October 12
at
13.00
–
15.30
The Activation
Join Jozi My Jozi for this inspiring conversation where community champions and creative visionaries share the stage to explore how authentic storytelling and collaborative design thinking are reshaping Joburg’s narrative – one voice, one story, one community at a time.
Creative Visionaries:
- Melusi Mhlungu (Creative Director, We Are Bizarre) – who believes that “through great storytelling and creativity we can actually reframe the narrative” about Joburg.
- Justice Mukheli (Filmmaker) – capturing the authentic daily life that forms the backbone of urban transformation
- Robbie Brozin (Co-founder, Nando’s) – demonstrating how corporate partnership can amplify community-driven change
Community Champions:
By positioning “people as the real gold” of the city, the campaign showcases eight extraordinary individuals who serve as catalyst for social transformation. They embody different aspects of urban design thinking in practice providing compelling examples of how design thinking can address complex urban challenges. Each of these champions represents an authentic voice of the city through not just imagining change but making it happen every day. Their stories demonstrate our constitution in action: inclusive, dynamic, and rooted in the people.
- James Delaney – Community development catalyst
- Kenneth Nzama (DJ Kenzhero) – Cultural bridge-builder through music
- Osmic Menoe – Entrepreneurial innovation
- Mama Yumna – Grassroots community leadership
- Nandi Dlepu – Creative & Social cohesion architect
- Julian Ribeiro – Culinary innovation as urban regeneration
- Grant Ngcobo – Youth empowerment advocate
- Dr. Taddy Blecher – Educational transformation pioneer
The Impact
Through this dialogue, participants will discover how the campaign’s approach of “making the unseen seen and giving the voiceless a voice” creates a new model for community engagement in urban design and revitalization.
This session embodies Design Week South Africa : Johannesburg’s core mission: celebrating design as an expression of creative thinking and making that has the power to transform cities, communities, and lives.
The Brand
Jozi My Jozi is a collaborative movement to reimagine, regenerate and revitalize Johannesburg’s inner city.
By bringing together residents, businesses, creatives, and communities, and working with the City of Joburg and both national and provincial governments, its projects highlight the energy, resilience, and culture that make Joburg unique.
The initiative is driven by the belief that Johannesburg can become a safe, vibrant, and world-class African city if people work together. It’s not a single organization, but rather a ‘coalition of the doing’, where different stakeholders contribute ideas, resources, and energy.
Where : Nando’s Central Kitchen (Opposite Victoria Yards) 10a Victoria Rd, Lorentzville, Johannesburg
Open the Design Week South Africa map
When : 12 October from 13:00 – 15:30
Bookings : Free – Pre- Registration
