Presiding Bishop Mosa Sono, born in Soweto, initially aspired to be a teacher but answered God’s call to become a pastor. He founded Grace Bible Church in 1983, focusing on turning irreligious individuals into devoted Christ followers. Under his leadership, the church has grown to over 70 branches, offering diverse programs and community outreach. Bishop Mosa is actively involved in national and global church leadership initiatives, emphasizing justice, reconciliation, and mentoring fellow leaders. He is married to Overseer Gege Sono, and they prioritize keeping God at the center of their 34-year marriage

Milton, with a background in civil engineering and teaching, ventured into journalism, freelancing for prestigious media outlets like Visnews (now Reuters TV), NBC News, and BBC News. Joining BBC Johannesburg in 1990, he covered pivotal events during apartheid’s end, including Mandela’s release and Hani’s assassination. Milton rose to become BBC’s Africa Producer and later Bureaux Editor, earning accolades for his contributions. He remains active in journalistic associations, shaping African media landscape

She is a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC)

Ms Zulu was educated in Swaziland whereupon she joined the ANC after the 1976 student uprising. In exile, Ms Zulu lived in Morogoro in Tanzania where she was offered a scholarship to study journalism in Russia. She obtained a Master’s degree in journalism.

After her studies in Moscow, she joined the liberation army Umkhonto we Sizwe Once her military training was complete, Ms Zulu joined the PAN African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) in Angola where she was appointed as the co-ordinator of the communications committee.

She has held several communication positions. In 1989, she was appointed the Head of Communication in the ANC’s department of Religious Affairs. Ms Zulu also served at the Head of Communication in the ANC’s Uganda office.

In 1991 she returned to South Africa and became the Head of Communication in the ANC Women’s League. Ms Zulu was elected to the ANC’s team of spokespersons for South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.

After the elections, she was elected a member of the Gauteng Legislature and was appointed Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature in 1995. Four years later, Ms Zulu was appointed the Special Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 2001, she was appointed Chief Director for Western and Central Africa

In 2003, she left government to join the private sector where she served as the Executive Head of Government and International Relations at Vodacom group, a mobile phone services company based in South Africa.

In 2004 she became the South African Ambassador to Brazil. She was elected to the ANC National Executive Committee first in 2007 and again in 2009, Ms Zulu was elected to Parliament as a Member of Parliament representing the African National Congress. After 2009, Ms Zulu was appointed Special Advisor to the President of South Africa on International Relations.

In 2014, Ms Zulu was appointed as the Minister of Small Business Development.

In 2019, she was appointed as the Minister of Social Development. Ms Zulu is particularly interested in issues relating to the promotion and protection of the rights of vulnerable groups (women, children, youth, and people with disabilities amongst others.)

Abdul Hakeem Lesolang, an esteemed hypnotherapist, life coach, and entrepreneur, empowers individuals and teams worldwide to reach their full potential. Co-founder of FOLA Wellness & Healing, he offers transformative sessions, retreats, and workshops globally. A 2-time best-selling author, captivating speaker, and a recognized presence on TV and radio. My expertise as a mental and emotional health panelist and marriage solutions expert enables me to deliver transformative insights for holistic growth.

Founder of MatrixMen Africa, an activist and public speaker, advocates for male survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Provides support groups, educates schools and organizations on prevention, trains therapists to recognize signs, and advises partners of survivors. Committed to raising awareness and facilitating healing for male victims.

Linda, a multifaceted talent, excels as an author, actor, radio personality, musical artist, events facilitator, brand influencer, voice artist, entrepreneur, MC, and inspirational speaker. With a sales and marketing background in multinational corporations, he’s also made strides in network marketing. Linda is renowned for his motivational events, particularly on gender issues and relationships post the success of his book “Wakeup Woman.” As the Relationships & Lead on EmpowaYouth, he drives impactful initiatives to empower township and peri-urban youth, facilitating mentorships, job opportunities, and education.

