Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026

A ripple effect

 Every ripple starts with a single point of impact - one bold idea, one act of courage, one person who refuses to accept things as they are.

 From that centre, the impact spreads. It begins with an innovator and an idea. It moves outward into communities, creating opportunities, livelihoods and change. With the right support, that ripple can travel further, reaching people and places far beyond its starting point.

 Through the Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, the SAB Foundation helps innovators strengthen their solutions, grow their businesses and extend their impact. One idea creates the first ripple. From there, its potential continues to expand.

Social Innovation Awards finalists 2026

The Social Innovation Awards champion South African innovators developing practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. From health and housing to energy, water and financial inclusion, the Awards support ideas with the potential to create meaningful and lasting change.

 The programme focuses on innovators with prototypes or early-stage businesses that demonstrate both impact and potential for growth. Through funding, technical expertise and tailored coaching, the SAB Foundation helps these ventures strengthen their operations, reach more people and build financially sustainable businesses.

  • 01. Blue Lab

    A PORTABLE WATER-QUALITY TOOLKIT

    BLUE LAB is a portable water-quality monitoring toolkit that makes field testing faster, simpler and more affordable. Designed for municipalities, environmental practitioners, schools and communities, it detects bacterial contamination and key water-quality indicators without relying on conventional laboratory facilities. Results are available within minutes to a few hours, enabling earlier identification of contamination and providing communities and practitioners with information they can use to protect water sources and public health.

    Sithethelele Bekwa

    079 437 2126 / 078 586 5823
    sithe.bekwa@gmail.com

  • 02. BUDDYAI

    AN AI TUTORING PLATFORM SUPPORTING LEARNERS IN UNDER-SERVED COMMUNITIES

    BuddyAI is a WhatsApp-based AI tutoring platform providing personalised, curriculum-aligned learning support to Grade 1 to 12 learners. Through multilingual tutoring, exam preparation, adaptive quizzes and instant feedback, it makes educational support accessible through a familiar, low-data platform. Its hybrid AI-human model also creates income opportunities for youth tutors while extending learning support to rural, township and under-served communities.

     Tshaamano Mabuba

    081 593 7582 / 068 239 0675
tshaamano@buddylearning.co.za

  • 03. Clinch Health

    A DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR PATIENTS TO MANAGE THEIR TREATMENTS

     Clinch Health is a nurse-led digital patient support platform that helps patients manage their treatment after leaving a healthcare facility. It combines clinical support with medication reminders, patient education, pre-consultation assessments, and follow-up care. The platform strengthens treatment adherence and patient engagement, particularly supporting people living with chronic conditions that require consistent, ongoing care.

     Mxolisi Booi

    069 451 8632 / 065 827 3168
    Mxolisik97@gmail.com

  • 04. Greenpulse Micro Electric Mobility Systems

    A CLEAN TRANSPORT SOLUTION FOR UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

    Greenpulse combines electric mobility, renewable energy and local manufacturing to improve access to affordable transport. Its system includes adaptive electric bicycles and mobility vehicles, portable solar-powered charging stations and technical skills development. Designed with underserved communities and persons with disabilities in mind, Greenpulse creates opportunities for mobility, employment and entrepreneurship while advancing locally manufactured clean transport solutions.

     Mpho Godfrey Moloko

    081 725 2568 / 087 153 2141
    molokomgm@gmail.com

  • 05. Hustle To Business

    A PLATFORM HELPING  INFORMAL TRADERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES ACCESS FINANCE

    Hustle to Business is a fintech platform helping informal traders and small businesses build the financial track record they need to participate in the formal economy. The platform brings together banking, digital payments, alternative credit scoring, financial literacy, and access to funding opportunities, helping entrepreneurs traditionally excluded from formal financial services establish financial identities and access opportunities for business growth.

     Yolanda Lekota

    081 517 3844 / 081 507 1585
    yolanda@philadi.co.za

  • 06. Inclusive Laptop Solutions for Students

    AFFORDABLE LAPTOP ACCESS FOR STUDENTS

    ElektroPlug makes laptops accessible to students who cannot afford the upfront cost of a device or qualify for traditional credit. Its interest-free subscription model uses a proprietary affordability algorithm based on banking transactions rather than conventional credit history. Students receive insured laptops through manageable monthly payments, while returned devices are refurbished and reissued. This circular model expands access to educational technology while reducing electronic waste.

