St Benedict’s College
Embrace Symposium
The St Benedict’s College Embrace Symposium event is geared towards Grade 10 – 12 students, educators, coaches, school counsellors, transformation & diversity teams, management and heads of school. The topic of “Creating an inclusive school space through sports and culture” will be explored through our speakers from schools, universities, the educational management space and the world of sport.
– Transforming our Schools Through Advocacy for Gender Justice
Embrace Symposium
Meet the Speakers
Natalie Du Toit
Natalie Du Toit is one of the most successful disabled athletes of all time and an inspiration to many. Natalie has won 13 Gold and 2 Silver medals in her time as an Olympic and Paralympic athlete and her good work continued after her retirement from swimming. Natalie is the field presenter in her show ‘Women.Sports.Talk’ and has previously served the role as ambassador of the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission). In 2009 Natalie was given the “The Order of Ikhamanga in Gold” for her exceptional achievements and her unparalleled merit in the South African Sporting Arena. She was furthermore awarded the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2013.
Letlotlo-la-Bakuena Letlatsa
Also known as 9umba, Letlotlo-la-Bakuena is a Gold, multi-platinum and SAMA Award winning producer and international DJ. He has produced songs such as the famous VSOP, uLazi and Umlando.
Ismail Mohamed
An accomplished playwright, theatre director and multi-award-winning Arts Administrator. His theatre work has been staged in South Africa, Chile, Denmark, Germany and in the U.S. He has participated in theatre and arts leadership conferences in over 20 countries. Mahomed has served previously as the CEO of the Market Theatre Foundation and is currently the Director at the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of Kwazulu-Natal.
Thabiso Mahlape
Thabiso is a trailblazing publisher who is the owner of Blackbird Books. Blackbird Books, a globally recognised publishing house, was founded in August 2015, the first black owned publishing imprint in South Africa. The launch of Blackbird Books transformed the South African literary landscape and since 2015, Blackbird has put an immense amount of effort into pioneering and establishing a home for new African narratives that reflect the African experience.
Puseletso Mabote
Puseletso is the junior world record holder in men’s 200m T63, a feat he achieved at the 2019 World Para-Athletics Junior Championships. His journey as a young person and his involvement with the Jumping Kids Prosthetic Fund has made him a South African hero and inspiration to many young differently abled people.
