Riedwaan ‘Rudi’ Kimmie is the current Interim Director of the Aerotropolis Institute Africa. He is an executive member of the Iqraa Trust, a philanthropic and humanitarian organisation.

Rudi has extensive experience in strategic management at operational and at executive levels within corporate and tertiary sectors. He is a trained facilitator and focuses on consulting in personal and organisational development, education and social impact projects.

Rudi holds a degree in Liberal Arts, Post-Graduate Degrees in Education and Personnel Management, as well as a PhD in Leadership from UKZN’s GSB&L. 

Luphumlo Joka is a nationally recognised business consultant, enterprise development specialist, and transformational leader committed to building sustainable businesses and empowering communities across South Africa.

He is the Founder and Director of Global Leadership Consultants (GLC). In 2024, Mr Joka was honoured by the Minister of Small Business Development for his outstanding contributions to enterprise development in South Africa. 

He holds a BAdmin degree from UNISA and is a certified Business Advisor through the Institute of Business Advisors Southern Africa (IBASA). Additionally, he is an accredited facilitator and moderator with ETDP SETA and a graduate of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) through the UNISA School of Business Leadership.

Mr Joka is also the author of The Ultimate Leader-Shift, a book that explores heart-centered leadership for the 21st century. His podcast series has hosted top leaders like Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and Mmusi Maimane, providing valuable insights to a Pan-African audience.

Teddy Luthuli is a dynamic entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose journey from Khayelitsha’s streets to Cape Town International Airport is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and purpose.

She is the founder of a thriving food and beverage enterprise that began with borrowed blenders and street-side tables and has grown to include a kiosk on Long Street and, most recently, a flagship outlet at Cape Town International Airport. Her business has been supported by institutions such as NYDA, SEFA, and De Beers’ Thrioplu programme, recognising her vision and determination.

Teddy has been acknowledged for her commitment to breaking cycles of poverty by creating meaningful employment opportunities for young women from her community, many of whom have grown with her since the early days of his venture. Her entrepreneurial story reflects a deep commitment to integrity, perseverance, and social impact.

A mentor with the Western Cape entrepreneurship ecosystem, Teddy uses her platform to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs across South Africa. She believes that success is not just measured by business growth, but by the lives uplifted along the way.

“My journey proves that no dream is too big, no beginning too humble. It’s not about where you come
from, it’s about how fiercely you want to rise. And for me, this is just the beginning.”