The Future Talks: Shaping Tomorrow Through Design

The Future Talks: Shaping Tomorrow Through Design
The 2024 Future Talks visual identity was designed by Jana and Koos, a creative branding and design agency led by Jana Hamman and Koos Groenewald.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied


The Future Talks returns to Decorex 2024 with multi-disciplinary visionary Bathandwa Ngwendu as MC for a cohort of inspiring speakers.

The Future Talks series at this year’s Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg encompass a multifaceted exploration of topics, ranging from sustainability and circularity to design entrepreneurship and the transformative impact of technology on the creative landscape.

Bathandwa Ngwendu, a visionary and storyteller with deep roots in the South African creative landscape, returns to MC the series. As the host of the Maak ‘n Plan podcast, Bathandwa has captivated audiences with content that resonates deeply, incubates ideas and provides insightful commentary on arts and culture in South Africa.

Bathandwa Ngwendu is the MC of The Future Talks 2024
Bathandwa Ngwendu is the MC of The Future Talks 2024.

At the heart of The Future Talks lies a commitment to transdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable design practices. Bathandwa champions the imperative for designers to engage with diverse perspectives, underscoring the transformative potential of such collaborations in addressing pressing global challenges.

READ MORE: NEXT24: Showcasing South Africa’s Craft and Design Talent

Each session is meticulously curated to ignite critical discussions and inspire groundbreaking solutions to industry challenges.

Noteworthy speakers at The Future Talks stage at Decorex Cape Town 2024 include:

  • Megan Hesse – renowned for her contributions to interior design trends and modern aesthetics.
  • Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis – spearheading initiatives to foster collaboration and address urban challenges.
  • Driaan Claasen – an authority on the intersection of technology and design.
  • Frans Dekker – offering valuable insights into navigating the complexities of building plan approval processes.
  • Anja Joubert – unveiling groundbreaking research on future materials shaping design landscapes.
  • Crystal Birch – sharing indispensable wisdom on launching and managing successful design ventures.
  • Leanne Porter – advocating for inclusive design principles that prioritise community well-being.
  • VISI’s editor-in-chief, Steve Smith – delving into the intricacies of circular design and sustainable practices.

The Future Talks 2024 are free to attend with general admission tickets to the show, which are valid for one day. Pre-registration is required as the talks will have limited space, so be sure to plan your visit via the dedicated Decorex app, which will have all the information you need as well as live updates.

VISI is the proud media sponsor of The Future Talks.


Decorex Cape Town and Joburg

Experience this active shift towards impact design for yourself and join the designers and creatives paving the way to the future at Decorex Cape Town (6 to 9 June 2024 at the CTICC) and Decorex Joburg (1 to 4 August 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre). | decorex.co.za


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