UCT GSB Solution Space

02/04/2026

This past Saturday marked the close of a three-part workshop series where we had the privilege of working with over 80 Grade 11 learners exploring how to shape their futures with intention.

Across the sessions, learners were introduced to design thinking as a practical tool to unpack their interests, think creatively about their career paths, and begin connecting their personal passions to real-world challenges. We also explored how social innovation and entrepreneurship can be used to drive meaningful change in the areas they care about most.

A big thank you to the UCT Schools Development Unit for partnering with us and creating the space for these important conversations. It’s always inspiring to engage with young people who are curious, reflective, and eager to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

At the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Solution Space, we’re passionate about creating experiences that equip young people with the mindset and tools to navigate an ever-changing world - and this was a powerful reminder of the impact of starting early.

05/02/2026

We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the Health Entrepreneurship Academy 2026 - a hands-on, six-month programme supporting young people in Klipfontein and surrounding areas to build skills, confidence, and pathways into the health and community sector.

Hosted by the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Healthy Futures South Africa programme, the Academy brings together a committed cohort of young people ready to learn, collaborate, and take their next step - whether that’s starting a venture, contributing to community initiatives, or preparing for further opportunities.

If you know someone aged 18–35 who is currently not working or studying and based in or near Klipfontein, we encourage you to share this opportunity within your networks.

Applications close 20 February 2026.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4t8DkPV

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN! HEALTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACADEMY 2026

𝐴 𝐵𝑒𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑎 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 & 𝐸𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 × 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝐹𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚𝑚𝑒

The Health Entrepreneurship Academy is for young people who want to grow, learn, and contribute to healthier communities – whether that leads to running a venture, working in an organisation, or supporting community initiatives.
You’ll spend six months learning practical skills, gaining real-world experience, and building confidence alongside a supportive cohort.

If you’re 18–35, currently not working or studying, and based in or near Klipfontein, this opportunity could be your next step.

Programme details:
• March - September 2026
• Monday - Friday (09h00 - 15h00)
• Full-time
• Daily breakfast and lunch available
• Stipend provided

Venue: UCT GSB Solution Space, Philippi Village, 1 Cwangco Cres, Philippi.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4t8DkPV

𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝟐𝟎 𝐅𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Enquiries: WhatsApp: 076 262 8443 | Email: [email protected]

30/01/2026

Yesterday at our Philippi Village hub, we welcomed the new cohort of students from the CEMS MIM Global Citizenship course, convened by Prof Ralph Hamann at the UCT Graduate School of Business.

The visit created space for honest conversations about what it really takes to build and sustain businesses in under-resourced contexts.

We invited local entrepreneurs (alumni from our entrepreneurship programmes), they shared their lived experiences - from navigating everyday constraints to staying resilient and purpose-driven in their work.

We also unpacked how we support early-stage entrepreneurs, and how entrepreneurship and innovation remain powerful tools in responding to youth unemployment in South Africa.

The students also got to go on a walkthrough tour of Philippi Village, a space that continues to evolve as a hub for collaboration and community-driven growth.

23/01/2026

UCT Summer School 2026 is underway at Philippi Village!

We've wrapped up the first week of summer school, live streaming thought provoking and wide-ranging topics at our Solution Space hub in Philippi. From altered states and art history to AI, global politics, HIV, jazz and leadership - it’s been an inspiring first week of learning.

Next week, we will be covering topics ranging from literature and family life to mental health, environmental responsibility, design thinking, chronic pain and South Africa’s future.

We invite you to still join us. This is open to everyone, no formal qualifications required, and participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Date: 26 – 30 January 2026 (No sessions on 29 January 2026)
Time: 09:00 – 15:00
Venue: UCT GSB Solution Space, Philippi Village, 1 Cwangco Cres, Philippi, Cape Town

Register here: https://bit.ly/48BJ5fB

Enquiries:
WhatsApp 076 262 8443 | [email protected]

21/01/2026

As we look forward at the year ahead and what is to come for our team, partners and community, we want to take a moment to reflect on some of the incredible moments of 2025 at the UCT GSB Solution Space.

1. Visit from Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town
We welcomed the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town and his team to our Philippi Village hub. During this visit, Dr Solange Rosa (our Director) shared how UCT GSB Solution Space and the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship are bringing UCT’s Vision 2030 to life by embedding innovation and entrepreneurship into teaching, research, and community engagement. Positioning our space as a key anchor for inclusive innovation in Africa as UCT looks towards its 200th anniversary.

