Vaughn Sadie is a Cape Town-based conceptual artist, researcher, and educator exploring the roleof public infrastructure in shaping urban experience. His interdisciplinary practice engages choreographers, theatre-makers, and communities to develop alternative ways of interacting with the built environment. He co-founded Karoo Kaarte (2021) with Neil Coppen and has co-curated Spier Light Art since 2018. As a researcher, Sadie has worked at the African Centre for Cities, investigating community-led cultural programming through a nodal governance framework. His work examines how public infrastructure influences social engagement and spatial perception.He has presented his research internationally, including in Croatia and China. He has also worked asa project manager and researcher for institutions such as the Visual Arts Network of South Africa and the South African History Archive, supporting public art initiatives and archival projects that engage with social and spatial transformation.
Nokukhanya (Khanya) Mncwabe is a researcher at the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town and the founder of the social impact business, Matawi. She has previously worked as an independent consultant and human rights researcher and advocacy specialist, providing varied support to organisations including, among others, Goethe Institut (South Africa), French Embassy (South Africa), Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (Uganda), N’Zarama Centre for Peacebuilding (Côte d'Ivoire), Heinrich Boell Foundation (South Africa), Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (United Kingdom | United States), Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (South Africa).
Charles Maisel is a South African social entrepreneur and innovator renowned for his creative approach to addressing societal challenges. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Development Economics and International Development from Rhodes University between 1984 and 1987. In 2004, Charles founded "Men on the Side of the Road" (MSR), an organisation aimed at enhancing the skills of unskilled, unemployed individuals to help them secure sustainable employment. MSR acts as a bridge between employers and its members, facilitating job placements in various sectors such as gardening, landscaping, painting, and general labour. Beyond MSR, Charles has initiated several other impactful projects, including Shanduka Black Umbrellas, Lavender in Lavender Hill, The Stickfighting Company, 81 Gangster Museum, HUHO Street Gyms, Indledlana Rock Roads Project, and The Broccoli Project. Through his venture, Innovation Shack, he continues to develop and launch new social enterprises, aiming to inspire the next generation of changemakers with innovative solutions to pressing issues.