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08 November 2024
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Story Jacky Tshokwe
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Photo Supplied
The Kingdom Vision Foundation (KVF) management team took part in the annual Social Impact Innovation Awards organised by the SAB Foundation.
In September, the Kingdom Vision Foundation (KVF) management team took part in the annual Social Impact Innovation Awards, organised by the SAB Foundation. This competition included a three-day workshop, during which participants received mentorship on enhancing their business models to maximise sustainable impact. Participants also crafted a four-minute business pitch, which they delivered to a panel of independent judges from sectors such as business, health, education, and government. At the end of the workshop, winners were chosen based on the impact of their innovation, the strength of their business model, and the likelihood of future success.
On 10 October, the management team attended the Innovation Awards Ceremony, where KVF was honoured with the Development Award worth R700 000. In addition to the grant, KVF will participate in a 15-month business coaching and mentorship programme in 2025, through which the SAB Foundation’s coaching team will support them in expanding and scaling their impact across South Africa.
The funding will enhance both the Kovsie Health and Anchor of Hope eye clinics, which are collaborating with the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Optometry to provide affordable eye care to thousands of students and community members. The project aims to improve the quality of education for Optometry students, helping them experience the positive change they can drive through social impact. KVF’s vision includes a future at Kovsie Health where every student’s visual needs are met, regardless of financial constraints, and a thriving Anchor of Hope clinic that brings the gift of sight and renewed hope to rural communities around Bloemfontein.
Meet our Council: Marius Swart – a Councillor with deep roots in the UFS
2017-07-12
Marius Swart, Alumni election on the UFS Council.
Photo: Stephen Collett
Marius Swart, a Kovsie alumnus, is an Alumni election on the University Council. Not only is he a Kovsie alumnus, but all four of his siblings and their spouses are Kovsie alumni, as well as all three his children.
Interest in future decisions at the UFS
He is currently practicing as cardiothoracic surgeon at Mediclinic in Bloemfontein, but has always been involved with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the university. He spent eight years as consultant in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and recently became a registered student again when he enrolled for an interdisciplinary PhD. He is currently also supervisor for the research projects of undergraduate medical students.
Thus, Marius no doubt has a substantial interest in the issues and future decisions at the UFS.
Guard against retroformation
"Higher education is a challenging environment and expectations about excellence and human development are being tested. Transformation is on everybody’s lips, but we have to guard against what I would call retroformation – moving back to old regimes and new forms of exclusion," he says.
Marius is excited to begin his term with a new Rector and Vice-Chancellor. He realises that many challenges awaits him as councillor on the way forward, but he is ready to pull his weight in Council.
"My own daughter is involved in the challenges students are experiencing on a daily basis, and my wife is supporting a first-generation rural student. The university should be sensitive to these students. Empowering them can bring change to communities."
His interests are varied and it is clear that he has a vision for a better world.