     Hillel Tladi

    062 947 1519
    h.tladi@elektroplug.co.za

  • 07. Integrated Water Quality and Leakage Intelligence

    AI-POWERED WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

    Webotec's Integrated Water Quality & Leakage Intelligence solution combines smart leak detection, water quality monitoring and AI-powered anomaly detection in one non-invasive system. It provides real-time alerts when it identifies leaks, bursts or possible contamination, helping municipalities, schools, clinics and communities respond faster, reduce water losses and improve the safety and management of increasingly scarce water resources. The programme also incorporates youth skills development and training, equipping young people with practical skills in the installation, operation and maintenance of the system.

     Xoliswa Meko

    082 537 6461 / 072 058 1226
    xoliswam@webotec.co.za

  • 08. Lola Houses from Earth and Plastic Waste

    SUSTAINABLE HOMES BUILT FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

    LolaHouses transforms locally sourced soil and recycled plastic waste into affordable, durable homes. The low-carbon construction system uses soil, polypropylene bags and repurposed plastic to reduce reliance on conventional building materials, divert waste from landfill and lower construction emissions. The resulting homes offer greater thermal efficiency, remaining cooler in summer and warmer in winter while providing a more sustainable approach to affordable housing.

     Matimba Mabonda

    064 904 4488
    mbnmat008@myuct.ac.za

  • 09. NuvionDerm™

    LOCALLY DEVELOPED REGENERATIVE WOUND CARE

    NuvionDerm™ is an advanced wound-care solution developed in South Africa using donated human placental tissue. Its preserved amniotic membrane dressing harnesses naturally occurring growth factors and extracellular matrix components to support the body's healing processes. Designed for chronic wounds, burns, ulcers and surgical wounds, NuvionDerm™ is building local tissue-banking and manufacturing capability while providing an alternative to costly imported regenerative wound-care products.

     Cleo Ndhlovu

    082 852 8452
    cleo@magitechscience.co.za

  • 10. Shovebike Township Green Mobility Platform

    AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC TRANSPORT FOR TOWNSHIPS

    Shovebike is a township-first electric mobility platform using e-bikes to improve transport and delivery services in underserved communities. The platform combines electric delivery and commuter bikes, charging infrastructure, digital fleet management, and its ShovEcoin rewards programme. By making last-mile transport more affordable and efficient, Shovebike supports township businesses, creates earning opportunities for youth riders and reduces the cost and environmental impact of local mobility.

     Zakhele Mhlanga

    071 316 4330 / 063 484 8544
    zakhelem@shovebike.com

  • 11. Sprout - Mother Tongue Based Bilingual Education

    A BILINGUAL DIGITAL LEARNING PLATFORM FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

    Sprout is a bilingual digital learning platform designed for Grade R to 3 learners. It teaches mathematics and life skills in both a child's home language and English, helping young learners understand concepts while developing their English proficiency. Fully aligned with the CAPS curriculum and able to work offline, Sprout is suited to schools with limited connectivity. Educators can also access learning analytics to track progress and identify where additional support is needed.

     Gareth Fearnley

    084 514 7759 / 061 215 9110
    khumalo@edufearn.co.za

  • 12. Teledoctor Remote Cardiac and Digital Health

    A PLATFORM THAT PROVIDES REMOTE HEALTHCARE AND PATIENT

    MONITORING TeleDoctorSA brings healthcare and ongoing patient monitoring into the home. The digital health platform combines telemedicine, electronic medical records and wearable ECG technology to support people living with chronic illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, stroke-related disabilities and mobility challenges. Remote consultations and continuous monitoring can help identify heart rhythm abnormalities earlier, reduce unnecessary hospital visits and extend access to healthcare for patients who face geographic or mobility barriers.

     Dr Hillary Mukudu

    079 882 1845 / 078 033 6394
    hmukudu@teledoctorsa.co.za

  • 13. Township Retail Finance Scheme

    ALTERNATIVE FINANCE FOR INFORMAL RETAILERS

    The Township Retail Finance Scheme gives spaza shop owners and informal retailers an alternative route to working capital. Rather than relying solely on traditional credit checks, the solution uses business activity, including sales and transaction data, to assess creditworthiness. It combines inventory financing, point-of-sale tools and access to major distribution networks, helping informal retailers strengthen their financial records, improve stock availability and build more resilient businesses.

     Prince Moeng

    081 493 6287
    prince@twocentsolutions.co.za

  • 14. Yvonne Health

     A DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT PROVIDES ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE TRANSPORT

    Yvonne Health is a digital health mobility platform connecting patients with licensed emergency and non-emergency medical transport providers. Through one coordinated system, users can access ambulance services, alternative response vehicles and other healthcare transport options.

