MEET THE SPEAKERS
DAY 1 & 2 OPENING & CLOSING SESSIONS / NETWORKING EVENT HOSTS
Africa Melane, Host of the Early Breakfast show, 702 and CapeTalk
Master of Ceremonies and Conference Facilitator
Africa Melane is a renowned broadcaster who speaks to South African audiences every morning hosting Early Breakfast on 702 and CapeTalk and discussing the most topical issues of the day. A well-known Master of Ceremonies, he is an accountant by training. Africa regularly facilitates workshops for businesses on planning and budgeting, for the health sector on HIV/Aids, and in diversity training and professional development. He chairs the Board of Cape Town City Ballet, is the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Cape Town Opera, and he also chairs the judging panel for the prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.
Dion Chang, Founder, CEO and Doula, Flux Trends
Opening Keynote Speaker
Dion Chang will make you think differently. He is a strategic thinker, keynote speaker, a walking ideas bank and professional cage rattler. He is one of South Africa’s most respected trend analysts and founder of Flux Trends, which takes the unique view of “trends as business strategy”. For two decades, Flux Trends has helped companies identify disruptive trends that inevitably force change on their business model – anything from disruptive technologies to shifting consumer temperament to generational conflict within a workforce.
Dion is passionate about assisting companies embrace change and embedding a culture of innovation into corporate operating systems. As a result, he is used as a management consultant for businesses facing change and struggling to adapt to a new world order, and is not afraid to ask uncomfortable questions about the unintended consequences of your innovation trajectory. His “The Business of Innovation” module was crafted for business managers and executives at UCT’s Graduate School of Business. He has also lectured at GIBS and Duke CE, devised and hosted numerous immersion tours and trend conferences, published six books and sits on the advisory board of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at WITS. Apart from being an information source for cross-industry trends for many journalists, he also writes columns for City Press and trend features for Acumen (a business quarterly for GIBS). As a seasoned career shifter, he has embarked on another new trajectory, dovetailing his 20 years of experience in “the death of old ideas and the birth of the new” and is now guiding people through life’s pivotal moments as a transition coach and certified end-of-life doula.
Deon van Zyl, WCPDF Chairperson and MD, VORTO
Speaker
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.
SESSION 1: THE FUTURE OF MEGACITIES IN THE WESTERN CAPE
As our cities grow ever closer together throughout South Africa and transform into megacities, what do we want for the Western Cape? We can either set a Masterplan now for the future, or risk the rise of unworkable monsters.
Deon van Zyl, WCPDF Chairperson and MD, VORTO
Facilitator
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.
SESSION 2: THE URBAN DESIGN-LED FUTURE
Why is urban design so important in SA now, and how can we ensure it will be profitable – not only in short-term economic gains but long-term legacy?
Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa, Adjunct Professor, UCT African Centre for Cities (ACC)
Speaker
Dr Luyanda Mpahlwa is a Cape Town based architect and urban design practitioner, passionate about socially relevant architecture with a focus on the transformation of urban environments, in particular reimagining our cities as inclusive, affordable and liveable environments, accessible to all. His education in South Africa was interrupted when he was incarcerated on Robben Island Prison in 1981 for his role in the anti-apartheid struggle. After his release in 1986, he left for Germany, where he spent 15 years in exile. He obtained his Masters’ in Architecture at the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, and is the Director of Architecture & Design Network where he has been practicing since relocating from Berlin in 2000. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science and Technology from the Walter Sisulu University in 2010 for his contribution to innovative, socially relevant design and technology. Currently he is an Adjunct Professor at the UCT, African Centre for Cities, and is the former President of the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). Mpahlwa has received various design awards, including SAIA/Corobrik Award of Excellence in 2006 for the South African Embassy building in Berlin. He was the recipient of USA based Curry Stone Design Prize in 2008 for the Design Indaba Sandbag Low-Cost House in Mitchells Plein, Cape Town. He was also part of the technical team of advisors for the construction of the 2010 World Cup Stadia in South Africa. Mpahlwa has served in various Boards and Councils, including the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA), the National Heritage Council (NHC), the Robben Island Museum Council and the Board of the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). He also served in the Councils of UCT and the Walter Sisulu University (WSU).
