Bertha Centre

We work towards social impact & justice in Africa, through teaching, knowledge-building, convening & catalytic projects with a systems lens on social innovation

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Join Our Mentor & Advisor Network

Being a mentor or advisor is not just about giving your time or sharing your expertise. It is an opportunity to sharpen your own leadership, stay close to new ideas, learn from emerging entrepreneurs, and build a network of founders and peers you may not otherwise meet.

The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship is growing our network of mentors and advisors, and we are looking for professionals across industries and career stages to support social entrepreneurs, from their first idea through to scaling their ventures.

Whether you can offer guidance on strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, fundraising, or navigating the challenges of building a purpose-driven business, your experience can make a meaningful difference.

If you have experience, expertise or insights to share? We’d love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://t.co/fh0BonrwKw
Application deadline: 4 September 2026

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Globally, the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is increasingly recognised as a catalyst for inclusive economic development, decent work, local economic resilience and social cohesion. In South Africa, it also presents a unique opportunity to help renew and strengthen our social compact.

This symposium will bring together Social and Solidarity Economy practitioners, policymakers, government departments, Parliament, academia, organised labour, civil society organisations, development partners, financial institutions, philanthropic funders and private sector leaders to help shape the next chapter of South Africa's SSE journey.

Date: 27 August 2026
Venue: University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (In-person) & Online via Zoom Webinar
🔗 Register here: https://t.co/GaDLyJr749

Convened by Catalyst Now - South Africa, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg College of Business and Economics, Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UCT), African Youth Philanthropy Network (AYPN), KASI CATALYST, Vanhu Tech, and Youth Capital.

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship condemns the xenophobic violence spreading across South Africa and the disinformation surrounding the fabricated 30 June 2026 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country.

Migrants are not the cause of unemployment. Research shows they contribute to economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen communities. South Africa’s challenges are rooted in structural inequality, weak growth, corruption, and governance failures—not migration.

Violence, scapegoating, and mass deportations are not the answer. We need an effective state that protects human rights, manages migration responsibly, and ensures that no one is left undocumented through administrative failures.

South Africa’s freedom was built on solidarity across the continent. We honour that legacy by upholding dignity, equality, and humanity for all. No one should face violence because of where they were born.

"We stand for a South Africa that is inclusive, just, and committed to the protection of human dignity for all." Dr Solange Rosa, Bertha Centre Director

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Discover how capital can drive real social + environmental impact while delivering sustainable returns.

Join investors and industry leaders sharing African impact investing success stories across the continent.

What you’ll learn:

Real impact stories from a fund, social enterprise + innovative finance
Evidence of measurable returns + impact
How to address risk perceptions in African markets
New ways to finance sustainable development

Register: https://t.co/UON2mb6HvI

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Join the impact investing ecosystem

Established In 2016, 11 Iterations to date, and over 350+ alumni representing over 37+ countries, the Impact Investing In Africa course is your opportunity to develop within this rapidly growing ecosystem.

See you in Cape Town, South Africa 7-11 September.

Read more and apply here: https://t.co/MPPzozQGfH

[UCT @UCT_news]

Recognised once again among the world’s leading universities, UCT has placed 276th globally in the 2026 edition of the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) Global 2000 list.

Out of 21 291 universities assessed worldwide, UCT ranked in the top 1.3% globally, while also securing second place nationally and in Africa.

Read more: https://t.co/j5zPiUipzv

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Please note: Application deadline has been extended to 1 June 12pm

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

📣 Opportunity Alert
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Appointment of a Temporary Academy Coordinator
Healthy Futures South Africa (HFSA) Programme
Fixed-Term Contract: 1 June 2026 – 31 October 2026

The HFSA programme focuses on strengthening community-based innovation and health entrepreneurship ecosystems to improve health outcomes and support youth development in South Africa. The selected candidate/service provider will support programme implementation across project sites in the Western Cape.

Read more and apply here by 27 May, 12pm (SAST):
https://t.co/8TzoKjPXZi

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Why is the Impact Investing in Africa course relevant?

The African continent stands at the intersection of rapid economic growth, persistent inequality, and urgent sustainability challenges. With increasing global attention on climate change, social inclusion, and responsible capital allocation, Africa presents both significant need and opportunity for investments that generate measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.

