Finalists of the SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2024 are announced
The SAB Foundation is pleased to announce the 23 inspiring finalists of its annual Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards. These innovative entrepreneurs will be awarded at a ceremony in Johannesburg on Thursday, 10 October 2024.
Since their inception, these awards have showcased innovative solutions to social challenges while supporting sustainable businesses. Itumeleng Dhlamini, Head of Programmes at the SAB Foundation, is proud of this year's finalists, describing them as disruptors dedicated to advancing technology and innovation.
“We are so excited to host yet another cohort of talented South African innovators that have developed creative solutions to address burning issues in their communities,” says Dhlamini. “From technology systems aimed at reducing food waste andassisting in the early and accurate detection of tuberculosis (TB)., to advanced navigation aids for the visually impaired, these entries showcase the diversity of entrepreneurial activities and wealth of talent in our country.”
“After selecting these individuals from over 600 applications, and putting them through a rigorous four-round judging process involving experts from various sectors, the quality of this year's entries is world-class,” she adds. “Through this flagship awards programme we are now able to offer our finalists wrap around support, including one-on-one coaching , business skills development, access to markets and networks, and funding opportunities.“
"We look forward to celebrating their achievements and helping them grow with the support of our experienced coaches ," concludes Dhlamini. "Our goal is to ensure these innovations lead to sustainable success, create jobs, and empower vulnerable communities throughout South Africa."
DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT AWARDS:
People with disabilities in South Africa face a number of social and economic barriers, and currently, unemployment in the sector stands at over 90%. The SAB Foundation Disability Empowerment Awards aim to find, support and scale social innovations that are either run by people with disabilities or provide disability solutions to enhance disability access and promote equality and inclusion.
Chief Ralekhudu Enterprises
This unique programme provides scarce skills training for persons with disabilities and the opportunity to earn a certified occupational qualification in wheelchair and assistive device servicing, repair and refurbishment.
Enabled: Providing affordable hearing aids
An innovative software solution designed to assist individuals with hearing and visual impairments. This high-resolution sound amplification software is capable of processing audio in real-time, enhancing the clarity and volume of sounds to make them more audible for users with varying degrees of hearing loss.
Equal Access Programme
An impactful solution that provides access to rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. This pioneering programme directly tackles key challenges of inequality and healthcare access by making high-quality outpatient rehabilitation services accessible to all.
NavWok
A smart cane technology that provides personalised navigational support for the visually impaired. Integrating cutting-edge sensors, real-time voice feedback, and AI-powered assistance, this smart attachment for white canes offers advanced features. These include obstacle detection, route guidance, and environmental mapping, empowering users to navigate complex environments with confidence and ease.
Sign Language Education and Development
An interactive online learning programme to train educators in South African Sign Language. This trail-blazing digital programme upskills educators who work in schools for the Deaf to become fluent in SASL, the language of learning and teaching for the Deaf.
Vusmzi Initiative
A sustainable apiculture and agriculture model that empowers persons with disabilities. Founded by Local Village Africa, this innovation opens up socio-economic opportunities for people living in remote and rural communities by establishing beekeeping enterprises.
SOCIAL INNOVATION AWARDS:
The SAB Foundation Social Innovation Awards identify, support and scale social innovations that address socio-economic and environmental challenges. By providing funding and tailored coaching and business development support to promising local innovators, it contributes to the alleviation of social problems and helps to improve the quality of life for many South Africans, with an emphasis on women, youth, people with disabilities or those in rural areas.
Afoody
A unique technology platform that combats food waste and promotes sustainable consumption. This revolutionary digital solution partners with local stores and restaurants to sell their surplus food to consumers at a discount to reduce food waste and make food more affordable.
Authentic8
A barcode scanning application that tackles the issue of counterfeit goods. This cutting-edge technology collects and analyses data, and provides users buying from local spaza shops, warehouses and individuals with clear comparisons to help differentiate between genuine and counterfeit products.