Matthew Gray, Founding Member, Matthew Gray Architects & Urban Designers
Speaker
Matthew Gray is a registered professional architect and urban designer with over 40 years of professional experience in the built environment. He is the founding member of Matthew Gray Architects & Urban Designers (established in 1992), where he has led a wide range of projects spanning residential developments, mixed-use precincts, commercial buildings, community facilities and large-scale urban frameworks. Gray holds a B.A.S. and B.Arch. from the University of Cape Town and a Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design from Oxford Brookes University. He has been registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) since 1988 and is a founding member and current executive committee member of the Urban Design Institute of South Africa (UDISA). His urban design experience includes new town developments, major redevelopment precincts in Cape Town, public transport interchanges, affordable housing projects and advisory roles on significant public and private-sector initiatives. Gray is actively involved in professional forums, serving as a UDISA representative on the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) and other provincial planning platforms, contributing to policy review, public participation processes and continued professional development within the industry.
Barbara Southworth, Director: Urban Design, V&A Waterfront Holdings
Speaker
Barbara Southworth is a registered architect and planner with more than 30 years of experience working across the public and private sectors on major urban development and spatial planning initiatives. She previously served as Director: Spatial Planning and Urban Design for the City of Cape Town, where she oversaw city-wide spatial frameworks and public space programmes, before establishing the urban design practice City Think Space. In 2014, she joined GAPP Architects & Urban Designers as a director and shareholder. At the V&A Waterfront she leads urban design strategy, masterplanning and design governance for one of Africa’s most successful mixed-use precincts. Her recent work includes the Granger Bay Urban Design Framework and Masterplan, which supported the V&A Waterfront rezoning and heritage approvals, helping guide the next phase of development of the estate. Southworth has extensive experience in waterfront regeneration and precinct planning, including work on the Ilubirin waterfront project in Lagos, the Annandale mixed-use development, and multiple precinct frameworks within the V&A Waterfront. She has also contributed to national spatial planning and design guidance, including the National Treasury Good Design Guide, and led strategic campus planning initiatives such as the University of the Western Cape development framework. Southworth has participated in international urban design forums, lectures and expert panels addressing sustainable cities and public realm design, and is a founding member and former chair of the Urban Design Institute of South Africa (UDISA).
SESSION 3: BUILDING A PRODUCTION PIPELINE FOR THE FUTURE
What’s next in global trends, and how will this affect the future of the production process and, in particular, contracting consultants? How fast will AI evolve building plan approval? How will we insure projects, and how do we avoid cyber risk?
Steve Fountain, Cyber Security Strategist, CyberQ Group
Speaker
Steve Fountain is a cybersecurity strategist and business leader focused on strengthening digital resilience across complex and rapidly evolving environments. As a senior representative of CyberQ Group, he works with executives, managed service providers, and high-growth organisations to protect critical infrastructure, data and digital ecosystems. With a strong understanding of emerging risk across interconnected systems, he specialises in practical, board-level cyber strategy, crisis preparedness, DNS and network security, and human-layer risk mitigation. His work spans SMEs through to large-scale developments, with a particular focus on safeguarding infrastructure that underpins smart, sustainable cities. At the WCPDF Conference, Fountain will explore how cybersecurity must be embedded into future-proofed urban development – from smart buildings and IoT systems to connected utilities and digital public services. His message is clear: resilience, sustainability, and smart growth are only possible when cyber risk is proactively managed at design stage.
OPENING INTERVIEW DAY 2: FUTURE (HARD) TALK WITH THE INDUSTRY
DAY 2 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
SESSION 4: FUNDING THE CITIES OF THE FUTURE
What new revenue streams will power local and regional growth? And where will global investors place their bets – on urban or rural areas, or both?
Africa Melane, Host of the Early Breakfast show, 702 and CapeTalk
Facilitator
Africa Melane is a renowned broadcaster who speaks to South African audiences every morning hosting Early Breakfast on 702 and CapeTalk and discussing the most topical issues of the day. A well-known Master of Ceremonies, he is an accountant by training and regularly facilitates workshops for businesses on planning and budgeting, for the health sector on HIV/Aids, and in diversity training and professional development. He chairs the Board of Cape Town City Ballet, is the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Cape Town Opera, and he also chairs the judging panel for the prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards.
Eugene Booysen, CEO, Cape Town Stock Exchange
Speaker
Eugene Booysen lives the by Mark Twain quote: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” His 25 years’ experience spans retail, corporate and investment banking, from revenue generation to infrastructure management. He has deep experience in risk management, new business creation and innovation, and launched several new businesses within the banking sector. He was a member of Barclays Africa CIB Executive Committee as Chief Innovation officer and Chief Risk officer. Booysen led innovation within the bank with a focus on adjacent business opportunities and was also responsible for driving the organisational mindset and innovation culture. The included the establishment of a “Seeker fund” for the Barclays Africa group with a mandate to make investments in adjacent and disruptive businesses and co-develop the opportunities within these independent investments. Through these, he helped engineer numerous business models from alternative energy to identity management and peer to peer finance. He has held numerous non-executive positions including the Chairmanship of financially-regulated peer to peer lending. His main pursuit has been the building of virtual distributed banking platforms to create financial inclusion and fairer financial eco-system. Having advised numerous South African corporates on digital ecosystems, technical design, commercial model development and partner ecosystem selection, he also regularly speaks globally on disruptive business approaches, innovation and risk management. Restoring dignity and pride to banking by creating financial inclusion is his passionate purpose.
