South Africa’s SAB Foundation, which aims to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of disadvantaged communities, has selected 14 finalists for its fifth annual Social Innovation Awards, the winner of which will walk away with ZAR1.2 million (US$85,000) in funding.
The SAB Foundation will announce the overall winner at an official awards ceremony on October 15, with second and third place also receiving funding of ZAR600,000 (US$43,000) and ZAR400,000 (US$28,000).
Seed grants of between ZAR100,000 (US$7,000) and ZAR150,000 (US$10,000) will also be awarded to other deserving innovations finalists, which were selected from 125 entries.
“We are seeing some incredibly talented young South Africans produce socially informed and transformative products and services that are truly going to help make a change in the lives of those who need it the most,” said SAB Foundation manager Bridgit Evans.
The finalists tackle issues such as food security, human rights, access to education information, facial reconstruction, alternative energy, female hygiene.
“The SAB Foundation hopes to encourage individuals to empower themselves as entrepreneurs and in the process assist others with incredible but often simple resources which change the way our lives work,” says Evans.
The finalists are sustainable waste trolley developer Abomakgereza, sustainable brick making kit briGado, outdoor hen production firm Eggmobile Social Project, energy saving battery Genie Lamp, educational platform Gradesmatch, legal service with mobile office Lady Liberty and Lakheni, which provides low income families access to discounted food items.
Low cost insect production units for animal feed, manufacturing of external maxillofacial prostheses, early warning fire detection system Lumkani, a mobile career planning platform, hardware distribution solutions for e-books SnappBox, delivery service Specialised Deliveries and eco-friendly sanitary pad maker Subz make up the rest of the list.
