What’s your favourite song? And do you remember the first book you read that you could personally relate to? Stories are powerful and are how we’ve connected with each other for millennia. The forms of storytelling may vary, but the impact doesn’t change.

Our guest for this episode, award-winning author Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni, knows the power of storytelling firsthand. With a Master's in Politics, she discovered children’s stories as a way to reach the younger generation with important messages of affirmation and inclusivity. Her most well-known children’s book, Wanda, is about a young girl learning to love her natural hair and embrace who she is.

We also hear from Sivuyile Mtwetwe, a young entrepreneur who participated in the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and UCT’s Solution Space Changemaker Programme, a social entrepreneur who shares why he decided to create a prototype hair product made from local African ingredients.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. Philippi Music Project Website · 200 Young South Africans: Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni · Nal'ibali: Bongani Godide encourages mother tongue reading · Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni Instagram · TEDx: Jennifer Turnbull speaks on how art is the changemaker YouTube Clip · IOL.co.za: Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni launches book about hair and consent · Wanda World Website · gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za : Philippi Village Changemakers Program · Nal'ibali Website · fullview.co.za: Meet award-winning writer Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni, author of Wanda the Brave. · The 2021 Skipping Stones Honor Awards · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.10_ What do children’s stories have to do with social justice_ Transcript.pdf — PDF (134.2 KB)

Did you know that in 2021 about 2.1 million, or 11,6%, of South African households reported experiencing hunger? Food insecurity remains a major social justice issue in South Africa due to the country’s history of inequality. What if vulnerable communities could relearn the lost art of cultivating and growing their own food again?

Our guest for this episode, Renschia Manuel, founder of GrowBox Nursery, is showing local communities how to do just that, even in small spaces. Renschia has her own story of food insecurity and shares how she went from being unemployed to running a successful social enterprise which helps others gain food sovereignty. We also hear from Nicole Paganini, Programme Lead at Urban Food Futures, whose work in the area of food security has a special focus on women and children. She shares her thoughts on transforming food systems.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. thinktank.com team Nicole Paganini/ · Philippi Village Food Dialogue on Mandela Day 2022 YouTube Clip · GrowBox Nursery Website · TABLE What is food sovereignty? YouTube Clip · Bhekisisa.org Floods, food and families: Why climate change makes eating well harder · What is food sovereignty? (TABLE explainer video series) YouTube Clip · fao.org: The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2023 · bu.edu What Is Food Justice? · StatsSA: Focus on food inadequacy and hunger in South Africa in 2021 · sahrc.org: Right To Food Fact Sheet · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.9_ What do balconies have to do with food security_ Transcript.pdf — PDF (157.0 KB)

In South Africa in 2023, only 55% of the learners who had started school in 2012 finished grade 12. Let that sink in. That’s only just more than half. What kind of future are early school leavers facing in a country where the unemployment rate is already at 32.9%? Could there be a solution? With more support and another go at writing their matric exams, are young people given a better opportunity to succeed? Our guest on this episode, Sandiswa Gwele, seems to think so. She would know – she didn’t get her matric the first time either.

Sandiswa is an entrepreneur and founder of Ukhanyo Foundation, an NPO that offers learners a second chance at finishing grade 12. The Ukhanyo Foundation offers academic support in the form of classes at Philippi Village, as well as personal development sessions and parenting dialogues. It really does take a village to help a learner pass matric. We also hear from Ntsiki Sackey, Marketing and Communications Officer at the Solution Space at UCT’s Graduate School of Business, who highlights the importance of innovative and entrepreneurial development programmes.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. Ukhanyo Foundation Website · Nonsikelelo Sackey LinkedIn · UCT GSB Solution Space LinkedIn · L&S Shuttle Services Website · Business Tech: South Africa’s ‘real’ matric pass rate is only 55%/ · StatsSA Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) – Q4: 2023 · eNCA: Youth unemployment still rife in South Africa YouTube Clip · Changing Her Life for the Better – Siphosethu's Story – Ukhanyo Foundation YouTube Clip · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.8_ What does owning a minibus have to do with the matric pass rate_ Transcript .pdf — PDF (161.6 KB)

Most of us have heard the words Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Depending on what you think of these advances in technology, these words could strike fear or delight in your heart. Or perhaps you’re still on the fence about this one. But what if these advances in technology could do more than write a paragraph for you or create a fake photo?