    The platform aims to improve access to healthcare transport in underserved communities while creating employment opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities.

     Neliswa Jilimba

    076 315 1903 / 083 999 8044
    neliswajilimba@gmail.com

Disability Empowerment Awards finalists 2026

The Disability Empowerment Awards recognise innovators creating practical solutions that break down barriers to economic participation for persons with disabilities. From assistive technologies and inclusive employment models to income-generating initiatives, the awards support solutions that open up opportunities to work, earn and build sustainable livelihoods.

By providing funding, technical support and tailored coaching, the SAB Foundation helps these innovations grow their reach and impact, contributing to a more inclusive economy where persons with disabilities can participate, thrive and build greater financial independence.

  • 15. Lita Chair

    SEATING SOLUTION FOR CHILDREN WITH MOVEMENT IMPAIRMENTS

    The Lita Chair is an assistive seating solution for children with cerebral palsy, brain injuries, autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders and other movement impairments. Inspired by lived experience, its distinctive rocking motion supports therapeutic positioning while allowing natural movement and comfort. Lightweight, portable and easy to clean, the chair is designed to help children participate more comfortably in everyday family, learning and social environments.

     Letanea Barnard

    084 840 1532 / 084 240 0806
    letaneabarnard@gmail.com

  • 16. Navi Mobility

    AFFORDABLE PROSTHETIC KNEE MANUFACTURED LOCALLY


    NAVU Mobility's NK Gen-1 is an affordable, locally manufactured prosthetic knee for above-knee amputees. Its polycentric mechanical design mimics natural knee movement while its modular construction allows individual components to be replaced rather than the entire device. Manufactured in South Africa using locally sourced materials and readily available components, the NK Gen-1 is designed to reduce the cost of advanced prosthetic technology while improving mobility, stability and independence.

     Amohetsoe Shale / Fred Lutz

    072 136 6950 / 082 480 0987
    amo@navugroup.com / fred@navugroup.com

  • 17. nXtABLED

    PLATFORM FOR DISABILITY-LED ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    nXtABLED is an entrepreneurship and business development platform created for persons with disabilities. It combines accessible skills training, digital empowerment, business development support, and mentorship with an online marketplace connecting disability-owned businesses to customers, funders, and partners.

     The platform addresses barriers that can limit economic participation, helping entrepreneurs with disabilities build sustainable businesses, access markets, and strengthen their financial independence.

     Thomas Ngwana

    069 504 3955 / 067 585 1412
    nxtabled@gmail.com

  • 18. Pneumatic Prosthetic Foot

    AFFORDABLE PROSTHETIC FOOT HELPING REDUCE FATIGUE

    The Pneumatic Prosthetic Foot is an affordable, semi-active prosthetic designed to help lower-limb amputees walk more naturally with less effort. Using compressed air to provide active push-off power, it mimics the function of the calf muscle during walking, helping reduce fatigue and improve gait. Lightweight, durable and suitable for local manufacturing, the device aims to make advanced prosthetic technology more accessible in South Africa and across the Southern African Development Community.  

     Zanodumo Godlimpi

    071 545 2507 / 076 413 3022
    zanodumogodlimpi@gmail.com

  • 19. Shumela Hayani

    AGRIBUSINESS PROGRAMME FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

    Shumela Hayani, meaning “Work for Home”, is an inclusive agribusiness programme enabling persons with disabilities to become greenhouse farmers and cooperative business owners. It combines accredited agricultural training, greenhouse production, enterprise development and access to formal markets through secured off-take agreements. Following a successful pilot, the model is expanding through a 25-greenhouse facility in Gauteng, creating opportunities for income generation while contributing to local food security.

     Zakhele Mgobhozi

    071 360 7072 / 061 692 9617
    Zakhele@moderncentric.co.za

  • 20. Wheels of Change

    SKILLS DEVELOPMENT MODEL TO ENABLE ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION

     Wheels of Change creates opportunities for persons with disabilities to earn, work and build businesses through its “Train-Produce-Trade-Sustain” model. Participants develop practical skills in areas including textile production, catering, farming, wheelchair repairs and adapted driver training while gaining experience in enterprise and cooperative participation. The model combines skills development with income generation, supporting greater economic participation and financial independence.

