Rhiza Ventures has been named a finalist for the prestigious CSI Legacy Awards in the Best Social Enterprise category, a testament to its transformative work in uplifting marginalised communities across South Africa. This recognition underscores the organisation’s commitment to social innovation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development through its diverse range of impact-driven programmes.
Founded on the principles of social entrepreneurship, Rhiza Ventures has established itself as a pioneering force in creating opportunities for underserved populations. Led by Managing Director Ashmita Singh, the organisation operates as a subsidiary of the Rhiza Group, leveraging years of community engagement and impact across multiple sectors, including health, agriculture, education, skills development, and enterprise development. With a mission to disrupt generational poverty and empower communities to participate meaningfully in the economy, Rhiza Ventures integrates for-profit business models with socially impactful interventions.
Among its key initiatives is Mpathy Clinics, which is redefining healthcare accessibility by empowering nurses to become “nursepreneurs.” This model not only enhances healthcare provision in townships but also fosters local economic participation, ensuring that medical professionals are stakeholders in the services they provide. To date, eight clinics have been deployed, creating eight new businesses and providing low-cost, high-quality healthcare in previously underserved communities. Over the next few years, Rhiza Ventures aims to expand this initiative to 33 clinics nationwide, significantly increasing healthcare access and job creation.
Another flagship programme, Township Fleva, serves as an incubator for small businesses, guiding them from inception to sustainability. The initiative has already supported 146 entrepreneurs and 223 unemployed youths through skills development programmes, with a particular focus on female agripreneurs. The goal is to scale these numbers substantially, fostering a new wave of township-based enterprises that contribute to local economic resilience.
Rhiza Ventures also plays a crucial role in early childhood development through its SeedFund Connect programme, which provides financial support to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. By extending lending products to centres that typically lack access to formal financial resources, the initiative is equipping educators with the means to enhance learning environments for thousands of young children. To date, ten ECD centres have benefited from the pilot programme, with a long-term vision to support 1,800 centres through a secured R25 million funding partnership.
The organisation’s education and skills development efforts extend to Tabula Rasa, an initiative that connects young learners with accredited IT learnerships, ensuring they gain valuable digital skills aligned with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Additionally, the Munching Mongoose programme bridges the gap between rural farmers and urban markets, creating sustainable supply chains that benefit both producers and consumers. These interconnected efforts form a comprehensive approach to economic and social upliftment, reinforcing Rhiza Ventures’ holistic model of development.
At the heart of these initiatives lies a commitment to breaking systemic cycles of poverty through strategic interventions that are both impactful and sustainable. Unlike traditional charity models, Rhiza Ventures operates with the belief that communities should not rely on external aid but instead be equipped with the tools and opportunities to drive their own economic and social progress. This philosophy has not only earned the organisation widespread recognition but has also positioned it as a leader in the evolving landscape of social enterprise in South Africa.
Being named a finalist for the CSI Legacy Awards is a milestone that reflects the dedication and innovation embedded in Rhiza Ventures’ approach. The award nomination serves as an affirmation of the organisation’s impact and provides a platform to inspire further collaboration with stakeholders from the public and private sectors. Rhiza Ventures envisions a future where its model is replicated and scaled, enabling even more communities to break free from economic limitations and build self-sustaining ecosystems.
As the organisation looks ahead, its focus remains on deepening its impact within its existing sectors while exploring opportunities for expansion into complementary industries. Partnerships and collaborations will be key to achieving this growth, and Rhiza Ventures encourages businesses, policymakers, and community leaders to join forces in driving meaningful change.
With a clear vision and a track record of success, Rhiza Ventures continues to champion the cause of economic inclusion and social equity. Its nomination for the CSI Legacy Awards is not just a recognition of past achievements but a stepping stone towards an even greater future—one where communities are empowered, poverty cycles are disrupted, and opportunities are accessible to all.
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