In this episode, Tebogo Mokwele, an alumnus of the e-Track Programme for high-impact entrepreneurs launched by the UCT Graduate School of Business’s Solution Space, is a social entrepreneur who has identified some incredible opportunities in this field for closing the gap in the area of on-the-job training and skills development. Someone else who is interested in Virtual Reality is Dr Jason Van Staden, Project Manager of Research and Training in the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Innovative Finance portfolio. Jason comments on how Virtual Reality technology is being used in innovative finance to lower the barriers to entry for the underbanked in Africa.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. MonoByte Group LinkedIn · MonoByte Group Website · Exceed Safety Immersive Training in the Metaverse YouTube Clip · Tebogo Mokwele LinkedIn · SA Forestry Magazine Chainsaw Training in VR - Forestry South Africa YouTube Clip · Pwc.com: PwC 2022 US Metaverse Survey · UCT GSB Solution Space Website · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.7_ What VR has to do with fighting fires_. Transcript .pdf — PDF (169.8 KB)

According to the World Economic Forum, 35% of global crop production happens because of bees. Without these insects, you wouldn't have some of your favourite foods. Unfortunately, bees are at risk of extinction because of harmful pesticides and behaviours such as smoking them out because they are still thought of as pests. So, how can we all live harmoniously with bees and make sure we preserve them for our ecosystems and food security? And can we harness bees as an economic growth opportunity in underserved communities?

A social entrepreneur and co-founder of Local Village Africa, Mmabatho Portia Morudi, has some great ideas on this front. She has developed several successful projects that not only preserve bee colonies but are also transforming local communities. Another agricultural project bringing economic and social benefits to an “under-resourced” community in Cape Town is the Amaqanda Learning Garden in Philippi. We spoke to Esethu Mbooi, who has some insights on how we can take care of the land so that it takes care of us in return, one garden at a time.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation.

Buy the African Harvest Activity Book Mmabatho Portia Morudi LinkedIn · Dr Sam Motsuenyane Our Team · Your Positive Imprint.com Saving Africa’s Honey Bees. Sustainable Beekeeper Mmabatho Portia Morudi · The UCT GSB Solution Space Website · WEF: 75% of crops depend on pollinators - they must be protected · Be The Earth Foundation: Amaqanda Learning Garden - Regenerative Farming YouTube Clip · Philippi Village Get to know more about the Amaqanda Learning Garden and our Green Gaudian Esethu Mbooi YouTube Clip · Philippi Village Website · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.6_ What do bees have to do with empowering communities_ Transcript .docx.pdf — PDF (161.8 KB)

Imagine a world where quality healthcare services are available to all, and where technology enables and enhances access. Where those living in rural areas can access the same healthcare services as those in urban areas. SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS), a non-profit aero-medical rescue organisation working in partnership with the Provincial Departments of Health in South Africa, is playing its part to make this a reality.

This episode explores bringing healthcare to those most affected by geographic and economic disparities with the CEO of AMS, Farhaad Haffajee. Amongst other things, AMS runs a project called Outreach Healthcare to remote rural communities, taking health expertise to rural areas so that those seeking healthcare are diagnosed earlier and receive proper healthcare sooner. We also hear from Francesca Lanzarotti of the Reach Alliance research team that is investigating maternal healthcare and access for women with disabilities in Nepal. These everyday heroes are changing the landscape of healthcare and access for some of the most vulnerable communities both locally and globally.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. The Reach Alliance Website · Airmedandrescue.com Provider Profile: Air Mercy Service · SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service LinkedIn · About Us - The Toll NSW Ambulance Aeromedical Service · The helicopter rescue team that races the clock to save lives YouTube Clip · Reach Alliance YouTube Clip · Air Mercy Service Website · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.5_ What does a propeller have to do with emergency heart surgery_ Transcript (1).pdf — PDF (179.2 KB)

Research shows that women in the Global South depend on public transport more than men and are more likely to travel with children or the elderly - but what is the impact of rising temperatures on these commuters? Climate change and increasingly hot days can expose commuters to unpleasant, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions. So what can be done to mitigate these climate-related health risks? And how do the various role players get involved? Well, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is leading the charge when it comes to understanding the impacts of climate change on commuters.

