sequel and most recently, Visage – Revealing the Secrets of the Mind, have played to big audiences and exposed mentalism to a wide spectrum of the SA public.
Michael also offers training programmes for corporate clients, and runs Memory and Mind Building courses around the country for school learners, varsity and college students, and corporate clients.
Michael Abrahamson also offers quiz shows, both general knowledge and music, which also go down very well. All the quizzes have a twist at the end, which keeps everyone interested right up until the final round. He is also an MC and a sought-after guest speaker, and his client list involves most of the big corporate companies in SA.
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John McGrath stands as a beacon of transformation and resilience, captivating audiences worldwide with his compelling journey from an Irish athlete to a celebrated high-performance coach in Cape Town, South Africa. His core message emphasizes the boundless potential within everyone, advocating that with unwavering discipline and mental fortitude, anyone can transcend their limitations and achieve greatness.
Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, John has dedicated his life to empowering others, guiding them to unlock their innate genius. His multifaceted background as an international rower, martial artist, and one of Africa’s last performing strongmen enriches his narrative, making his story not just about physical prowess but about the relentless pursuit of excellence and personal growth.
John McGrath’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. Originating from Ireland, he distinguished himself as an international rower, showcasing not only physical strength but also an indomitable spirit. His passion for martial arts led him to attain multiple black belts across five different styles, reflecting his commitment to discipline and continuous learning.
Relocating to South Africa, John embraced the rich cultural tapestry of his new home, integrating his diverse skills into the local sports and wellness communities. His expertise as a strength and conditioning coach has been instrumental in the success of various athletes, notably his collaboration with South African long jumper Luvo Manyonga. Under John’s mentorship, Manyonga overcame personal challenges to secure a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and a gold at the World Championships, epitomizing the transformative impact of John’s coaching philosophy.
Beyond the realm of sports, John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish FitLife, a premier fitness facility in Cape Town. This venture serves as a hub for individuals seeking to enhance their physical and mental well-being, embodying John’s holistic approach to health. His belief that “the body achieves what the mind believes” underscores his methodology, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical conditioning.
As a motivational speaker, John McGrath captivates audiences with his authentic storytelling and actionable insights. He draws parallels between his personal experiences and universal challenges, offering strategies that inspire change and foster resilience. His talks are not just lectures but immersive experiences that challenge attendees to introspect and embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.
Event planners seeking a speaker who embodies authenticity, resilience, and actionable insights will find John McGrath to be an invaluable addition to their events. His diverse experiences resonate with a wide array of audiences, from corporate professionals to aspiring athletes, ensuring that his message of unlocking personal potential is both relatable and inspiring.
John McGrath’s approach is deeply rooted in practical wisdom. He doesn’t just theorize about success; he has lived it, overcoming personal and professional challenges to emerge stronger. This lived experience allows him to connect genuinely with audiences, offering them not just motivation but tangible strategies for personal and professional growth.
Furthermore, John’s dynamic presentation style, coupled with his ability to tailor his message to the specific needs of an event, ensures that attendees are engaged, inspired, and equipped with tools to implement positive changes in their lives. His commitment to fostering a mindset of excellence makes him a standout choice for events aiming to leave a lasting impact on their participants.
John McGrath’s evolution from an Irish athlete to a renowned high-performance coach and motivational speaker in South Africa is a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to personal excellence. His multifaceted expertise, encompassing athletic achievements, martial arts mastery, and entrepreneurial ventures, positions him uniquely to inspire and empower diverse audiences. Event planners seeking a speaker who offers authenticity, practical insights, and a proven track record of transforming lives will find in John a partner dedicated to making their event both impactful and memorable.
Hashtags: #JohnMcGrath #HighPerformanceCoach #MotivationalSpeaker #UnlockYourPotential #Resilience #MindOverMatter #FitLife #CapeTown
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Oscar von Memerty is a walking, dancing miracle SENSATION! Son of well-known celebrity, Ian von Memerty – the FANTASTIC judge of SA’s Got Talent, Oscar was born with a rare fatal genetic illness, MPS 6.
At 19 years old, he stands just 117 cm’s high, he has aluminium screws in his left leg, he has recently had a cornea transplant, and he has survived two bone marrow transplants and a ten minute cardiac arrest.
Despite all of this, he has discovered a thrilling talent for hip hop and developed a powerful and unique style of motivational speaking and stand-up comedy through Speakers Inc.
His message of overcoming huge obstacles and turning adversity into triumph is guaranteed to not only inspire people, but because of his talent, humour and charm, will also truly entertain them.
Oscar offers the following in his shows:
A motivational speech
A Hip Hop solo
A Q&A session with the audience
Final wording and the ending of the show
(Total duration: 15 – 20 minutes)
He is guaranteed to liven up your awards ceremonies, family fun days and many more types of events!
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Solly Moeng is a widely experienced professional with a career that has seen him manage a variety of projects in various sectors and in countries spanning several continents. He is an established independent media professional with specialisation in Reputation Management, Stakeholder Engagement Strategies, Strategic Internal & External Communications, PR and Media Relations.
As a destination brand management expert, Solly Moeng founded and currently convenes the fast-growing Africa Brand Summit – www.africabrandsummit.co which serves as a platform to assess areas, e.g. education heath, business development, social justice, etc. in which Africa can be strengthened to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its peers in order to better support African populations.
2021 – Lectures ‘Social, Company and State Protocol’ and ‘(Online) Reputation Management’ at the EU Business School – Top Business School in Europe | EU Business School (euruni.edu).