Patricia Motsoeneng, also known as Gogo Skhotheni, gained fame through a reality show, showcasing her vibrant personality and controversial traditional practices. A multifaceted personality, businessperson, Sangoma, and Gobela, she founded Gogo Skhotheni cosmetics, offering traditional herb-based solutions. Notably, she practices polyandry.

Abner, a versatile professional speaker, spent seven years in the US, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA. Engaging in entertainment projects, he collaborated with notable figures like Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, and Mrs. Martin Luther King Jr. Returning to South Africa, he co-founded Empowa Investments, focusing on local investment opportunities. Abner’s presentations are customized to suit diverse settings, from boardrooms to shop floors.

A highly adaptable leader, previously with Ithala Limited from 2006 to 2014, held various senior and executive roles, successfully establishing and transforming departments within budget constraints. Notably, he served as Divisional Manager of Marketing, overseeing brand strategy, budgets, and staff. A champion of brand integrity, he advocates for purpose-driven brands, contributing to both business and community boards. Currently Deputy Chairperson of Umlazi Township Tourism, he actively promotes sustainable tourism. With a BA degree from the University of Zululand, he’s a vocal advocate on social media, radio, and co-authored a book with a motivational speaker. His debut book is forthcoming.

Maponga Joshua III, a dynamic figure in corporate, religious, and social spheres, is CEO of Farmers of Thought Institute, dedicated to elevating human consciousness. With a global perspective and diverse talents including music and writing, he’s a pragmatic leader and social entrepreneur. His extensive experience spans branding, banking, and non-profits, offering expertise in motivation, crisis management, and strategic consultancy.

Dr. Gugulethu Xaba, a renowned speaker and leadership expert, inspires audiences with real-life insights, urging focus on meaningful life and work aspects. With a Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership and extensive experience, he advocates for men’s involvement in community development. As Chairperson of various boards, including the Hospital Board at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, he demonstrates commitment to societal advancement. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Student Governance and Leadership Development at Tshwane University of Technology, contributing significantly to student affairs for over two decades. He’s actively engaged in community activism and serves as a pastor, embodying a holistic approach to leadership and community service

Sandile Memela, a prominent journalist, novelist, and public figure, known for his thought-provoking columns at City Press and founding Sunday World. He’s authored books like “What Mother Told Us” and “Zenzele: Young Gifted & Free,” advocating Black Consciousness. Memela’s works address societal issues, including HIV/AIDS and post-apartheid trauma, showcasing his critical perspective

Chairman of Stratosphere Group: consisting of Stratosphere Publishing, Stratosphere Legal, Stratosphere Apparel and Stratosphere Supply. A published and celebrated author. Specialist and topical writer and speaker on social issues focusing especially on the upliftment of black men, and offers commentary on current affairs. In addition to his professional accolades, Mr. Zwane is an entrepreneur, mentor, and facilitator. He extends his expertise to the personal realm as well, serving as a marriage counsellor and relationship specialist. Above all, he is a devoted father and husband.

Sivuyile “SiV” Ngesi, a multifaceted South African entertainer, excels as a comedian, TV presenter, actor, and producer, captivating audiences locally and internationally. With a string of accolades and diverse roles, from stage performances to blockbuster films, he’s established himself as a dynamic force in the industry. His company, “Our CompanY,” ventures into various creative projects, showcasing his versatility and ambition.

Dr. Daniel Mokwena brings something unique and fresh in all his talks. He is a former mobster turned inspirational speaker, facilitator, mentor, coach, family therapist and a successful entrepreneur under the leadership of Dr David Molapo.

Sthembiso Phakathi, the Founder and Executive Producer of the Single Dads Network, is a dedicated single father of four and a staunch advocate for the rights and responsibilities of single fathers. With 29 years of personal experience in single parenthood, Sthe has uniquely positioned himself as a leader and a mentor within the community through the creation of the Single Dads Network. This platform not only serves as a repository of knowledge, information, and personal stories but also as a beacon for single dads striving for better engagement in their children’s lives and improvement in family relationships. Speaking at the upcoming Empowamen event on the topic of “Rights of Dads,” Sthe will share his journey and the profound insights on love and truth he has gained from raising his children. His goal is to foster a deeper understanding and provide support to single fathers everywhere, enhancing their ability to love unconditionally and participate fully in the complex landscape of modern parenting.