     Thamsanqa Mankenkeza

    083 695 5772 / 071 825 8070
    thami@wheelsofchange.co.za

Letter from the Chairperson

Moss Ngoasheng Chairperson, SAB Foundation

  • South Africa needs entrepreneurs who can build sustainable businesses, create jobs and develop practical solutions to the social and economic challenges we face.

    Over the years, the SAB Foundation has had the opportunity to work with thousands of entrepreneurs doing exactly that. To date, we have invested R970 million in supporting 8,133 businesses across South Africa. These businesses have created more than 20,000 new jobs and indirectly impacted over 113,000 livelihoods. Over the past five years, businesses supported by the Foundation have maintained a survival rate of more than 90%.

  • Behind those numbers are entrepreneurs who have built businesses, employed people and created opportunities in communities across the country.

    This year, 20 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards finalists join that work. Their innovations respond to real challenges across healthcare, education, water security, housing, mobility, financial inclusion and economic participation for persons with disabilities.

     The solutions are diverse, but they share an important quality: they show how entrepreneurship and innovation can solve real social challenges while building sustainable businesses with the potential to scale their impact.

  • For the SAB Foundation, identifying and supporting entrepreneurs with that potential has always been at the heart of these Awards.

    We want to see good ideas move beyond their starting point, reach more people and contribute to businesses that create lasting economic value.

     To each of our 2026 finalists, congratulations on reaching this stage. You join a community of entrepreneurs who have come through these Awards before you, and we look forward to seeing how you grow your businesses, extend your impact and contribute to South Africa’s future.

Letter from the Executive Director

Sarah Mthintso, Executive Director, SAB Foundation

  • To our 2026 finalists, reaching this point is an achievement in itself.

    Behind every innovation recognised this year is an entrepreneur who saw something that could work better and chose to build a solution. An idea may be the starting point, but turning it into something real takes persistence, resilience and an enormous amount of work.

    Over the past few weeks, we have had the opportunity to learn more about you, your businesses and the challenges you are working to solve. From healthcare, education and water security to mobility, financial inclusion and opportunities for persons with disabilities, the breadth of solutions represented by this year's finalists is remarkable.

  • Our theme this year, Ripples, reflects what we hope comes next.

    Your work may begin with a particular problem, community or group of people, but its potential does not have to end there. As an innovation grows, so too can the number of people it reaches, the jobs it creates and the opportunities it unlocks.

     The SAB Foundation is proud to be part of what comes next for each of you. We know there will be hard work ahead, but you have already demonstrated the determination and resilience required to come this far.

  • We also thank the DEC Trust for its support as co-funder of this year's Disability Empowerment Awards,

    helping us continue to recognise and support innovations that expand economic participation for persons with disabilities.

    Whatever the outcome of the Awards, I hope you take a moment to recognise what it means to be among this year's 20 finalists.

    Congratulations. We look forward to seeing how far your ripple travels.

SAB Foundation Trustees

  • MOSS NGOASHENG

    CHAIRMAN AND EXTERNAL TRUSTEE

    Before co-founding Safika Holdings, Moss Ngoasheng was an economic advisor, working on ANC economic policy and consulting to the World Bank and National Housing Forum. He sits on the boards of Dimension Data, SAB Foundation and Winsaf and is part of Harvard University’s Index of African Governance Advisory Council.

  • MATSI MODISE

    EXTERNAL TRUSTEE

    Founding CEO of Fuhara Afrika Holdings, Matsi Modise contributes to Africa’s skills revolution and boosts entrepreneurs. She is Vice-Chairperson of SiMODiSA, non-executive Director of Innovation Hub and Chairperson of Kuehne and Nagel. She is experienced in the technology disruptions and innovation space and was named as one of the top 30 African leaders by Quartz Media Africa. She is a World Economic Forum Top 50 Global Shaper and is an experienced international speaker with a passion for entrepreneurship, leadership and South African start-ups.

  • MODULA MOFOLO

    EXTERNAL TRUSTEE

    Co-founder and Managing Partner of SummerPlace Equity Partners, Modula Mofolo has over 18 years of combined experience in law and private equity (funds and direct investments) investing in South Africa. She has led transactions in various sectors and is currently a non-executive board member at Merchant West Holdings and Counterpoint Asset Management.

  • JERRY NKELI

    EXTERNAL TRUSTEE

    Jerry Nkeli’s legal and disability rights career spans nearly three decades. Founder and director at Jerry Nkeli & Associates Attorneys, he was the first black paraplegic attorney in South Africa, served as a Commissioner of the South Africa Human Rights Commission, and contributed to drafting PEPUDA, embedding disability protections in South Africa’s legislative framework.

