South Africa is set to make history in 2025 as it assumes the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) for the first time, highlighting its role in shaping global economic and social development. In a year brimming with potential for innovation and progress, social entrepreneurship is emerging as a powerful driver of sustainable change in the country.
Recognizing this, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is once again offering its transformative Social Entrepreneurship Programme, designed to equip purpose-driven business leaders with the skills to create both profit and impact.
Developing Social Entrepreneurs for a Sustainable Future
Social entrepreneurship in South Africa is gaining momentum as more individuals seek to build businesses that address pressing social and environmental issues.
According to Mbali Dhlamini, Programme Manager at GIBS, the rise of purpose-driven enterprises is a response to the growing demand for solutions that not only generate income but also contribute positively to society.
“More people are coming into the social entrepreneurship space and starting businesses that seek to address social issues. They have specific, personal motivations to make a difference, and they want to do work that creates measurable social and/or environmental change,” says Dhlamini.
“Increasingly, we are seeing social media amplifying this drive for young people to harness entrepreneurial innovation to solve problems in their local communities.”
The GIBS Social Entrepreneurship Programme is tailored to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the business acumen, financial management skills, and strategic mindset necessary to succeed in a competitive market while driving meaningful change. Participants will gain insights into key areas such as sustainability, leadership development, and innovative problem-solving.
Balancing Profitability with Purpose
Unlike traditional businesses focused solely on shareholder returns, social entrepreneurs must balance the demands of profitability with the need to create positive social and environmental impact. This requires a unique skill set that goes beyond conventional business training.
Guinivere Pedro, Senior Programme Manager at the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy (GIBS EDA), explains: “Social entrepreneurship development involves synthesizing all the same business knowledge and skills with the competencies of successful change agents. This is why the GIBS EDA Social Entrepreneurship Programme focuses on training that provides insights into the interplay between social change, sustainability, and innovation.” Pedro highlights that the program also fosters leadership skills, self-awareness, and strategic thinking, helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of funding and operational challenges. “Every entrepreneur has an interesting journey, but it’s probably fair to say that the social entrepreneur’s journey, with its inclusion of purpose, is one that is undeniably rich and fulfilling. This is why younger generations are gravitating towards social entrepreneurship.”
Applications Open for the 2025 Programme
As South Africa faces rising unemployment, initiatives like the GIBS Social Entrepreneurship Programme play a crucial role in developing businesses that not only create jobs but also provide essential services to communities. By equipping entrepreneurs with the right skills and networks, GIBS is helping to cultivate a new generation of business leaders who are committed to making a difference.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, with the program running from 11 March to 25 June 2025. The hybrid learning model ensures accessibility for participants across South Africa and internationally. Interested candidates must apply before 25 February 2025.
GIBS will also award partial bursaries to two registered participants, covering 50% of the course fees. These bursaries will be granted within the Enterprise Development (ED) framework to qualifying participants, subject to terms and conditions.For more information and to apply, visit GIBS Social Entrepreneurship Programme.
