Speakers
Architect, Writer and TED Speaker
Michael Pawlyn is a world-renowned architect, TED speaker, and expert in regenerative design and biomimicry. He founded Exploration Architecture in 2007 to create high-performance, circular-economy buildings, including ultra-low energy offices, zero-waste factories, and innovative green city solutions. He co-initiated the Sahara Forest Project and previously worked on the Eden Project with Grimshaw. A sought-after keynote speaker with over 2 million TED views, he has authored two best-selling books, Flourish and Biomimicry in Architecture, and co-launched the global initiative Architects Declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, now active in 28 countries with over 7,000 firms.
Founder, The Green Institute | Green Microbiologist, Educator and Researcher
Dr Adenike Akinsemolu is a leading environmental sustainability advocate, educator, and researcher, shaping green education and leadership in Africa. She is the Founder of the Green Institute, Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham, and Senior Research Fellow at Afe Babalola University. A Lead Author for the UN Environment Programme’s GEO-7 and a National Geographic Educator, she pioneered Green Microbiology and authored influential works, including Principles of Green and Sustainability Science and An Introduction to Green Education. Her research and initiatives have advanced sustainable practices across academia, policy, and community development.
Author, Political Commentator and Media Strategist
Justice is an award-winning author, political commentator, and media strategist, decoding the geopolitics behind sustainable development. He writes columns for Bloomberg, Financial Mail, and TimesLive, and his work has appeared in the Financial Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, and more. Formerly founding editor of ThisDay and general manager of major South African newspapers and magazines, he is also a political analyst for Lefika Securities. Malala has authored four books, including the 2023 international bestseller The Plot To Save South Africa, which was a finalist for the Sunday Times Alan Paton non-fiction award. He lives between New York City and Cape Town.
Founder, AD Sonsulting | Africa’s Starchitect
Olajumoke Adenowo is a renowned architect, leader, and philanthropist blending legacy, identity, and innovation. She founded AD Consulting in 1994, completing over 139 projects, and has received awards, including the Forbes Woman African Entrepreneur 2020 and a place on the Forbes EMEA 50 Over 50 list in 2024. A Chartered Arbitrator and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, she is also a Visiting Professor at Technische Universität München and holds an honorary Doctor of Science in Business Administration. Founder of the Awesome Treasures Foundation, Adenowo mentors over 300 individuals globally, and her architectural work, including her monograph NeoHeritage, has earned international recognition.
Barista Champion and Storyteller
Jose Vilandy is a barista champion and storyteller on purpose, resilience, and reinvention. From child soldier and refugee to national barista champion, his journey exemplifies grit, grace, and growth. After surviving the Angolan civil war and overcoming homelessness and imprisonment, he earned a degree in Building Engineering and was crowned South African Barista Champion in 2008. Jose has led iconic cafés, founded multiple startups, and launched a Barista School Academy that empowers youth, the unemployed, and underserved communities across Africa and beyond through coffee skills and entrepreneurial training.
Comedian and DEI Strategist
John Vlismas is a comedian and equity strategist exposing the human side of climate. After 25 years as a dark, fearless comedian performing at Just for Laughs, the Melbourne Comedy Festival, and Comedy Central, he now blends satire, psychology, and systems thinking as a DEI strategist and narrative disruptor. Through his consultancy, John helps leaders confront bias, rethink power, and build inclusive organisations, while also driving conversations on climate justice and ecological equity with the same insight and wit that defined his comedy career.
Vice President:Client Service, Real Estate, MSCI
Eileen’s role at MSCI provides her with a unique perspective of real estate investment strategy and portfolio optimisation. Eileen has experience working with both South African and multinational real estate funds, garnered from her 18 years with MSCI both in South Africa and London. She holds a degree in Mathematics and Human Geography from the University of the Witwatersrand. Eileen is a believer that the numbers tell the real story and that makes for better investment decisions. Linkedin
Senior Lecturer: Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, University of Pretoria
Danie Hoffman holds a PhD, MSc QS and an MBA from the University of Pretoria. He has 27 years of industry experience as a PrQS. In 2007 he was appointed as the programme leader for Quantity Surveying at the University of Pretoria. In 2014 he became the lead academic researcher of the GBCSA/ASAQS/UP joint study on the “Costs and Trends of Green Building”. Danie has published more than 45 articles and papers in journals and at international and national conferences and is continuing his research with the GBCSA and the ASAQS. Linkedin
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Director Workplace & Business Development, Tétris South Africa
Tango is the Director of Workplace Optimisation and Business Development. With over 22 years of experience in corporate design, workplace and space planning, Tango has worked with local and multi-national corporate clients in South Africa. She is a specialist in the latest office planning standards and new workplace trends and assists clients with effective space usage solutions. She began her career as a Space Planner and Designer working in the in-house design team of Old Mutual’s Office Space Design division. She gained experience on large projects like Multi-Choice City, Telkom Centurion Campus, Standard Chartered Bank and DIRCO rollouts. While at Tetris, she has been an integral part of the Business Development team lending her experience to key projects across various industries, including clients like SAP, Sony Music, BP, Firmenich and Allergan. Linkedin