Read more about the Impact Investing in Africa course here and apply by 11 August: https://t.co/MPPzozQGfH

#impactinvesting #southafrica #finance #capetown

[Innovation Bridge Portal @bridge_portal]

Applications are open for Accelerate Africa Cohort 5!

African startup founders can apply for the 12-week accelerator programme focused on growth, mentorship, fundraising & scaling innovative businesses.

Applications close: 25 July 2026
https://t.co/eOXnYzFt5V

[Africa Impact Summit @AFimpactsummit]

Have you got your ticket? Early bird tickets for #AIS2026 are almost GONE - deadline is NEXT WEEK.
Lusaka, Zambia. June 10–11. Africa's impact investing community. All in one room. RT
👉 https://t.co/LINRHXwJnH
#AfricaImpactSummit2026 #BeyondBorders #ImpactInvesting

[African Venture Philanthropy Alliance @_avpa_]

On April 30th, President Ramaphosa announced that South Africa’s local government elections will be held on Nov 4 2026. In light of this announcement, the #2026AVPAConference dates have been rescheduled to 9–11 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 2026 in 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧.
https://t.co/dR9MjvJRRU

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Big ideas don’t transform health systems - ecosystems do.
This report explores what it takes to turn social innovation into real impact across South Africa’s health system.

A collaboration between the Bertha Centre, @RIIS_Innovate & @innovateuk to unlock scalable, inclusive change.

Launch event coming soon - tickets will be limited.

Link: https://t.co/2o7AVzjt6Q

#HealthInnovation #SocialInnovation #SouthAfrica

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Applications are open for the Hult Prize

The Hult Prize challenges students to launch for-profit startups that support at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). At the end of the competition, one team will win $1M USD in seed funding to bring their idea to life.

Eligibility:
-Teams of 2-4
-At least 18 years of age
-Enrolled in any degree-granting program (including undergraduate and graduate programs) at the time of registration.
-Pitching a for-profit business that directly supports at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

Read more and register here by 28 February 2026:
https://t.co/nr7HGm7Ev0

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

[ARTICLE] Unemployed young South Africans need more than skills — we need social innovation and ingenuity

“High youth unemployment is often framed as a skills mismatch. While skills matter, this framing oversimplifies a far more complex reality. Many young people face many barriers at once: limited work experience, weak social networks, low confidence, poor mental health and exclusion from formal systems.”

Read the full article here [https://t.co/QK1AI7Ytzi] written by Simnikiwe Xanga and Luvuyo Maseko and published by the Daily Maverick.

#Youth #SouthAfrica

[UCT @UCT_news]

[VIDEO] UCT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Moshabela, congratulates the matric class of 2025 and invites them to make UCT their university of choice, highlighting its status as Africa’s leading university. With globally recognised research and graduates in high demand from employers around the world, UCT offers an unparalleled educational experience.

The vice-chancellor also encourages learners with conditional offers to stay updated via UCT’s official platforms as the university gears up to welcome a new cohort of students to Cape Town. #ChooseUCT

Watch the full video: https://t.co/OYR6gh5qHy

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

Happy New Year from the Bertha Centre Team!

We're excited for what 2026 holds- thank you for being a part of our journey 💚

[Bertha Centre @BerthaCentre]

In our fourth week sharing key lessons from our upcoming publication 'Youth Development Innovation Review', we highlight 'Support the whole person' and 'There's more than one way to stay afloat'.

Tackling youth unemployment or educational gaps in isolation is an inadequate strategy. Young people navigate a complex web of challenges, including mental health struggles, income pressures, and social expectations. Real impact is achieved only when programmes support the whole person – not just the CV.  In addition, financial sustainability beyond short-term grants is crucial. Organisations are finding creative, values-aligned ways to generate revenue.

#youthdevelopment #southafrica

[Africa Impact Summit @AFimpactsummit]

We’re back with weekly #VoicesOfImpact episodes!
This week: Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director (West Africa), @FordFoundation.

💡 “We need to decolonise our minds and trust our technology and people.”

Watch Episode 11
https://t.co/SREc8YBXLU

#AIS2025 #ImpactInvesting