Tiago Damasceno is a Project Manager at Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU NPC). Through his work at VPUU, he has carried out urban and architectural development projects around Khayelitsha. Tiago, of Mozambican origin, graduated with a Masters in Architecture (prof) at UCT. He worked as an architect and builder in Berlin and Pakistan and was part of the team that won Gold at the HOLCIM awards for Asia and Pacific. He championed a development project focused on natural building materials and architecture for Ethiopia's rural housing between EiABC in Addis Ababa and ETH in Zurich. Tiago has grown a career in development with a strong focus on the built environment embedded in social cohesion and social construct. He understands the dynamics of working between Municipality, Community and technical pressures.

Tshepo Mokholo is a South African interdisciplinary designer, urbanist, writer, and researcher. He holds an Honours degree in Architecture from the University of Pretoria and is pursuing a Master’s in Southern Urbanism at the African Centre for Cities. His research focuses on alternative development models, particularly examining township food systems. Mokholo has worked on design and research projects internationally, including with the African Design Centre and MASS Design Group in Kenya and Rwanda. He writes for platforms like Africa In Fact and Mail & Guardian, discussing urban governance, township innovation, and spatial economics. He is co-authoring a book on Public Interest Design In South Africa from 1994 with Claire Du Trevou and Dr Carin Combrinck. His work emphasizes reimagining cities and exploring ideas at the margins.

Claudia Hitzeroth, a South African urban development practitioner specializing in affordable housing, formerly served as a Project Coordinator at the Development Action Group (DAG), a Cape Town-based NGO addressing urban land and housing issues. She focused on institutionalizing innovative urban land management strategies in South African cities to achieve spatial transformation and inclusion. Claudia has extensive, affordable housing finance experience, facilitating small-scale rental housing and infrastructure funding mechanisms. She remains an active guest lecturer at UCT and UCL. Holding a master's degree in Sustainable Urban Development from the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL, and a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Cape Town, Claudia is currently a nominated fellow of the DGMT Innovation Fellowship for young leaders from the civil society sector.

Claire, an urbanist and architect, brings radical honesty to her diverse career in urban development, thriving in complexity and adapting to new methods. In 2021, she complemented her Architectural Qualifications with an MBA, blending creative problem-solving with strategic skills for tackling systemic urban issues. Known for facilitating participatory workshops, Claire implements brave ideas for sustainable urban regeneration. Her research at People’s Environmental Planning into Backyard Rentals was pivotal in forming Bitprop. Claire remains committed to inclusive township regeneration and co-creation spaces while on a break from the South African housing landscape. Her enthusiasm spills into everything she does, making her a dedicated force for building better cities and co-creating safe spaces.

Co-founder of ABCD Concepts Pty Ltd, Buntu Matole, born in Gauteng and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader. Established in 2015 with business partner Ayanda Cuba, ABCD Concepts aimed to reshape Khayelitsha's perception. Starting with sports-focused initiatives, tournaments, and coaching clinics, the venture evolved into a tourist attraction, elevating the community's profile. Buntu, actively engaged in operations, customer relations, and team management, has contributed to the success of ABCD. In 2016, he became an Airbnb experience host, later obtaining registration as a tourist guide in 2017. His commitment has played a pivotal role in transforming Khayelitsha into a vibrant and thriving destination, specifically Spine Road.

Sarah Harding is an architectural designer, researcher, and writer from Johannesburg, now based in London. Her work delves into critical theory and experimental design, challenging traditional architectural norms and focusing on the politics of space and the body. Sarah earned her master's in architecture in 2020 from the University of Johannesburg and has worked with progressive South African firms like UrbanWorks and Counterspace. She also tutored master's students at the University of Johannesburg and conducted research at the African Futures Institute. Recently, she assisted Lesley Lokko, the curator of the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Currently, Sarah is a researcher and writer at Adjaye Associates in London.

Lloyd Martin, the founder of Locus Metis, creates sustainable and culturally-integrated spaces, leveraging the urban metabolism framework. With international experience, he believes in honest architecture that engages with its environment. Locus Metis blends innovation, sustainability, and cultural integration, shaping meaningful spaces for a harmonious future.

Roland Postma is the Managing Director of Young Urbanists in South Africa, co-coordinating the Active Mobility Forum. Originally from Pretoria, he holds a first-class Honours degree in Urban and Regional Planning and resides in Cape Town. Passionate about urban transformation, Roland engages stakeholders to create vibrant, sustainable communities. With a deep understanding of South Africa's urban challenges, he empowers young professionals in urbanism. Through leadership, he aims to repurpose cities and streets, acting as a catalyst for transformative change and redefining the South African dream. He believes in leaving a legacy by building people-centered cities.

Leonard Miller is a co-director and lead designer at MiMo Architects, a Johannesburg-based design firm passionately dedicated to discovering the essence of enduring architecture. With a primary focus on beauty, economy, and appropriateness, Leonard and his team at MiMo Architects delve beneath superficial layers to uncover the fundamental elements that generate a lasting impact in their designs. Our design ethos emphasizes extracting maximum experience from minimal means. By thoughtfully arranging spaces and utilizing simple materials, we create experiential architecture that harmonizes with nature and maximizes user comfort.

Faldi, the Head Project Manager for Cape Town's Formula E event and is a seasoned Project Developer and Civil Engineer. His work has spanned an extensive variety of prominent projects including the V&A Marina, The One & Only Hotel, The Portside Building, and the C40 Net Zero initiative. Faldi has also worked on the Athlone CBD revitalization project and the mixed-income, mixed-use Conradie Park developments in Cape Town. Faldi's passion for sustainable design and development drives his work. In addition to his professional commitments, he is deeply dedicated to education and actively shares his knowledge, advocating for fostering healthy urbanism in Cape Town, aiming to create a sustainable and vibrant future for the city's residents.

Albert van Jaarsveld, a registered architect, established a practice in London after completing his post-graduate Diploma in architecture at Cambridge University. He returned to South Africa in 2010, working part-time at the University of Cape Town as a tutor and course convener for eleven years. Albert was also employed full-time at Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects (SAOTA) until 2020. He developed the undergraduate curriculum at UCT, integrating theory, technology, and design methodology. Additionally, he created the bridging course for admission to landscape architecture and urban design courses. Albert publishes research, delivers public lectures, presents at international conferences, and conducts architecture tours regularly.