Head: Corporate Advisory, Growthpoint Properties
Dr Werner van Antwerpen is a highly experienced engineering, sustainability, and corporate advisory professional. Beginning as an Engineering Consultant, Werner transitioned into management consulting at Deloitte, where he led strategic innovation projects in the natural resources and power generation sectors. At Growthpoint Properties, he played a pivotal role as Head of Sustainability and later as Head of Corporate Advisory, influencing key investment strategies. Werner also co-founded ChildActive, a sports academy in South Africa, and has served on multiple boards, including OneCart. His academic background includes a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, an MBA focused on finance and innovation, and numerous certifications in sustainability, property development, and financial modelling. Linkedin
Partner, Solid Green Consulting
Chilufya Lombe is an experienced Electro-Mechanical Engineer specialising in sustainability-focused design and Green Star project management. Using advanced tools like DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus, he optimises building systems for energy efficiency and promotes sustainable solutions. Chilufya played a key role as Lead Technical Consultant in developing Nigeria’s Building Energy Efficiency Code, contributing to policies that could reduce energy use by up to 50%. He is also a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa’s Education Faculty and Project Assessment Panel, and he is passionate about addressing Africa’s energy challenges. Linkedin
Programme Committee
Research and Content Manager, GBCSA
Abi Godsell serves as research and content coordinator for the GBCSA. She is passionate about showcasing South African excellence in the green arena, engaging with researchers, and supporting the next generation of bright minds in our local sustainability space. Their urban planning background, and city spatial policy experience grounds the hope they hold for a greener global future, led by South Africa’s built environment experts, and partners across the continent. Linkedin
Chief Operations Officer, Jozi My Jozi
Diale Lodi is a qualified Urban and Regional Planner with over 20 years of experience in urban and development planning. His expertise spans spatial and collaborative planning, land use planning, GIS, urban policy, and intergovernmental planning. He began his career in the private sector, then moved into development cooperation and academia before transitioning to government, where he held senior roles in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. At the national level, he played a key role in implementing the Integrated Urban Development Framework and the District Development Model at the Department of Cooperative Governance. Linkedin
Head of Sustainable Finance, Absa CIB
Heidi heads up the sustainable finance team at Absa CIB, based in Johannesburg. She has over 10 years of banking experience. Within Banking, her experience spans retail and investment banking, inhouse consulting and Debt Capital Markets. Heidi developed and built the Absa Sustainable Finance capability within Absa and has delivered client focused sustainable finance solutions across the African continent. Heidi holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pretoria and an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge. Linkedin
Managing Director, Green Gap Consulting
Linus is a seasoned leader and environmentalist with a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering focused on waste and energy solutions in emerging economies and is completing an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability. As Managing Director of Green Gap, he drives sustainability consulting, having previously spent over a decade at the Don’t Waste Group, overseeing sustainability, software, and business development. He is also a director of the Zero Waste Foundation, advocating for waste minimisation and environmental conservation. A Net Zero Accredited Professional with the Green Building Council of South Africa, Linus specialises in sustainability strategy, circular economy, and Net Zero and Net Positive Waste Certifications. Linkedin
Sustainability Architect & Managing Director, MSSA
Chosen as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2023, Marc Sherratt is an award-winning Architect and Net Zero Accredited Professional that started his practice MSSA in 2017. He has grown this practice into an industry leader that has completed some of the most pioneering green buildings in South Africa. Marc holds a Master’s in Architecture (MTech Arch Tech Prof – Distinction Dissertation) from the University of Johannesburg and is currently completing a second Master’s in Sustainability Leadership in the Built Environment (MSt IDBE) through the University of Cambridge. Linkedin
(Photo Credit: Boitumelo Mazibuko)
Technical Principal, MPAMOT
Mike Aldous has over 29 years of experience in the Built Environment, with expertise in sustainability, climate resilience, and energy efficiency. He holds an MSc in Built Environment Sciences, a BCom in Property, and professional qualifications in civil engineering and project management. His work spans over 60 healthcare facilities, major projects like the 6-Star Department of Environmental Affairs Office and 2010 World Cup stadia, and contributions to GBCSA rating tools. Passionate about BIM and smart technologies, he integrates digital tools, AI, and data analytics to enhance sustainability and optimise built environments, with a strong focus on regenerative design and minimising environmental impact. Linkedin
Co-founder, Green Building Design Group
Songo Didiza is an Environmental and Sustainability (E&S) professional with over 15 years of experience in green infrastructure, ESG advisory, and sustainable municipal development across Southern Africa. As Co-founder of Green Building Design Group, she specialises in climate resilience, energy management, and public service improvements. Skilled in stakeholder engagement and ESG strategy, she helps clients achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes while aligning with local and global standards. She’s also a proud fur baby mom. Linkedin