“Supporting ECD in Bonnievale reminds us that social impact isn’t a project; it’s a responsibility to the children who will inherit our decisions.” Prof Armand Bam, SBS Head Social Impact.

Combine some of the brightest business students in South Africa, with an impactful rural Early Childhood Development Centre and you have a wonderful recipe for success.

This is exactly what was achieved when the Stellenbosch Business School Social Impact Team volunteering initiative visited the Spirit Foundation Early Childhood Development Centres in Bonnievale this week.

The Social Impact Committee is geared toward making a meaningful impact in communities who need it most, and effecting positive change. In honour of this, the team aimed to support Spirit Foundation ECD in sustainable food production for our 235 learners by way of developing a vegetable garden in what was previously a barren piece of land.

All gardening equipment, irrigation, and vegetable seeds were donated by a group of MBA students at Stellenbosch Business School who raised the necessary funds as part of their Social Engagement Project. 

After the hard day’s work in the sun, the Social Impact team cooled off by painting beautiful murals on the school building with a little help from our eager learners who could not wait to get their hands in the paint. 

Please make use of the following link to view images of the day: Volunteerism Initiative Gallery – Spirit Foundation

The SBS Social Impact Team members visiting the Spirit Foundation ECD Centres this week were: Nicole Taute, Yolanda van der Westhuizen, Maynette de Wee, Mirelle de Villiers-Kleynhans, and Suzette Rademan.

We are delighted to work with our SBS partners and our learners will benefit immensely from the ongoing collaboration.

But what is the USB Social Impact Programme all about?

For students and staff passionate about social impact, we offer additional courses and opportunities to dig deeper into social impact issues. Sample courses.

The Stellenbosch Business School (USB) has a strong focus on social responsibility through its various academic programs and initiatives, including its MBA, which has been ranked as the top programme in Africa. The school’s commitment to social impact is evident through its academic offerings, which train students to be change agents and empathetic leaders. 

The school’s programs, especially the MBA, are designed to develop leaders who can create meaningful change, aligning with the principles of social impact

USB’s overall approach incorporates social and environmental considerations into business practices, which is a core component of social impact.

The business school is a highly-ranked institution, with its full-time MBA ranked as the top programme in Africa by Eduniversal. 

May our collaboration grow from strength to strength!