Nhlanhla Buthelezi

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Nhlanhla Buthelezi, Poetry Slam Champion, is a business communication specialist, motivational speaker, performance poet and writer.

As a performance poet he is well known across the Jozi arts scene. He has performed on many stages across Gauteng, from the underground battle scene through to corporate events and launches. A long time performer on the Jo'burg arts scene, Nhlanhla works within the Unity Design creative hub and has partnered and worked with a very wide range of the country's creative talent. From poets to performing artists, fine artists, interior designers and illustrators, he has instant access to a very wide pool of artists.

Amongst many others, Nhlanhla has featured at the following events:

* African Bank Culture Exchange Event (2007)
* Ge'ko Publishing Launch (2006)
* Black Word Festival (2006)
* Bless Me Father Launch (2007)
* WITS Business School Scenario Planning Lecture (2008)
* Five Roses Launch (with Gcina Mhlope) (2008)

He is a 2 time Urban Soul Poetry Slam Champion
Visual Vocals Poetry Slam Champion
House of Hunger Poetry Slam Champion

His first book, on leadership, will be released with Ge'ko Publishing in 2009. A strong writer with a focus on social development and politics, he often works as a motivational speaker, addressing issues of youth leadership, personal development and visionary thinking.

As an Evangelist he has a self supporting Ministry within the Seventh Day Adventist Movement and is a regular on many platforms of the church in various provinces of the country.

What would your talk at TEDxJohannesburg focus on?: 

Talking in English
My talk is based on personal experience, with a key focus on literacy. I could not speak, read or write fluent English until November 1999. It was through my stout love for poetry that I was truly empowered.
I would like to highlight the role that literacy plays in truly transforming one's ability to influence the world substantially.

Where can we experience you as a speaker?: 
At any poetry session in and around Johannesburg. Motivational seminars at High Schools around the Johannesburg Central District.