In this episode of the Just For A Change podcast, Dr Thandi Kapwata from the SAMRC unpacks their findings with podcast host Ntombini Marrengane. The Bertha Centre's Gillian Vedan also shares how innovation is needed to combat the health risks of climate change, such as food insecurity and disease vectors – another unexpected connection between transport, public health and climate justice.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. WRI: From Mobility to Access for All: Expanding Urban Transportation Choices in the Global South · WRI: Public Transport for All: How to Unlock Climate and Development Benefits from Sustainable Mobility · SaMRC: Dr Thandi Kapwata · ecoa.in Design Competition · Statista Urban public transport in India - statistics & facts · Bizcommunity.com Spending habits of SA's taxi commuters unpacked · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.4_ What do rising temperatures have to do with taxi ranks_ Transcript.pdf — PDF (143.2 KB)

Did you know that the informal business sector in South Africa is valued at about 6 Billion Rand? Even so, the financial sector struggles to gain insight into this part of the economy. Financial inclusion for small businesses is still a struggle. Something as seemingly simple as having full access to the banking system is still a challenge for many in the informal business sector. Imagine trying to run a business without access to capital. How would you manage cash flow if you aren’t able to access funds when you most need them? Access to finance is essential, if we are ever going to be a society that strives for inclusion and economic equality.

In this episode, we hear from Phumza Matwele, founder of Eunimike Trading, an over-the-counter pharmacy and healthcare centre in Khayelitsha, on how her business has benefited from seed capital, as well as from serial entrepreneur and finance innovator, Prince Nwadeyi. This insightful conversation shows how new approaches to financing, especially in the informal business sector, open doors to economic opportunities and growth in the most mind-blowing ways.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. Prince Nwadeyi LinkedIn · Investopedia: What is M-Pesa? · SAB Foundation: Tholoana Enterprise Fund · TED Financial Inclusion YouTube Clip · get.Africa M-PESA YouTube Clip · mastercard.com South Africa's informal economy shows signs of movement to switch away from cash/ · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.3_ Sustainable Capital _ Transcript .pdf — PDF (180.3 KB)

Did you know that human waste can be used as fertiliser for farming? That’s right. Your body waste consists of nutrients that can help grow food. Urine contains nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus – all found in fertilisers. How we get rid of human waste today can be harmful to the environment. It eventually makes its way to the ocean and threatens ecosystems. But what if there was a way to recycle urine? ‘Peecycling’, if you will. A system of waterless toilets or dry sanitation is being developed to collect human waste separately to effectively use in growing plants locally and abroad. Not only is all this possible, but it’s also a way to empower communities.

Liquid Gold Africa is one such company that is empowering rural communities in KwaZulu Natal. Hear more in this episode from Liquid Gold Africa founder, Orion Herman, as well as from others doing this work, among them the University of Cape Town's Dr Caitlin Courtney.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. Bill Gates Talks Toilets Youtube Clip · Expresso Show Urine Recycled YouTube Clip · Orion Herman, Liquid Gold CEO Orion Herman, Liquid Gold CEO Portal Klewel clip · Pee Cycling: Urine recycling research YouTube Clip · Youth Innovation Prize 2023 South Africa Finalists · Liquid Gold Website · Orion Herman LinkedIn · FT the start-ups betting on ‘peecycling’ · Large-scale peri-urban and rural sanitation with UDDTs, eThekwini Municipality (Durban), South Africa · Water and Sanitation - United Nations Sustainable Development · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.2 What does peecycling have to do with agriculture__ Transcript .docx (1).pdf — PDF (135.8 KB)

Climate change is undoubtedly affecting us all, from excessive heat to below-normal winter temperatures. Studies show that climate change is increasingly impacting human health, with marginalised and “under” resourced communities the most at risk for negative climate change impacts. The World Bank data states that a warmer climate could lead to at least 21 million additional deaths by 2050 from just five health risks: extreme heat, stunting, diarrhoea, malaria, and dengue. What are the links between climate change and health? Who is the most at risk when it comes to these challenges, and most importantly, how do we plan for and mitigate these risks? Access to decent healthcare is a social and climate justice issue that affects millions around the world.

In this episode of the Just for a Change podcast, Katusha de Villiers, Senior Project Manager at the Bertha Centre shares some new developments on the horizon in the health space that aim to provide solutions as the climate becomes more unstable. Dr Don Mathanga, Malawi Director at the Social Innovation in Health Initiative, adds his expertise to the conversation, sharing both the challenges and opportunities he’s seeing in the realm of healthcare and climate change.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice.. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation. Tafadzwa Munzwa speaks on how digital innovation is reshaping healthcare access in Africa · The Global Fund's Technology and Innovation Transforming Health Care in Rwanda YouTube Clip · Nature Africa: COVID-19 and climate change hit malaria response · Social Innovation in Health Initiative · World Bank Group Climate change: a global health emergency · World Health Organization: Climate Change Fact Sheet · Social Innovation in Health Initiative | SIHI Malawi at the University of Malawi · Bertha Centre · Subscribe to the Bertha Centre newsletter · JFAC S4 Ep.1 What does a mosquito have to do with climate change__ Transcript.pdf — PDF (120.9 KB)