  • BARBARA COPELOVICI

    INTERNAL TRUSTEE

    Prior to management consulting, Barbara Copelovici founded and managed a social enterprise that empowered homeless individuals to start a business. She was awarded Brightest Young Mind in 2014 and was part of the World Economic Forum Global Shaper – Soweto Hub from 2016 to 2019. More recently, she was invited to join the Africa-French Young Leaders community. She is currently the Sustainability Director of AB InBev Africa

  • ZOLEKA LISA

    INTERNAL TRUSTEE

    Currently South African Breweries Vice President of Corporate Affairs South Africa, Zoleka Lisa joined the business in 2014 to lead special programmes. Prior to that, she was a senior manager in Accenture’s strategy division where she consulted across the consumer goods, retail, and energy sectors. She serves on the board of the Beer Association of South Africa

Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026 Judges

Phase two

  • KWEZI CENANDA

    Director of Enterprise and Supplier Development at Avocado Vision, focusing on rural green businesses and township property entrepreneurs. She has experience in digital innovation, investment consulting, and human rights advocacy and has supported entrepreneurs across Africa. She has worked with organisations such as Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct and Graça Machel Trust. She holds a Bachelor of Economics (honours) from Rhodes University and is pursuing a Master’s in Management Sciences. She is certified in Impact Investing and is an accredited facilitator in Social Entrepreneurship and Impact evaluation with the Social Enterprise Academy (UK).

  • NNAMDI EHIRIM

    An entrepreneur and investment professional with nine years of experience working with start-ups, building MVPs, fundraising and early-stage business development. Nnamdi holds a BEng. in Civil Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria and an MBA from IE Business School, Spain. He is currently a manager at Impact Amplifier, an impact investment consultancy with offices in South Africa and Nigeria.

  • REST KANJU

    Founder and Chair of Indalo Inclusive South Africa, also serving as Executive Director and Head of Operations for the organisation. Prior to this, he worked with the United Nations SEED programme. His passion is inclusive and responsible business, with a particular interest in the tourism and biodiversity economy.

  • SANDRA MAKUCHETE

    An economic and development transformation specialist at Impact Amplifier. She has extensive experience in transformation initiatives, accelerator programmes, SMME programme evaluations, as well as strategy and enterprise development. She has also worked extensively on SAB Foundation’s Social Innovation Accelerator and Fund since 2020. She enjoys supporting social enterprises with innovative solutions on their entrepreneurship journey and helping to get them investment ready. Sandra is also an MBA alumna from Middlesex University in the UK.

  • ELLI YIANNAKARIS

    A youth entrepreneurship specialist and business mentor with over 10 years’ experience in the field. She served as the director of the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business from 2008 – 2019 and has been a business coach on the Further Entrepreneurship Programme since 2017. Elli contracts and advises various youth and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2026 Judges

Phase three

  • ALEX MSITSHANA

    Founder and Managing Director, Deaf Empowerment Firm (DEF). A seasoned Disability Inclusion Practitioner and versatile leader with expertise spanning HR change management, strategic leadership, governance and inclusive development across corporate and social sectors.

  • ASHAAL ROOPCHAN

    Portfolio Manager at the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), with extensive experience in managing innovation portfolios and supporting the development and scale-up of technology-driven solutions.

  • CHERYL JACOB

    Head of Entrepreneurship at E Squared and responsible for social impact investments in Public Benefit Organisations. She has over 15 years of experience in international development and is a certified leadership coach who works with the Global Fund, Obama Foundation and government.

  • IAN CALVERT

    Founder at FURTHER and previous Global Project Leader at Red Bull Amaphiko. A strategic advisor and fellowship selection panellist for Ashoka.

  • LINDSAY CILLIERS

    Co-Founder and Director of Development & Programming at FURTHER. Lindsay supports impact entrepreneurs and business owners by developing programmes to optimise their businesses.

  • NOMAXABISO TYHUTYHANI

    Senior Finance Manager at the SAB Foundation and a Chartered Accountant (SA), with extensive experience in investment finance, fund management and assessing investment opportunities.

  • NYAMEKA MQIKELA

    Chief Executive Officer of DEC Investment Holding Company. A passionate advocate for persons with disabilities in both her professional career, as well as in a voluntary capacity.

  • THIRU SWETTENHAM

    Independent social innovation consultant. She has worked with social innovation and social entrepreneurship since 2007.