Loyiso MacDonald, a renowned South African actor and voice artist, gained fame as Kagiso Khoza in “The Queen,” earning a SAFTA in 2020. His career includes roles in SABC3’s “Those Who Can’t,” Intersexions Season 2, Netflix’s “Happiness Ever After,” and “Love, Sex and 30 Candles.” Beginning his journey in theater in 2006, MacDonald’s diverse portfolio spans stage, television, and film, with notable performances in productions such as “Tata maChance” and “Othello.” After eight years on screen, he returned to theater in 2021 at The Market Theatre. MacDonald’s versatility extends to television commercials and films, including appearances in BET’s “Madiba” and the German film “Das Wunder von Kapstadt.” Currently, he stars as Principal Mthembu in the Showmax original series “Youngins.”

Thabo “T-bose” Mokwele, a veteran broadcaster with over 20 years in the industry, still sees himself as the boy from Tembisa who seized an opportunity in entertainment. Despite initial skepticism from his parents, he transitioned from chemical engineering to radio at 23. Now, with a Masters in Strategic Marketing, he’s launching a Marketing/Brand Strategy Think Tank. Recognized as a relatable role model, he embodies success while remaining grounded, juggling roles as an entrepreneur, emcee, award-winning broadcaster, businessman, philanthropist, husband, and father, all with his signature velvet voice and infectious energy

TT Mbha, a revered 45-year-old social entrepreneur, renowned real estate expert, and chartered marketer, boasts a 25-year award-winning career. With diplomas in clothing and marketing management, plus a postgraduate diploma in project management, he excels in various fields. He’s also a TV host, executive producer, and family man, known for his vibrant personality and community-focused endeavors, heading entities like Black Real Estate and Mzansi Cribs. Mbha’s collaborations with corporations align with his diverse projects, including TT Mbha Community Drive NPC and his subscription-based online TV channel. His impactful work garners admiration from the public and brands.

Dumisani Rebombo, Sonke Gender Justice’s Provincial Community Education and Mobilization Manager, holds a theology degree. He’s been pivotal in gender activism, serving as the first Regional Coordinator for the MenEngage network. A founding member of Sonke Gender Justice, his expertise spans research interventions, gender toolkits, and collaboration with various stakeholders nationally and internationally

Naye Lupondwana is a multiple award-winning broadcast journalist, talk show host, conference facilitator, key note speaker, master of ceremonies, writer, book editor and media strategist. Naye is a child of the revolution, born in the 70’s, raised in the 80’s and started his activism in the 90’s. Naye is a radio junkie, having started radio broadcasting in 1999 at a university radio station, over 25 years he worked for, Radio Ciskei, True Fm, Channel Africa, SA fm, and now he has transitioned from national radio to do international radio. His daily shows are now with an international radio station, Adventist World Radio.

As a broadcast journalist he has covered stories around the world like the Middle East Peace Process from 2007, the ANC’s recall of Thabo Mbeki in 2008, the Malagasy political crisis in 2009, the rise and spread of the Arab Spring in 2010, the exit of Julius Malema from the ANC in 2011, the renewed hunt for Joseph Kony of the Lord’s Resistance Army in 2012, the confirmed death of Nelson Mandela in 2013, the Chibok girls school abductions by Boko Haram in 2014, the American president Barak Obama legalizing gay marriage in 2015, and the list of historic stories he covered goes on over the years.

Naye has interviewed three of South Africa’s former heads of state, President Thabo Mbeki, President Jacob Zuma, and President Kgalema Motlanthe. He has interviewed captains of industry, world religious leaders in almost all major faith groups in the world. In his personal and private library of books, Naye has collected all religious texts from the major religions of the world, which has
equipped him to have a grip on faith as a social construct as well as it is a social contract. This summary gives you a glimpse of what Naye is up to, and all this because he is trying every day to understand things better by asking questions from those who know better. He is hoping a better understanding of issues will help him be a better father to his children, a patriotic and responsible citizen of this Republic and at the very least, a competent journalist of world affairs.