UNITAR-INSEEC-HEIP (Hautes Etudes Internationales & Politiques) Solly Moeng gave a series of lectures to Master Students on the “History of Conflict
Resolution” with a focus on the Tools, e.g., Key UN Resolutions and Geneva Conventions, Key Players in Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention and Creating Conditions for Sustainable Peace.
Also French-speaking, Solly Moeng lived and studied in France (where he obtained a French Master’s Degree at the Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon) before working in Canada and the US as South African Tourism’s marketing manager and country manager, respectively, managing South Africa’s country image and, while in the US, rolling out SA Tourism’s growth strategy in the US and Canada.
He was Head of Corporate Communications & PR at Woolworths – South Africa’s high-end Food, Clothing, and General Merchandise retail business – leading a team with the brief to protect and enhance corporate reputation. Prior to that, he had been Marketing & Communications Manager at the National Botanical Institute (now South African National Biodiversity Institute – SANBI) and the Cape Nature Conservation Board (whose rebranding to current CapeNature was driven by Solly Moeng)
Solly Moeng also acted as Corporate Affairs Head at the Central Energy Fund (CEF). He was later appointed as a special media advisor to the CEO of the Strategic Fuels Fund, a subsidiary of the CEF. In addition, he has worked as Business Development & Marketing Manager of Mesure, a South African facilities management subsidiary of French Multinational Construction company, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Basil Read. This position also enabled him to return to France, where he was based at the company’s vast campus in St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, just outside Paris. He also travelled to Nigeria with the company’s special project negotiating team.
Solly is an experienced columnist and media commentator, judge in various industry awards. Former part-time reputation management lecturer at UCT (Film & Media Studies Department), he is yet to complete his PhD at UCT, which is currently on hold until 2022. The focus of his PhD research is on the political communication around the SA government’s defunct nuclear newbuild procurement process; the relationship between government/political communicators and the media.
He completed the IMM’s Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing and attended courses at the respected Vega School of Branding.
Solly has led strategy development processes and provided corporate communications and reputation management advice to a number of international brands in retail, oil & gas, nuclear energy, biodiversity management, transport, destination management, lifestyle, logistics, development banking, territorial and country brands, etc. He has spoken at industry conferences and seminars in South Africa, Russia, Armenia, Switzerland, Zambia, and India, where he was also invited as Co-host for the India Brand Summit in late 2016.
He is former Vice-President of the Davos, Switzerland, based World Communication Forum Association (WCFA) and is an Independent Director of the Western Province Professional Rugby (WPPR), in South Africa. As a member of the Management Committee, he chaired the company’s marketing, media, and communications sub- committee.
More recently, in April 2022, he led a full day media training workshop for the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa, as well as his entire Executive Mayoral Committee members and support staff.
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Zolani Mahola is a South African Storyteller – she is a singer, an actress, an Inspiration Speaker and an agent for social change. Zolani Mahola aka The One Who Sings
Born in Port Elizabeth in 1981, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town where she met musicians with whom she would later form pan-African multi-cultural multi-genre band Freshly Ground in 2002.
17 years and 7 albums later Freshly Ground has gone on to become a household name in South Africa and is one of Africa’s most acclaimed and successful bands. They have captured the heart of the continent and have also claimed global recognition.
One highlight of their near two decade career was a collaboration with pop superstar Shakira with whom they recorded the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2010 and performed it at the opening and closing ceremony for a global audience of over a billion people. The band has to date opened stages for and collaborated with such artists as Stevie Wonder, BB King, Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Robbie Williams, Oliver Mtukudzi, Vusi Mahlasela and Busi Mhlongo to name but a few.
Zolani Mahola is well loved and respected by South Africans for unifying the country through music and bridging social, racial and cultural divides. As an artist, she explores themes of identity and belonging and she shares a message of individual agency and responsibility.
She firmly believes that though we are all connected and have much in common, “our individual stories are unique; we must be curious about them, to find the reason we were put on this planet and to realise our full expression.”
She has been a judge on the acapella show The Sing-Off (2009) and guest judge on Idols (2010) and The Voice (2016), encouraging uniqueness and a good work ethic in the contestants. She sang the lead in a new South African musical “Calling Me Home” (2017) at Joburg Theatre.
Recently collaborated with Zip Zap Circus School, for whom Zolani Mahola is an ambassador and board member, and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra at Joburg Theatre in the boundary breaking production“ Journey Beyond” (2019).
Zolani is passionate about sharing her experience for the good of her community and has expanded her portfolio to include what she terms Inspiration Talks. In these talks she shares intimately about her life story, challenges and wins … encouraging others to investigate their own stories and to share them too. She believes that this sharing and listening leads to empathy and will lead to healing pain caused by division in our societies globally.
Zolani Mahola is currently recording her debut solo material with Grammy nominated producer JB Arthur who, together with acclaimed bass player Victor Sibusiso Masondo produced Freshly Ground’s biggest selling album to date.
She will release the material in the latter part of 2019. The artist is also currently developing a theatrical production called “The One Who Sings” which will see its debut release staged at the Baxter theatre in Cape Town in November 2019. 2020 will find Zolani staging the production all over the country as well as globally.
The next phase of Zolani Mahola’s career will see her staging her musical productions in concert halls, auditoriums, concert spaces and theatres the world over as the world joyfully discovers The Next Chapter of this global icon.
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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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