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 soci ..read more

What’s the difference between hunger and malnutrition and is the secret to ending world hunger hidden in the answer to this question? Professor Gisela Solymos is a change maker who has dedicated her life’s work to alleviating hunger and malnutrition. With a background in psychology, her work also focuses on dealing with the associated psychological issues with going hungry. She chats to our host, Ntombini Marrengane in this riveting season finale episode of the ‘Just for a change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship’. This is an episode you don’t wa ..read more

With world hunger being such an overwhelming problem, how do we even begin to solve it? In episode 12 of the Just for a Change podcast we hear from a change-maker and innovator, who is dealing with hunger, undernutrition and malnutrition in ingenious new ways. Her name is Professor Gisela Solymos and her story will leave you inspired and empowered to make a difference. If you’re crying out for for change, click the subscribe button on our podcast profile to make sure you don't miss this episode! Bertha Centre ..read more

Why are child-friendly mental health services in under-resourced communities so important and what impact can they have? Building protective relationships, identifying emotions, learning how to self soothe and have a positive future vision are some of the main things Waves for Change teaches kids through surf therapy. Waves For Change partnerships and innovation manager and Bertha MPhil Scholar, Ashleigh Heese, joins our host, Ntombini Marrengane for an enlightening and moving conversation about the waves of change their work is making in many communities. Get on board by making sure to subs ..read more

How important is psychosocial support for the young people of South Africa? Are there ways to make it more accessible, dynamic and innovative? In this inspiring episode of the ‘Just for a change’ podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, our host Ntombini Marrengane chats to change-maker and innovator, Ashleigh Heese. With Waves for Change, they are creating space for the improvement of children’s mental health in some of South Africa’s most under-resourced communities through Surf Therapy. If you’re asking how surfing can impact young minds and ultimat ..read more

Can profit and purpose co-exist in the world of funding and finance? What is the future of impact investing in Africa? Guest hosts, Shiluba Mawela & Daniel Steenkamp have a thought-provoking conversation on this complex topic with panelists, Andia Chakava, Ndumiso Hadebe & Mandy Jayakody ahead of The Africa Impact Summit. The world of innovative financing is demystified in this not-to-be-missed episode of the Just for a Change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode! Links you ..read more

With the worsening energy crisis in South Africa and Africa, how will we keep the lights on now and in the years to come? If the solution is creating a ‘green economy’ and ‘just energy transition’, how do we make sure everyone reaps the benefits? In this episode of the Just for a Change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ntombini is joined by professor Josephine Musango to shine a light on the layers of this crucial topic. Click the subscribe button on our podcast profile to make sure you don't miss this episode! Bertha Centre ..read more

Did you know that many problems facing the world today are interconnected - and the solutions to these problems are therefore interconnected as well? This is where the lens of systems change becomes very important in creating shifts that last. A systems change advocate, our current podcast host and senior manager at the Bertha Centre, Ntombini Marrengane is the special guest in today’s episode. Guest podcast host, Kentse Radebe, chats with her about how this multi-layered topic in episode 8 of the Just for a Change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurshi ..read more

How do we begin to rectify our failing public infrastructure? Loadshedding, potholes, public safety and public transport issues are just the tip of the iceberg. This conversation between our host, Ntombini Marrengane and Jodi Allemeier, urban development specialist and activist, couldn’t come at a better time. With a predicted 70% of the world’s population living in urban areas by the middle of this century, human-centred urban planning is vital. If you dream about climate-conscious, walkable, interconnected urban spaces that don’t only serve the minority but prioritize equality and access f ..read more

Did you know that the number of people living in urban areas in South Africa has grown by 21% between 1960 and 2021 according to the World Bank Urban Population statistics? With that percentage steadily rising despite the public infrastructure failing to support it, city planning is a matter of social justice more now than ever. How do we create a human-centred design of urban spaces? Jodi Allemeier, an urban development specialist and activist joins us in this episode of the Just for a change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Click the subscribe ..read more