Social entrepreneurship blends a commercial business with a mission to solve a specific problem, and South Africa has produced a number of genuine examples. Here are six ventures that show what combining profit with purpose can look like in practice.
Turning waste into jobs
Little Green Number, founded by Juanita van der Merwe, built a micro-manufacturing model that makes bags and accessories from recycled billboard vinyl, creating jobs through a community-based franchise structure rather than a single factory.
Solar power for students without electricity
Repurpose Schoolbags, founded by Thato Kgatlhanye, makes schoolbags from recycled plastic fitted with a solar panel that charges during the school walk and lights up at night, letting children in homes without electricity study after dark. The business, run through parent company Rethaka, has continued to expand its reach with corporate sponsors including major consumer brands.
Affordable healthcare in underserved suburbs
Audiologist Dr Ranjan Sewgambar built a private hearing-healthcare practice that grew from one branch in Westville to three across greater Durban, focused on making hearing and balance diagnosis affordable outside of major private hospital networks.
Education-led community development
The Ebonoko Foundation, founded by Emmanuel Bonoko, works through mentorship, bursaries and book donations to widen access to education, alongside a separate media and communications business, Ebonoko Holdings.
Turning a hard history into prevention work
The 18 Gangster Museum, founded by Wandisile Nqeketho, Siyabulela Daweti and Faith Leburu, documents the history of South African gangs to support crime prevention work, while the same founders run Ilima Green Solutions, promoting sustainable living in Khayelitsha.
Leadership development for under-resourced schools
Bunang Baswa, founded by Frederick Bohasu in Pretoria, runs leadership and personal development workshops in local schools, reaching thousands of pupils, alongside a university exposure programme for learners from disadvantaged communities.
Frequently asked questions
Someone who runs a commercially sustainable business built specifically to solve a social or environmental problem, rather than treating impact as a side activity.
What is the Anzisha Prize?
A pan-African award, run by the Anzisha Prize, recognising young entrepreneurs building ventures with genuine social or economic impact.
Not necessarily. Many operate as standard companies, while others register as non-profit companies depending on their funding model and mission.
Is Little Green Number still operating?
We were unable to confirm its current operating status; the business was last independently verified as active several years ago.
Is Repurpose Schoolbags still operating?
Yes, as recently verified, the company continues to expand its reach with corporate sponsors.
Further reading: Government funding options for South African SMEs · What SMEs would do with an extra R1 million
Originally published in June 2016. Updated September 2026.
