SAB in partnership with the SAB Foundation, has established the SAB SHARP Awards. These awards target innovators, social entrepreneurs, institutions, students, researchers, social enterprises with innovative ideas or prototypes that empower women in at risk communities, either by assisting them to become economically independent or by addressing issues associated with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome or Gender based violence.
Applicants with out-of-the-box and innovative solutions that seek to develop or enhance an existing social innovation are strongly encouraged to apply.
The prizes range between R250 000 and R500 000 in grant funding. In addition to the funding, each award winner also qualifies to receive tailored business coaching, mentorship and technical support. This programme is flexible and adjusted to the needs of each awardee, as mutually agreed by both awardee and mentor.
“We are excited to work with the SAB Foundation on this initiative and hope it will introduce us to some of South Africa’s finest innovators that we can partner with, to develop sustainable solutions for women in our communities,” said Barbara Copelovici, SAB Entrepreneurship Director.
In 2021, as part of its annual Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards, the SAB Foundation introduced a new category, the Reduction of Alcohol Misuse Awards. Five innovators were awarded R500 000 each for their innovations that addressed societal challenges such as, but not limited to, drunk driving, underage drinking, underage drinking, binge drinking, foetal alcohol syndrome, resistance to behaviour change and the lack of available data on alcohol abuse.
The winning innovations included the Geo Map for Reduction of Alcohol Misuse, Augmented Reality Education Resource; Shifting Gears and Choosing the High Road, a programme designed to help participants gain new skills and strategies to manage risks that result in alcohol misuse and driving under the influence. Others included SAB Filters, an augmented reality using face filters to raise awareness on alcohol misuse and Lethabo The Groovist, a virtual assistant that helps youth avoid drinking and driving.
“We are constantly seeking new opportunities to empower social innovators,” says Itumeleng Dhlamini, Social Innovation Specialist at the SAB Foundation. “We look forward to receiving applications this year that will help find innovative solutions that will help solve one of our country’s social challenges.”
Applications are open to all South African citizens of 18 years or older. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
Online applications open at midday on 25 April 2022 and close at midday on 1 June 2022. Only applications submitted on the SAB Foundation web portal will be accepted. Apply now: https://sabfoundation.co.za/social-innovation-awards
About SAB SHARP
SAB Sharp is our new responsible consumption platform that addresses the societal ills caused by the overconsumption of alcohol in our communities.
SAB has put in place tangible goals that will serve to direct its efforts to address the abovementioned societal ills. It is with these goals in mind that the organisation will affect:
- Responsible Driving: SAB is calling on South Africans to refrain from driving after consuming alcohol and aims to help reduce alcohol-related road incidents and fatalities by 10% by 2025.
- Responsible Communities: As communities for the life force of South African economy, SAB actively encourages liquor store and tavern owners to become champions of responsible consumption to reduce harm and foster healthier and more productive communities. Moreira firmly believes the launch of SAB’s own responsible consumption platform in the form of SAB Sharp will help greatly accelerate programmes aimed at alleviating the irresponsible consumption of alcohol.
- Responsible Retailing: SAB want outlets owners to actively promote responsible drinking in their communities and the company aims for 100% compliance in Responsible Trading Programme Standards
- Responsible Marketing: SAB want every moment with its products to be an enjoyable one by promoting the legal drinking age and advocating for responsible communication of its products across all platforms
About the SAB Foundation
Founded in 2010, the SAB Foundation provides funding for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in order to contribute to the economic and social empowerment of historically disadvantaged persons through entrepreneurship development. The SAB Foundation’s primary beneficiaries are women, youth, people living with disabilities and people living in rural areas, from low-income backgrounds. More than R425 million to date has been invested in social innovation, disability empowerment and the development of SMMEs.
