What does it mean to be unique in a universe so vast? In this poetic and thought-provoking TEDx talk, Ayanda explores the beauty of human uniqueness through the lens of science, creativity, and self-discovery. From the death of stars birthing new light, to the way our own struggles shape who we become — this talk reminds us that hardship, curiosity, and authenticity are all parts of the same cosmic story. Through physics, Ayanda finds lessons about resonance, uncertainty, and rebirth — revealing how embracing our true selves allows us to shine even in darkness. Like nebulae forming from dying stars, we too can transform our challenges into light. Because in the grand tapestry of existence, the world doesn’t need another version of someone else — it needs the only version of you. #TEDxUniversityofPretoria #Uniqueness #Creativity #ScienceAndSoul #Inspiration #Kaleidoscopic Ayanda Cebekhulu is a physics student at the University of Pretoria and an astronomy enthusiast. He is also an MC and is currently the Executive Public Relations Officer for the Blue Crane Space Society. With a strong passion for blending science, creativity, and human connection, Ayanda operates at the intersection of space exploration, storytelling, and community building. Known for consistently excelling academically, he has earned top results in his studies and has received recognition for his leadership in various pursuits. Outside of the lecture halls, Ayanda has led science outreach events, hosted debates, and championed initiatives that inspire curiosity about the world. His work bridges the realms of physics and art, demonstrating that innovation thrives when imagination meets knowledge This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Dr. Matthew Fairholm explores the difference between management and leadership in public service, urging officials to lead through empowerment rather than control. Using history, metaphor, and principle, he calls for “noble public service” rooted in humility, transparency, and cooperation—where true leadership guides citizens to act for themselves. Dr. Matthew Fairholm is Professor of Public Administration in the Political Science Department and the W. O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership focusing on public administration, leadership studies, and constitutional governance. He has received several teaching and research awards. Before coming to USD he was the Director of Leadership Studies and Development at GWU’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, where he still serves as a Senior Fellow, and before that he worked at the U.S. Department of Energy. His professional outreach involves organizations spanning the public, private, non-profit, and university settings. He has written dozens of technical reports, professional pieces, and peer-reviewed articles that appear in leading journals, and he is the author, with his father, of the book Understanding Leadership Perspectives: Theoretical and Practical Applications (Springer 2009). He also wrote Putting Your Values to Work: Becoming the Leader Others Want to Follow (Praeger 2013). This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if grief wasn’t something to “get over,” but something to understand — even welcome? This talk reimagines grief as a companion rather than an enemy, exploring how loss can become a mirror reflecting the depth of our love. Through poetic language and reflection, it reveals how giving grief words can transform silence into healing. It invites us to see grief as kaleidoscopic — layered, shapeshifting, and profoundly human — where every fragment of pain also holds the light of love. “Grief is not the opposite of love. Grief is love — wearing another face.” #TEDxUniversityofPretoria #Grief #Healing #Poetry #Kaleidoscopic Grace Storm Barnes is a performer, choreographer, spoken word artist, author, and educator whose work explores the intersections of grief, love, and healing through movement, poetry, and performance. She holds a BA (Hons) in Dance Theatre Composition, an MA in Applied Drama, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Drama at the University of Pretoria, where her research, Grief as Poetic Body, investigates mourning as nonlinear, collective, and embodied. Since 2016, Grace has created and toured acclaimed original works including Regression, Slip, Breathe, Wait/Weight, and Grieve, that is how you survive, which premiered at the National Arts Festival in 2024 before touring Cape Town and Ghana. She has also published three poetry collections on love, loss, and grief. Through her practice, Grace crafts multidisciplinary forms that give voice and body to experiences often left unspoken, inviting audiences to reimagine grief as a passage into memory, love, and joy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What happens when you stop shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that were never designed for you? In this powerful TEDx talk, Duduzile Mabaso challenges the limits placed on women, dreamers, and change-makers who are told to “tone it down,” “wait their turn,” or “stay in their lane.” Through her personal journey and the stories of trailblazing South African women, she redefines defiance — not as rebellion, but as courage, clarity, and leadership. “Defy” becomes more than a word — it’s an invitation to rise beyond expectations, reclaim your voice, and rewrite the systems that silence potential. Because true transformation doesn’t come from fitting in — it begins when we choose to stand out. #TEDxUniversityofPretoria #Defiance #Leadership #Courage #KaleidoscopicDuduzile Mabaso is a public policy, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement professional with expertise in regulatory affairs, governance, and sustainable development. Holding a Master’s in Political Studies, she develops advocacy strategies, manages partnerships, and advises on policy alignment to drive systemic change.She serves as a Board Member as a Vice Chair of Amnesty International South Africa, championing human rights, youth engagement, and strategic governance. As Founder of the Her Pride Foundation, she leads initiatives on mental health, menstrual equity, and career development for girls in the VAAL.Recognized for her leadership in youth empowerment and gender equality, Duduzile is committed to shaping inclusive policies and sustainable community-driven solutions This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this TEDx talk, Priyaanshoo Shirsat shares his journey from being a 14-year-old beginner in the stock market to becoming one of India’s youngest investment professionals recognized by Moneycontrol. Priyanshoo shirsat is the visionary founder and CEO of Trade Olive India Pvt ltd . A pioneering financial institution company on a mission to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate the world of stock market investing and trading with a magnetic presence both online and off-line Priyanshoo is known for simplifying complex financial concepts and inspiring thousands to take control of their financial futures Veera thriving Instagram community of over 90,000 followers Priyanshoo combines influence with impact building one of the India’s most trusted platforms for stock market Education. His dynamic teaching style and relatable approach have let himself to successfully mentor and educate more and 10,000 students across the country This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

We blame nature for disasters, but the real cause is often our own choices. From floods in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to villages in Jhang, this talk shows how governance, planning, and resilience determine whether hazards become tragedies, or opportunities to adapt. He is the Director of the Center for Disaster Management at UMT, Lahore. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in flood modeling, fluvial transport, and applying spatial technology to disaster management. His work focuses on creating evidence-based policy and decision support systems for climate adaptation in Pakistan. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx