Pozisa Manisi, a student at the University of the Western Cape, is inspired by Oprah Winfrey, among others, as she esteems qualities exhibited, such as leadership, philanthropy, entrepreneurship and motivational speaking - qualities she is currently developing in her own life. More importantly, she draws motivation and drive from her family, both biological and spiritual.
When asked to share why she applied to be a TEDxYouth@CapeTown speaker, she said: “I believe that we are living in a time and era, particularly in South Africa, where democracy is the buzzword, common in our everyday lives.”
Pozisa adds that “In a democratic state one would expect that people are allowed to define themselves in a way that makes sense to them. However, this does not seem to be reflected in the case of women. Hence, I want to speak out against women being marginalised. Women should be allowed to be unique and define themselves in a manner suitable to them. They should not be framed as either traditional or modern, rather they should be viewed holistically. I have therefore joined the quest to make this truth heard”.
Pozisa’s journey to the TEDx stage:
What do you hope to gain from the experience of being a TEDx speaker?
I want to gain experience in delivering a powerful message that can impact someone within 12-15 minutes. I want to become more confident as a public speaker.
The talk is only a few weeks away, how are you feeling about it?
Actually, I am starting to feel nervous, but excited at the same time.
If you had a superpower what would it be?
Heal people (physically and emotionally).
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Lion, because it has power and it is the ruler in the animal kingdom.
If you could time travel, where would you go?
Berlin, Germany.
Which fictional character do you wish you could meet?
Garfield.
If you could sing a duet with anyone, who would it be?
Ntokozo Mbambo-Mbatha.
