Social Innovation Exchange (SIX)

At a time when our narratives are dominated by polarisation, division and dystopias, inspiration is more crucial than ever, and we need to look to places less well known to find it. It is important to go beyond our comfort zones. That’s why we invited an amazing group of people to Bloemfontein to discuss what it takes to support and accelerate people-powered change. In this report, we share some learning and insights from the Social Innovation Indaba. We hope this report provides insights and fresh perspectives and ideas that you want to share and connect with. Too many people to mention but special thanks to everyone who contributed to the programme: Sir Geoff Mulgan Bridgit Evans Tembeka Ngcukaitobi Laura Ekumbo Anamika Dey Tessa Dooms Aparna Piramal Raje Solange Rosa, PhD Diana Ocholla Melissa (Mel) Zisengwe Kriss Deiglmeier Vincent Ralph Clark Kate Philip Aaron Kim Francois Strydom Lydia Tsz-Ling Sung Tumi Moroeng Napo Masheane Irène Olohou Radhika Mia, PhD Harvey Koh Markus Lux Yogavelli Nambiar Michael Ngigi Elisabeth Makumbi Leïla Lopez-Proulx Aïssé Touré Dr. Narissa Ramdhani Bonolo Lulu Makhalemele Carla Duprat Awande Zwane Cheryl Jacob Taïna Mueth University of the Free State SAB Foundation Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship LOJIQ - Les Offices jeunesse internationaux du Québec France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi

We were excited to announce the launch of INNOV4GOOD call for projects at the Global Social Innovation Indaba 2024 this week. Thank you to the French Embassy for the wonderful partnership! A heartfelt thank you to contributors - Irène Olohou, Christine Nicola Taphel, Katusha de Villiers, Modester Mangilani, Itumeleng Dhlamini!

💡 Here’s a short snippet from our recent dialogue exploring youth at the centre of driving change >>> 💭 If you missed our recent webinar discussing “How Youth Entrepreneurship Can Shape the Future” with Luvuyo M. from the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (South Africa) and Dr. Paroma Bhattacharya from LSE Generate (UK), you can watch the full recording here: https://lnkd.in/eNK5W7pP 🌱 This dialogue is a prelude to the first global Social Innovation Indaba in Bloemfontein, South Africa in partnership with the University of the Free State next week! 👋 To keep up-to-date, visit www.si-indaba.com and sign up to SIX’s newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eyArjQ4W

🎉 Strategic Partner Announcement! 🎉 We’re delighted to be partnering with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Innovation & Entrepreneurship as a key strategic partner for the Global Social Innovation Indaba. 🤝 Our collaboration with Bertha Centre has been instrumental in shaping an exciting and dynamic programme for this year’s Indaba. Recently, we hosted a thought-provoking webinar with Luvuyo M., Project Manager of the Youth Innovation Portfolio at Bertha Centre, exploring youth entrepreneurship and its potential to shape the future: https://lnkd.in/ekgnH-yj Next week, we’re thrilled to welcome the Bertha Centre team, where we will be hearing from: 💡 Solange Rosa, PhD Rosa on social innovation for social justice 💡 Diana Ocholla on collective memory in people-powered change  💡 Katusha de Villiers on perspectives from ecosystem builders 💡 Along with simnikiwe xanga and Gillian Moodley who will be bringing their expertise in social innovation to our discussions! Explore some of Bertha Centre’s amazing work here: https://lnkd.in/g6Wt2NS Don't forget to visit https://www.si-indaba.com to learn more about our exciting event in Bloemfontein, South Africa in partnership with the University of the Free State! And subscribe to SIX’s newsletter to stay updated: https://lnkd.in/eyArjQ4W

🎤 Speaker Announcement! 🎤 We are excited to announce Desmond D’sa, a globally recognised Environmental Justice Activist & Coordinator at South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), as a speaker at our Global Social Innovation Indaba next week. Desmond has spent decades championing the rights of marginalised communities affected by industrial pollution and environmental degradation in South Africa. His relentless advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize, for his work in promoting environmental justice and fighting for the health and dignity of vulnerable communities. We look forward to hearing Desmond’s powerful insights on effective activism, environmental and social justice, and how communities can drive the fight for sustainable development. Visit https://www.si-indaba.com to learn more about our exciting event in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and sign up to SIX’s newsletter to stay updated: https://lnkd.in/eyArjQ4W

🎤 Speaker Announcement! 🎤 We are excited to welcome Solange Rosa, PhD, Director of the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town, as a speaker at our Global Social Innovation Indaba. Solange brings a wealth of expertise in public policy, law, social justice, and social impact, with a focus on driving inclusive innovation and socio-economic development. We look forward to hearing her insights on social innovation for social justice next week! Visit https://www.si-indaba.com to learn more about our exciting event in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and sign up to SIX’s newsletter to stay updated: https://lnkd.in/eyArjQ4W

💡 Here’s a short snippet from our recent dialogue exploring youth at the centre of driving change >>> 💭 If you missed our recent webinar discussing “How Youth Entrepreneurship Can Shape the Future” with Dr. Paroma Bhattacharya from LSE Generate (UK) and Luvuyo M. from the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (South Africa), you can watch the full recording here: https://lnkd.in/eNK5W7pP 🌱 This dialogue is a prelude to the first global Social Innovation Indaba in Bloemfontein, South Africa next week! 👋 To keep up-to-date, visit www.si-indaba.com and sign up to SIX’s newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eyArjQ4W

🎤 Speaker Announcement! 🎤 We are excited to announce Tessa Dooms, Director at the Rivonia Circle, as a speaker at our Global Social Innovation Indaba. A sociologist, political analyst, and development practitioner, and author of the acclaimed book 'Coloured', Tessa brings 15 years of experience working across sectors to advance Africa’s developmental goals. We look forward to Tessa’s insights on how to transform our institutions, how to work across divides, and working with young people to shape Africa’s future. If you're interested in joining us in South Africa for this exciting event, we still have a few spots left! Visit https://www.si-indaba.com/ and get in touch at events@socialinnovationexchange.org to find out more.

🎤 Speaker Announcement! 🎤 We are thrilled to announce Kate Philip, Programme Lead on the Presidential Employment Stimulus in South Africa, as a speaker at our upcoming Global Social Innovation Indaba. From leading the Community Work Programme, one of South Africa’s largest public employment initiatives, to her role in creating the Social Employment Fund during COVID-19, Kate has demonstrated how rethinking employment can restore dignity and foster social cohesion. We look forward to hearing Kate’s insights on how innovative public employment models can drive social change and create sustainable livelihoods. We have very few spots left for this exciting event in South Africa! Visit https://www.si-indaba.com/ and get in touch at events@socialinnovationexchange.org if you're interested in joining us.