Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Just for a Change

Just for a Change

The Just for a Change podcast is back with a brand new season to provoke and inspire!

Presenting Season 4 of the Just for a Change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship which explores the theme “The Power of Connections”.

The pursuit of social justice requires the effort of many, and in the work that the Bertha Centre does we have seen powerful intersections driving society towards positive change.

In this new season, discussions with social entrepreneurs, innovators, thought leaders and activists spotlight the unexpected connections, surprising overlaps, and unusual alignments in the work being done locally and globally to uplift and empower our society. Topics range from getting a second chance at finishing high school, to research into recycling waste for agriculture, and the role representation plays in empowering communities.

Among our guests are social entrepreneurs, researchers, academics, grassroots organisations, NPOs, impact investors, start-up founders with real stories of personal triumph and innovative problem-solving.

Our podcast host Ntombini Marrengane, Bertha Centre’s Senior Manager, is an urban researcher and international development specialist.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation.

Be inspired by stories of people driving our world forward towards social justice. If you’re curious about a better world for all and the solutions being put forward to combat today’s biggest challenges, then this podcast is for you!
Weekly English South Africa Business · Non-Profit
76 Episodes
1 – 20

S4, Ep.10 What do children’s stories have to do with social justice?

What’s your favourite song? And do you remember the first book you read that you could personally relate to? Stories are powerful and are how we’ve connected with each other for millennia. The forms of storytelling may vary, but the impact doesn’t change. Our guest for this episode, award-winning author…
11 Sep 36 min

S4, Ep.9 What do balconies have to do with food security?

Did you know that in 2021 about 2.1 million, or 11,6%, of South African households reported experiencing hunger? Food insecurity remains a major social justice issue in South Africa due to the country’s history of inequality. What if vulnerable communities could relearn the lost art of cultivating and growing their…
4 Sep 32 min

S4, Ep.7 What does VR have to do with fighting fires?

Most of us have heard the words Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Depending on what you think of these advances in technology, these words could strike fear or delight in your heart. Or perhaps you’re still on the fence about this one. But what if these advances in…
21 Aug 35 min

S4, Ep.6 What do bees have to do with empowering communities?

According to the World Economic Forum, 35% of global crop production happens because of bees. Without these insects, you wouldn't have some of your favourite foods. Unfortunately, bees are at risk of extinction because of harmful pesticides and behaviours such as smoking them out because they are still thought of…
14 Aug 34 min

S4, Ep.5 What does a helicopter have to do with emergency heart surgery?

Imagine a world where quality healthcare services are available to all, and where technology enables and enhances access. Where those living in rural areas can access the same healthcare services as those in urban areas. SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS), a non-profit aero-medical rescue organisation working in…
7 Aug 35 min

S4, Ep.4 What do rising temperatures have to do with taxi ranks?

Research shows that women in the Global South depend on public transport more than men and are more likely to travel with children or the elderly - but what is the impact of rising temperatures on these commuters? Climate change and increasingly hot days can expose commuters to unpleasant, uncomfortable…
31 Jul 28 min

S4, Ep.3 What does sustainable finance have to do with a bag of NikNaks?

Did you know that the informal business sector in South Africa is valued at about 6 Billion Rand? Even so, the financial sector struggles to gain insight into this part of the economy. Financial inclusion for small businesses is still a struggle. Something as seemingly simple as having full access…
24 Jul 31 min

S4, Ep.2 What does peecycling have to do with agriculture?

Did you know that human waste can be used as fertiliser for farming? That’s right. Your body waste consists of nutrients that can help grow food. Urine contains nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus – all found in fertilisers. How we get rid of human waste today can be harmful to the…
17 Jul 30 min

S4, Ep.1 What does a mosquito have to do with climate change?

Climate change is undoubtedly affecting us all, from excessive heat to below-normal winter temperatures. Studies show that climate change is increasingly impacting human health, with marginalised and “under” resourced communities the most at risk for negative climate change impacts. The World Bank data states that a warmer climate could lead…
17 Jul 31 min

S3, Ep. 12: Is it possible to end world hunger?

What’s the difference between hunger and malnutrition and is the secret to ending world hunger hidden in the answer to this question? Professor Gisela Solymos is a change maker who has dedicated her life’s work to alleviating hunger and malnutrition. With a background in psychology, her work also focuses on…
2 Aug 2023 37 min
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S3, Ep. 12 Teaser: Is it possible to end world hunger?

With world hunger being such an overwhelming problem, how do we even begin to solve it? In episode 12 of the Just for a Change podcast we hear from a change-maker and innovator, who is dealing with hunger, undernutrition and malnutrition in ingenious new ways. Her name is Professor Gisela…
28 Jul 2023 1 min

S3, Ep.11: Waves for Change

Why are child-friendly mental health services in under-resourced communities so important and what impact can they have? Building protective relationships, identifying emotions, learning how to self soothe and have a positive future vision are some of the main things Waves for Change teaches kids through surf therapy. Waves For Change…
29 Jun 2023 37 min
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S3, Ep.11 Teaser: Waves for Change

How important is psychosocial support for the young people of South Africa? Are there ways to make it more accessible, dynamic and innovative? In this inspiring episode of the ‘Just for a change’ podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, our host Ntombini Marrengane chats to…
22 Jun 2023 1 min

S3, Ep.10: By Africa for Africa: How can Africa invest in itself?

Can profit and purpose co-exist in the world of funding and finance? What is the future of impact investing in Africa? Guest hosts, Shiluba Mawela & Daniel Steenkamp have a thought-provoking conversation on this complex topic with panelists, Andia Chakava, Ndumiso Hadebe & Mandy Jayakody ahead of The Africa Impact…
31 May 2023 39 min
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S3, Ep.10 Teaser: By Africa for Africa: How can Africa invest in itself?

What does impact investing look like in Africa? It’s not just a buzz word in the world of innovative finance but a multi-layered solution for sustainable economic development across the continent. In this episode of the Just for a change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and…
25 May 2023 2 min

S3, Ep.9: Power Cuts: Shining a light on energy inequality vs opportunity

In light of the energy crisis, how can South Africa ‘go green’ without leaving the vulnerable members of society behind? Our ‘power problem’ promises to only get worse if big changes aren’t made soon. The change-maker Ntombini speaks to in this episode is no stranger to energy transition, green economy,…
5 May 2023 39 min

S3, Ep.8: Change Making with a systems lens

Did you know that many problems facing the world today are interconnected - and the solutions to these problems are therefore interconnected as well? This is where the lens of systems change becomes very important in creating shifts that last. A systems change advocate, our current podcast host and senior…
6 Apr 2023 34 min
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S3, Ep.8 Teaser: Change making with a systems lens

How does adopting a systems lens lead to better, more sustained and systemic change? The answer is complex but getting more important in the world we live in today. In this episode of season 3 of the Just for a Change podcast powered by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation…
3 Apr 2023 2 min
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