Dr. Frank Magwegwe, popularly known as “Dr. Mags,” is the Executive for Financial Wellness & Advisory at Nedbank and teaches at the Gordon Institute of Business Science at the University of Pretoria (GIBS). His research focuses on employee well-being, mental health, and resilience and he consults widely in these areas. Dr Mags is a certified financial planner, certified financial risk manager, and chartered alternative investment analyst. He received his PhD from Kansas State University in the United States and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Dr. Mags has worked in the financial services industry for a total of 25 years. He has served in several executive capacities, including Head of Institutional Business, CEO and COO, at different financial services firms, before joining Nedbank as the executive responsible for financial wellness.

Studied at the North West University and finish my BA(Social Work) degree in 1996.

Started to work for Gauteng DSD in 1996 in the Ekurhuleni Region. I have experience in many fields of Social work. I was fortunate to work in statutory services, Adoption, Substance abuse, Probation services, Restorative Justice, Intermediary services, School Social work, Employee wellness program and Victim Empowerment Program.

During my 26 years as working as a social worker I did do many courses but the following can be highlighted: Restorative Justice, Intermediary services, School social work and Employee wellness program.

I have been employed in the Government sector, NGO sector and Private sector. I was privilege to be part of news projects like the GBV Command Centre.

I believe that I am very lucky to have gain experiences of the different field in social worker and different environments. This have given me knowledge and assist me to deliver a quality services.
My passion is victim empowerment and probation services.

Velenkosini Nsibande is a Social Work Supervisor, currently employed by the Department of Social Development / Gender Based Violence Command Centre.
He has over 20 years’ experience in the field of social work and research. He has also worked in programmes aimed at working with men / boys both in government and private sector.
He is currently part of the management team of the Department’s Gender Based Violence Command centre, a 24-hour service which renders services targeting all the provinces.

Lesego Teddy Mohlala, currently serving as Senior Mentor for the Gay, Bisexual, Men who have Sex with other Men Project at Access Chapter2, that aims to improve health, psycho- social well-being, and education of Gay, Bisexual, Men who have Sex with other Men and their families and is designed & mandated to shift mindsets regarding lived realities of GBMSM and PLHIV; while also functioning as LGBTIA+ Sector Chairperson and Resource Mobilization for the Tshwane Aids Council Civil Society Forum.
With a National Diploma in Language Practice from the Tshwane University of Technology, Lesego also furthered his studies with a training course offered by the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) of Specialized Translation: Subtitling with the Vaal Triangle University. Furthermore, he proceeded to the University of South Africa, where he obtained a National Certificate in Office/Business Management, and again with the Red and Yellow Creative School in 2019 studying towards a National Certificate in Digital Consumer Marketing Management. He then continued with a training course for PrEP with Impact ITPC – Generating demand and Increasing Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP) among Gay and Bisexual Men.
Working as Client Communications Laison Manager and CALL4CARE Navigator/Agent and Brand Ambassador for the WETHEBRAVE.CO.ZA funded by the Elton John Aids Foundation in the Marketing Department at Anova Health Institute, his work for the MSM/LGBTQIA+ community is echoed in his implementations with For the Boys Brunch, Feathers Awards National Dialogues and Feather Awards Ceremony, Cape Town Pride, Johannesburg Pride, Pretoria Pride. Along with this, he has also worked with OUT Wellbeing, where he was MSM Coordinator for the Viral Hepatitis Study.
With extensive experience working for, and with the MSM/LGBTQIA+ community, he has implemented multiple

Kgaugelo Habyane welcomes men and boys of all backgrounds to join a growing community of open-minded individuals seeking personal development and emotional empowerment. I believe that conversations enhance human connection and understanding. It’s not about fixing people; rather; it is about treating them as experts in their own experiences by asking open-ended questions and allowing individuals the space to speak and reflect, which I believe is a self-awareness building process.
Kgaugelo is the host Manned Up Conversations, an Ontological Coaching community member and independent male psychology researcher.