2. MPhil in Inclusive Innovation Class of 2025
The UCT GSB MPhil in Inclusive Innovation 2025 class' visit coincided with Philippi Village's 10 year anniversary, marking a decade of impact and innovation. The class partook in this special moment by planting a tree to mark 10 years of Philippi Village - a powerful symbol of growth and sustainability. The class also raised R10,350.00, which was proudly handed over to the CEO of Philippi Village.

3. UCT Student Entrepreneurship Week
During the UCT Student Entrepreneurship Week, we hosted students from UCT’s upper campus at the Philippi Village hub. Students explored the vibrant ecosystem - from community gardens to creative workspaces - and engaged in an interactive session on social innovation, entrepreneurship, and how business can drive meaningful social change.

4-6. International Exchange and Study Tours
Throughout the year, we hosted international students and study tour groups, creating meaningful exchanges between global learners and local entrepreneurs - connecting international visitors with local entrepreneurs and showcasing ventures supported through our space.

7 - 10. Healthy Futures South Africa Entrepreneurship Programmes
Together with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we hosted a number of health entrepreneurship programmes under the Healthy Futures South Africa initiative, in partnership with the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences and the Mastercard Foundation.

We are grateful for everyone who made these moments possible and excited to keep building inclusive innovation in the year ahead

13/01/2026

Last call to register for UCT Summer School 2026

Selected UCT Summer School sessions will be live streamed at Solution Space Philippi Village from 19–31 January (excluding 29 Jan).

👉 Register on the link here and secure your place: https://bit.ly/48BJ5fB

For those who have already registered, we will send communications by this Friday, 16 January 2026.

REMINDER: Registrations are still open for UCT Summer School 2026!

We will be live streaming selected UCT Summer School sessions at Solution Space Philippi Village campus from 19–31 January (excluding 29 Jan).

Summer School is open to everyone, with no age or qualification requirements - and participants receive a certificate of completion.

👉 Register on the link here and secure your place: https://bit.ly/48BJ5fB

For more info:
WhatsApp: 076 262 8443
Email: [email protected]

05/01/2026

REMINDER: Registrations are still open for UCT Summer School 2026!

We will be live streaming selected UCT Summer School sessions at Solution Space Philippi Village campus from 19–31 January (excluding 29 Jan).

Summer School is open to everyone, with no age or qualification requirements - and participants receive a certificate of completion.

👉 Register on the link here and secure your place: https://bit.ly/48BJ5fB

For more info:
WhatsApp: 076 262 8443
Email: [email protected]

15/12/2025

The future isn’t coming… young people are already building it.

Say hello to the Youth Development Innovation Review 2025 – a celebration of bold ideas, brave action, and powerful solutions being driven by young changemakers across South Africa.

This review recognises and celebrates the passionate organisations and individuals who are putting in the work every day to improve young people’s lives. It shines a light on the range and richness of innovation happening in the youth development space – from bold community projects to new models reshaping what opportunity can look like.

Created by the Bertha Centre in partnership with the Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation, this year’s edition is all about changing the way we’re changing the world.

Download the full review here: https://bit.ly/3Mz8rDt

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11/12/2025

We were excited to have hosted ESSEC Business School at our Philippi Village campus as part of their study tour with Executive Education at the Graduate School of Business - University of Cape Town, convened by Jess Auerbach Jahajeeah.

As part of their visit, the group met some of the incredible entrepreneurs, who are either graduates of our programmes or active users of our co working space. They also enjoyed a guided tour of Philippi Village, led by the Philippi Village team.

A huge thank you to our entrepreneurs for generously sharing their journeys, and to the Philippi Village team for hosting a wonderful tour.

We loved welcoming the ESSEC cohort to our space!

04/12/2025

Registrations Now Open! UCT Summer School 2026 at Philippi Village

We are excited to bring the UCT Summer School to Solution Space Philippi Village from 19–30 January 2026 - and registrations are officially OPEN!

You told us what you wanted - and we listened.
Based on your votes and preferences, we’ve selected a curated set of UCT Summer School lectures that will be livestreamed at Philippi Village.

Join us for two inspiring weeks of learning across these key subjects:
💻 Information Technology
🎨 Literature, Art & Music
🌍 Current Affairs, History, Philosophy, Politics & Economics
🔬 Science
🌱 Conservation & Nature
🩺 Medicine

Date: 19 – 30 January 2026
Time: 09:00 – 15:00
Venue: UCT GSB Solution Space, Philippi Village, 1 Cwangco Cres, Philipp, Cape Town

No prior knowledge needed | A friendly, community learning environment
Whether you're a student, working professional, retiree, or simply curious - everyone is welcome to join.

Certificate of attendance provided - You must attend all sessions.
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/48BJ5fB

Let’s learn, grow and connect - together - this summer at Philippi Village!