Lenovo and Ashoka are joining efforts to promote positive change in South Africa. This collaboration aims to create a community of Changemakers and Kind Cities, with a focus on equipping young individuals with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to become leaders in driving social impact through innovation.
Lenovo recently provided financial support by donating $100,000 USD to Ashoka. This funding will be directed towards initiatives in Guadalajara, Mexico; Puerto Princesa, Philippines; Salta, Argentina; and Johannesburg, South Africa. Ashoka has independently invested approximately $5 million USD to support social entrepreneurs and projects within South Africa.
South Africa: A Growing Hub for Technology and Innovation
South Africa has emerged as one of Africa’s prominent technology hubs. It boasts a robust technological landscape, cultural diversity, and a complex social environment. The country’s well-developed infrastructure and skilled workforce have attracted major technology companies, entrepreneurs, and investors, resulting in the establishment of numerous tech hubs, incubators, and accelerators.
Nevertheless, South Africa continues to grapple with social and economic inequalities, including disparities in wealth, education, and opportunities. The local tech community is actively working to address these challenges by promoting inclusive innovation and employing technology to bridge gaps and create opportunities for all.
Lenovo and Ashoka’s partnership aims to leverage technology as a tool for social innovation. This initiative builds upon Lenovo’s Kind City vision, which envisions a more empathetic and empowering future, and Ashoka’s ‘everyone’s a changemaker’ initiative, emphasising the power of social entrepreneurs to inspire positive change within their communities.
Recognizing Local Changemakers
A vital aspect of this partnership is the acknowledgment of local changemakers who are making substantial contributions to their communities. These individuals, recognised as Ashoka Fellows, exemplify the spirit of social entrepreneurship and are actively driving meaningful change in South Africa:
- Thembiso Magajana: As the co-founder and CEO of Social Coding SA, Magajana is employing technological innovation to bridge the digital divide and empower marginalised communities. Her organisation has provided digital skills training to over 5,000 youth in 45 schools since 2016, utilising advanced technologies like virtual reality to ensure relevance in the digital age.
- Neo Hutiri: The founder and CEO of Technovera, Hutiri is focused on improving access to medication for chronic illnesses, particularly in the last mile. His invention, Pelebox, is a smart locker system that enables patients to collect their medication in under 22 seconds, reducing waiting times at healthcare facilities.
- Claire Reid: An innovative architect and entrepreneur, Reid’s invention, Reel Gardening, has revolutionised food production in home and school-based gardens. Her user-friendly and cost-effective method has impacted over 2 million people, contributing to food security and self-sustaining communities.
- Garth Japhet: A medical doctor turned entrepreneur, Japhet is the founder and CEO of Heartlines and ForGood. He employs storytelling to promote understanding, community, trust, and reconciliation. His work includes the drama series Soul City, which aimed to educate and empower viewers on a national scale.
Fostering a Better Future for All
Lenovo’s partnership with Ashoka and its network of changemakers represents a significant step towards creating a brighter future where empowerment is paramount. Jane Govindsamy, CSI Champion at Lenovo, South Africa, stated, “These organisations share our commitment to driving socioeconomic inclusion and creating smarter technology and Kinder Cities for all.”
Ashoka, with a global reach encompassing 250 change institutions and partnerships with 300 organisations in over 95 countries, champions the universal pursuit of a brighter future where everyone has the power to make a difference.
To support social entrepreneurs and encourage active participation in the Kind City and changemakers initiative, Ashoka will host a Twitter Space talk titled “Johannesburg Kind City” on September 27, 2023, from 5-6 pm. This event will provide an inclusive platform to discuss opportunities for individuals to become changemakers and contribute to a more inclusive and empowered future for all.
If you’re interested in joining Ashoka and Lenovo in supporting social entrepreneurs and changemakers in South Africa, please contact Xabiso Lombo at xlombo@ashoka.org. This is an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and contribute to a more inclusive future.
