The Simulators: Visioning the Future
Course overview
In partnership with Fak’ugesi Festival, this Future Talks panel explores how emerging technologies—from AI design to virtual fashion—are reshaping culture, heritage, and collaboration. Artists, architects, and innovators discuss how simulation can be a tool for envisioning and shaping the future.
Certification included
Validated by SAIAT as a Category 1 CPD talk. Attendees will earn 0.1 credits.
Meet the SPEAKERs
Joy Mawela
Creative Director, Fak’ugesi Festival
Joy Mawela is a distinguished professional leading the charge as the Head of the Digital Content Hub at Tshimologong, affiliated with Wits University. With a postgraduate diploma in management, Joy drives the strategy and business development efforts for South Africa’s digital creative industries, spanning animation, gaming, XR (AR and VR), digital music and visual arts. Read more...
Osmic Menoe
Founder, Back to the City & SA Hip-hop Museum, South African Hip Hop Museum
As the founder of Africa's biggest hip-hop and street culture festival, Back to the City, the South African Hip-hop Awards and the South African Hip-hop Museum in Newtown, Osmic Menoe has profoundly marked Joburg's cultural landscape. Menoe has harnessed the power of hip-hop to drive positive change among young people and advocates for progress and unity through music and art.
Dr Sechaba Maepa
Afreetekture, Wits University
KayKay Ribane
Dynamic creative entrepreneur, performance artist, and digital innovation leader, Dear Ribane
Kokona “Kay Kay” Ribane is a dynamic creative entrepreneur, performance artist, and digital innovation leader from Johannesburg. As one-third of the renowned family trio Dear Ribane alongside his sisters Tebogo and Manthe, he fuses art, fashion, tech, and cultural legacy into transformative experiences. Read more...
Nandi Dlepu
Founder & Director, Mamakashaka
Nandi Dlepu is a cultural curator, creative entrepreneur, and the founder of Mamakashaka — a storytelling agency and platform operating at the intersection of culture, community, and commerce. Her work explores how authentic storytelling and creative expression can drive both cultural relevance and brand resonance. Under Mamakashaka, she has led acclaimed projects for partners such as Nike and Spotify — bridging global brands with local narratives and communities in meaningful ways. Read more...
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