Sum1 Investments and White Cane named top winners at SAB Foundation’s Social Innovation Disability Empowerment Awards 2025

Sum1 Investments and White Cane have been announced as the overall winners of this year’s SAB Foundation Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, held last night in Johannesburg.

Sum1 Investments took first place in the Social Innovation category for its asset-financing model that enables stokvels to grow their savings by investing directly into township and rural small businesses.

White Cane won in the Disability Empowerment category for producing South Africa’s first locally manufactured folding and rigid canes, made by blind and partially sighted people.

The Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards recognise and support entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to pressing social challenges and improving the lives of people with disabilities.

In total, more than R18.5 million in grant funding was awarded to this year’s winners, alongside access to mentorship, training, and networks of funders and industry experts.

SOCIAL INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS

First place: Sum1 Investments

Joint second place: The Marking App and MagnaSlide & MagnaFlow

Joint third place: Jobox and The Surgical Assistant

DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT AWARD WINNERS

First place: White Cane

Second place: Rural Area Power Wheelchair

Third place: Disability Orientated Radio Station

“Our finalists and winners are showing us what it means to turn bold ideas into sustainable businesses that change lives,” said Sarah Mthintso, Executive Director of the SAB Foundation. “With tailored support, funding and networks, we’re helping them strengthen their solutions, reach more people and grow their impact across South Africa.”

“The work of the SAB Foundation stands as one of the most meaningful expressions of our heritage, particularly in our 130th year of operation, by empowering people and communities to thrive,” said Zoleka Lisa, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at SAB. “As a business, we have always supported South Africans who have the vision and determination to change lives. These entrepreneurs are proof that when we invest in local talent, we unlock innovation that uplifts communities and strengthens our country for generations to come.”

The audience also cast their votes on the night, awarding an additional R150 000 in funding to their chosen winner - Tap-Fi, a provider of affordable, uncapped Wi-Fi to underserved townships and rural areas through a shared connection model.

Since its launch in 2010, SAB Foundation, through the Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, have invested more than R88.9 million in nearly 203 social innovators, contributing to significant job creation and long-term impact across South Africa.