The SAB Foundation has announced the 23 finalists of its annual Social Innovation and Disability Awards. They stand a chance to win a total of R12,95 million in funding and development support for their businesses.
This year, the SAB Foundation received over 750 entries from local innovators. Out of those, 23 finalists – whose innovations range from mobile apps that support small-scale farmers, to assistive mechanisms for people living with disabilities, to biodegradable packaging that reduces the use of single-use plastics – were selected. This includes 17 finalists for the SAB Foundation’s 11th annual Social Innovation Awards and six for the sixth annual Disability Empowerment Awards.
The finalists’ innovations were assessed according to specific criteria by two independent panels of judges and included evaluating whether they were scalable and could be commercialised, as well their potential to create job opportunities.
“Our awards are held each year to celebrate and support entrepreneurs that are thinking outside the box in terms of how to solve social problems efficiently and at scale”, says Bridgit Evans, SAB Foundation Director. “It is exciting to see what incredible innovations are being developed in South Africa, especially in rural areas. We look forward to seeing these businesses grow so that we can build the South Africa that we all want to see.”
The winners will be announced at an official ceremony on Tuesday, 30 November 2021.The event will be attended by a limited number of invitees in accordance with strict COVID-19 protocols and will be also be available to view online. The public is encouraged to join in through the SAB Foundation Facebook page to watch the live broadcast to see which of the finalists will walk away with awards.
Here are the finalists:
Disability Empowerment Award 2021 Finalists
KA-DAH DEVICE by Tieho Tsiane
This innovative device assists visually impaired individuals to navigate their phones without the need to touch, hold or tap the screens. The device consists of a mobile application, wearable hardware and earphone earpiece. Once the visually impaired user brings the wearable hardware close to the phone, using Bluetooth and near field communication, it automatically launches the Ka-dah application. The user can then navigate and control various activities.
PADPERCH by Jennifer Webster
This portable device rest allows individuals to use their mobile device or tablet as hands-free electronic magnifiers for easier reading, writing, crafting and other tasks. It has been ergonomically designed to improve posture and reduce arm injury from extensive holding of devices.
RUBY WHEELCHAIR by Ernest Majenge
With the help of an assistant, this innovation allows people with reduced mobility to contribute to the propulsion of their wheelchair in order to navigate stairs. This is done by pulling on handles fixed to the wheels of the wheelchair to ensure that it moves smoothly.
SHAZACIN MOBILE APPLICATION AND BUSINESS MODEL by Shakila Maharaj
Using headphones, visually impaired individuals can use this application to listen to the description of a video and gain a full understanding of it. This is done through the skilful use of audio that describes still and motion images in real time or pre-recorded. The application works with television, cinemas, computers and mobile devices.
SIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER’S TRAINING PROGRAMME by Dr Pieter Smal
This innovation is South Africa’s first sign language teacher’s training programme for deaf teaching assistants. The assistants are equipped with subjects that are accredited by the South African Council for Educators, allowing them to become qualified SA Sign Language Teachers.
THUSANANG ENABLING SUPPORT SERVICES by Edwina Makgamatha
This service allows people with disabilities easier access to quality medical services. It offers door-to-door deliveries of medical consumables such as wound care products. Training is provided for care assistants with adequate primary knowledge on how to assist people living with disabilities. It is also recognised by the Road Accident Fund.
