IBSC Southern Africa Conference
March 5 – 7, 2025
St. Alban's College
Pretoria, South Africa
Inkunzi Isematholeni: The Future Bull Is Among the Calves
Speakers
Dion Chang
Dion Chang is a renowned trend analyst, keynote speaker, and founder of Flux Trends, a consultancy that integrates trends into business strategies. He specializes in identifying opportunities within shifting global and African trends, with a focus on disruptive technologies. Passionate about fostering innovation, Chang helps businesses navigate change, adapt to new realities, and embrace a culture of reinvention.
In his unique role as an end-of-life doula, Chang supports terminally ill individuals and their families, aligning this work with his approach to business transitions—helping clients navigate the death of old ideas and the birth of new ones. He is known for uncovering blind spots and asking the challenging questions needed for growth.
Chang lectures on foresight and innovation at top business schools such as GIBS Business School at University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business, and Duke Corporate Education. He has hosted trend conferences, authored books, and serves on several advisory boards, including the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg (WITS). As a media veteran he writes for City Press and Acumen, offering insights into the evolving relationship among brands, consumers, and communication.
With a passion for youth trends, Chang's Gen Z Immersion Experience captures years of tracking this game-changing generation. A global citizen and intrepid traveler, he is proudly South African.
Brent Lindeque
Brent Lindeque, widely known as South Africa's Good Things Guy, is a passionate advocate for positive change and the founder of the country's leading good news platform.
A decade ago Lindeque transformed the viral Neknomination trend into RAKnomination (Random Acts of Kindness Nomination), sparking a global movement that inspired countless acts of kindness. This pivotal moment led to the creation of Good Things Guy, a platform celebrating stories of hope, resilience, and inspiration.
Through its website, social media channels, and electronic billboards across South Africa, Good Things Guy reaches over 30 million people, amplifying the narratives of everyday heroes and showcasing the best of humanity. Beyond his role in media, Lindeque has made significant contributions through charitable initiatives, including a memorable climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. His passion for uplifting others led to an exclusive lunch with Oprah, alongside three other South African journalists, for a meaningful discussion about inspiration and storytelling.
Known for his impact, Lindeque has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian, the South African GQ Man of the Year (2019), and to the World's Top 100 Innovation Success Stories list.
Through his work in media, radio, and television, Lindeque continues to inspire South Africans, reminding us all of the transformative power of kindness and positivity.
Gcina Mhlophe
Gcina Mhlophe is a renowned South African artist whose work spans literature, theater, and performance. Inspired by her grandmother's storytelling, she developed a deep love for the spoken and written word. Mhlophe is an award-winning author, poet, playwright, director, and performer, with her talent showcased on prestigious stages worldwide.
As a champion for literacy, Mhlophe founded the NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign in 2001, promoting reading and storytelling across South Africa. Her advocacy and artistic contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including seven honorary doctorates and multiple prestigious awards.
Her theatrical work has garnered critical acclaim, winning an OBIE Award for Born in the RSA and the Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival for Have You Seen Zandile? Mhlophe has also acted in the films Kalushi, about Solomon Mahlangu, and Liyana, an award-winning multimedia project.
Mhlophe founded the Zanendaba Storytelling Company, preserving African storytelling heritage. Her contributions to culture and the arts have been recognized with honorary doctorates from various prestigious institutions. In 2018, she was honored with the Inaugural USIBA Cultural Legend Award.
The 10th edition of the NOZINCWADI Books and Storytelling Festival took place in Durban in 2018. In recognition of her lifelong dedication to storytelling, her birthday, 24 October, has been declared National Storytelling Day in South Africa. Mhlophe's legacy continues to inspire artists and storytellers, ensuring the preservation of African cultural traditions.