Kevin Jacoby, Chief Financial Officer, City of Cape Town
Speaker
Kevin Jacoby has over 35 years’ experience in local government at both district and local level, with 30 years at senior management level as either Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As the CFO of the Corporate Finance Directorate within the City of Cape Town, he directly oversees citywide functions for and heads up the following departments: Treasury, Budgets, Supply Chain Management, Revenue, Expenditure, Grant Funding and Valuation.
During Jacoby’s tenure, the City has been able to approve a funded budget that has been adjudicated as sustainable and credible by the National Treasury, as well as being a pro-poor budget, including indigent support, pensioner rebate programmes and many other support mechanisms to uplift communities. The combined operating and capital budgets 25/26 for the City amount approximately to R84 billion, with the CFO position being one of the most senior executives in the City, reaching and influencing the organisation far beyond matters of finances. As part of the City’s Executive Management Team (Sec 57 MFMA), Jacoby joins efforts with his peers to drive the City’s value chain through collaboration in the implementation of the capital budget and project delivery. With the City being a complex system to navigate, Jacoby creates enabling working groups that are solution driven and primarily focused on efficient and accountable delivery of services, resulting in a full interface engagement between the various facets of Supply Chain Management, Legal, Forensic Services, Capital and Operating Budgets, Grant Funding and Corporate Project Management, which is inclusive of the Engineering Service Unit.
SESSION 5: REBUILDING OUR CAPACITY TO BUILD FUTURE CITIES
People power the industry – but do we have the skills to match our ambitions? How are education, industry and government working to rebuild the talent pipeline for the future?
Petra Devereux, Executive Director, Master Builders Association Western Cape (MBAWC)
Speaker
Petra Devereux is a highly regarded leader in the built environment industry. In addition to being the Executive Director of WBAWC, she is also a board member of Master Builders South Africa (MBSA), Training Committee Chairperson for MBSA, a council member of BIBC, a representative of CASA and a management committee member of the WCPDF. A pioneering woman in the industry who champions diversity and inclusion, her career began at 18 in her family-owned construction company. Devereux has a Master of Business Administration from the University of West London, and her expertise spans construction project management, property development, marketing, tourism management, and executive headhunting. An entrepreneur at heart, she founded her own talent acquisition firm, successfully operating across Sub-Saharan Africa for a decade. Renowned for her relationship-building skills, she has worked closely with government officials, universities, employers, and international partners to drive innovation, growth, and opportunities across the sector. Her work reflects resilience, leadership, and a lasting impact on the built environment industry.
Prof Kathy Michell, Director of the Sustainability + Cyber Oriented Research Unit for the Built Environment, Department of Construction Economics and Management, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Cape Town
Speaker
Professor Kathy Michell holds a Doctorate in facilities management from the University of Salford, and a MPhil in cost engineering and BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from UCT. She is a past Head of the Department of Construction Economics and Management and, in current position, she is also Deputy Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Prof Michell serves as the Associate Editor for the Journal of Facilities, is the Regional Editor (Africa) for the Journal of Facilities Management and on the Editorial Board for the African Journal of Real Estate Research, the Journal of Real Estate Literature and the Journal of Civil Engineering Sciences. She currently serves as an elected member of the Board of the CIB International Council for Building and Construction Research. Michell is also a founding Director of the Africa Facilities Management Association and Past-President of the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession. In addition, she has served a four-year term on the Council for the Built Environment in South Africa and as the Africa Market Seat holder on the Governing Council of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
SESSION 6: POLITICAL (FUTURE) HARD TALK
With Premier Alan Winde and Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Deon van Zyl, WCPDF Chairperson and MD, VORTO
Facilitator
Deon van Zyl holds a degree in architecture from the University of the Free State, a diploma in project management and a master’s degree in urban design from the University of Cape Town. He cut his teeth in the redevelopment of brownfield land, with exposure to land remediation, and his passion lies in development facilitation through a multi-disciplinary approach. Deon is the MD of VORTO, a specialist development management consultancy which is part of the AL&A group of companies focused on the built environment. He has been the Chairperson of the Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) since 2011 and is a regular industry commentator, informed by various development industry sub-sectors aligned with the WCPDF.