Babize Bonke: Panel Discussion and Campaign Showcase
Join Jozi My Jozi on the 12 of October for an inspiring conversation where community champions and creative visionaries explore how authentic storytelling and collaborative design thinking are reshaping Joburg’s narrative – one voice, one story, one community at a time.
Jozi My Jozi’s new creative campaign, Babize Bonke (“call everyone”), shines a spotlight on extraordinary local champions who embody resilience, creativity, and community spirit in Johannesburg’s inner city. The campaign makes the invisible visible, amplifying voices often overlooked while showcasing the city’s energy and vibrant culture. By positioning “people as the real gold,” it reframes Joburg’s story and sparks curiosity, pride, and new possibilities.
The panel will unpack how Babize Bonke uses storytelling as a tool for social transformation, turning lived experiences into compelling narratives that challenge perceptions and inspire change. The dialogue will reveal how the campaign acts as a living laboratory for urban design thinking, demonstrating how creativity and collaboration can shape inclusive, people-centered cities.
The Voices
Creative Visionaries
Melusi Mhlungu (Creative Director, We Are Bizarre) – reframing Joburg through storytelling and creativity
Justice Mukheli (Filmmaker) – capturing authentic daily life as a driver of urban transformation
Robbie Brozin (Co-founder, Nando’s) – showing how corporate partnership amplifies community impact
Community Champions
James Delaney – Community development catalyst
Kenneth Nzama (DJ Kenzhero) – Cultural bridge-builder through music
Osmic Menoe – Entrepreneurial innovator
Mama Yumna – Grassroots leader
Nandi Dlepu – Creative and social cohesion architect
Julian Ribeiro – Culinary innovator driving urban regeneration
Grant Ngcobo – Youth empowerment advocate
Dr. Taddy Blecher – Pioneer in educational transformation
This session reveals how storytelling, design thinking, and community leadership combine to create new models of engagement and revitalization.
About Jozi My Jozi
Jozi My Jozi is a collaborative movement to reimagine, regenerate, and revitalize Johannesburg’s inner city. Bringing together residents, businesses, creatives, communities, and government partners, it operates as a “coalition of the doing” – showcasing the energy and resilience that make Joburg unique and driving it toward a safe, vibrant, and world-class African city.