Chelo
A groundbreaking platform that revolutionises fundraising and project management in education. This first-of-its-kind online fundraising platform uses AI technology to streamline the process of raising funds for schools by providing a transparent and efficient platform for donors, schools and suppliers to collaborate.
Kingdom Vision
A collaborative model to improve and expand access to quality eye care for low-income communities. This innovative initiative offers patients living in vulnerable communities and rural settings affordable and quality eye care.
Flexigyn
A user-guided hysteroscopy platform that enables minimally invasive procedures. The system integrates flexible, affordable hardware with intuitive software, to drastically reduce diagnostic wait times, eliminating the need for anaesthesia, and cutting costs.
Franc
A mobile application that promotes financial inclusion by providing access to financial investment. The app allows users to create accounts, set investment goals, assess risk, and manage deposits, withdrawals, and transfers seamlessly. With no minimum investment requirements, Franc makes it easier for everyone to access top cash and equity funds.
Leruo
Using a mobile app with facial recognition technology, Leruo helps smallholder farmers register and track their cattle. This platform connects farmers with formal markets, provides compliance checks, and offers insights on herd performance.
Lethabo
An AI-powered platform enabling users to manage electricity and water services in their native language. Using natural language processing, Lethabo simplifies tasks like bill payments, issue reporting, and general inquiries across languages including isiZulu, Afrikaans, and Sesotho.
Micro-sized Household Biodigester
A groundbreaking solution combining micro-sized biodigesters and vertical hydroponic systems. This integrated system converts organic waste into clean biogas for cooking and nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser for growing vegetables. The vertical hydroponics maximises space and water efficiency, enabling up to 60 plants in just 2m², while using 95% less water and eliminating pesticides.
Petricam
An innovative and affordable microbial monitoring solution that makes analysis more accessible. This project introduces a cutting-edge, low-cost device designed to change microbial monitoring. Developed using desktop 3D printing, wireless IP cameras, and web-based remote monitoring, this modular system offers real-time analysis of bacterial, microalgal, yeast, and fungal colonies.
Reading Apple
A cutting-edge digital tool that enhances reading skills using smart AI technology. This tool generates personalised reading passages based on user proficiency and allows for interactive learning through voice recordings. Accessible via WhatsApp, it supports 19 languages and provides instant feedback on reading performance. Users can upload their own content for a tailored experience, making reading practice more effective and engaging.
Red Academy Career Sprint
A unique software development programme that immerses students in real-world technology environments. This programme is transforming the training landscape for South African youth by offering hands-on training tailored to clients' technical needs and operational processes.
Shiyiwa: Community Based Clinics Upgrade Programme
A community-based programme revolutionising primary healthcare delivery in clinics. By integrating digital technology and renewable energy, Shiwiya enhances clinics to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services close to where people live. This shift from a curative to a primary healthcare model aims to improve treatment adherence, reduce hospitalisations, and lower public healthcare costs.
SL Tita Charcoal
A sustainable charcoal manufacturing process using local resources and innovative design. This approach leverages the surplus of Black wattle in the Eastern Cape from local districts, turning an invasive species into a valuable product. This solution not only addresses a local market need, but also promotes sustainable resource use.
TB Detection AI and Auscultation
An advanced digital stethoscope that uses AI to detect tuberculosis (TB). This tool allows healthcare workers, even those without specialised training, to screen for TB quickly and cost-effectively. The stethoscope records lung sounds, which are analysed by an AI model to provide a TB prediction within seconds, helping in early and accurate detection.
Tipped
A digital tipping solution that uses QR codes linked to digital wallets. This system enhances financial inclusion, especially for the unbanked and has increased recipients' earnings by nearly 40%. Tipped fosters economic equality and empowers individuals by making tipping simple, accessible, and impactful.
Tsepo V3
A cost-effective and eco-friendly portable power station to make energy more accessible. This remarkable innovation offers a transformative power solution to the energy challenges faced by students, entrepreneurs and communities. Crafted from recycled materials, this portable power station integrates a 300W inverter alongside solar powered technology to supply clean, safe and reliable power.
To learn more about the Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards visit https://sabfoundation.co.za/social-innovation-awards.