Changing the world one word at a time

Neza Cilunda is a TEDx speaker born in the northern part of Namibia.She is the second of three daughters and a self-described passionate individual."I describe myself as a very enthusiastic and zealous individual with a deep sense of urgency to change the world for the better, starting with myself; that’s why I go by the name 'Girl on a Mission'".Inspired to talkWhen asked about what inspired her to become a TED speaker, she said there has always been something about being on stage that appeals to her."I would fantasise about being on stage all the time. I was always an attention seeker, and I loved sharing my thoughts, ideas, and any new information that I had learned with others."She added: "I discovered TED talks on YouTube and absolutely fell in love. The sharing of valuable ideas, especially those that can impact the world for the better, amazed her."In total, the young TEDx speaker has delivered three talks. The first at the TEDx University of Namibia event The second was a speech she did at the opening ceremony for the Happy Educated Children event, and lastly, a reiteration of her TED talk at one of Namibia’s leading public speakers, Popyeni Kaxuxwena's talk session on 'How to turn your voice into an invoice'.Self-motivated Cilunda is currently preparing a speech for the Hermosa Mimosa event – an event aimed especially at aspiring female doctors. Of all the speeches she has given, she said the TEDx talk is her favourite.Her biggest motivator is the version of herself that she has conceptualised. "She is reliable, gentle, wise and truthful. She is relentless in the pursuit of her ideals, not dependent on the validation of others, and eloquent and concise in her speech." One of the challenges that the speaker faces is finding time to perfect her craft. "Between school and planning and operating my own youth initiative called Student Diary Hub, I barely get any time," she said.BackgroundCilunda attended grades one and two at Francis Galton Primary School in Tsumeb before her family moved to Grootfontein, where she continued at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School from grades three to seven.After that, she attended Grootfontein Secondary School, where she attained her senior academic colours in grade 11 in 2020."I graduated at the top of my class in high school and won the trophy for the second-best advanced subsidiary level performer in the Otjiozonjupa Region in 2021."She is currently a second-year medical student at the University of Namibia.

Changing the world one word at a time

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-11

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Changing the world one word at a time

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-11

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