Goalkeepers profile: Maboang Matlou

This month, the Policy Innovation Lab is spotlighting Goalkeeper Maboang Matlou. As founder of Lefakong Farming, she grows and processes moringa into teas, powders, and capsules, while training women and youth, partnering with smallholder producers, and supporting home gardens to improve household nutrition. Her work embodies social innovation by turning local needs into solutions that create jobs, strengthen community markets and broaden opportunities in rural South Africa.

Goalkeepers champion SDGs on Stellenbosch University bootcamp

Young South African Goalkeepers gathered at Stellenbosch University from 27 to 30 August 2025 for an innovation bootcamp. Coordinated by SU’s Policy Innovation Lab with the SDG/2063 Impact Hub, and supported by SU LaunchLab and Impact Hub Cape Winelands, participants developed projects covering food security, maternal and child health, precision nutrition and youth innovation. Through expert masterclasses and hands-on pitches, they translated ideas into plans aimed at localising the SDGs in communities across South Africa.

Learning about sustainability at Venice Summer School in Italy

In July 2025, Tinashe Chikunichawa, Assistant Project Manager at the Policy Innovation Lab, joined doctoral researchers at Venice International University’s PhD Academy to explore sustainability through the lens of urban waste management. Fieldwork in Venice deepened her insights into systems thinking, policy design, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Goalkeepers profile: Willem Fourie

Meet Willem Fourie, a policy entrepreneur exploring the nexus of policy and technology. As Chair of Policy Innovation at Stellenbosch University, he leads work on how AI can improve public policy, grounded in ethics, collaboration and real-world impact.

Policy Innovation Lab supports Goalkeepers convening in Johannesburg

Recently, Goalkeepers South Africa gathered for a mid-year session to reflect on the journey so far, reconnect in person, and chart the path forward through collaborative projects and continued support for changemakers.

Spotlight on emerging collaboration between Goalkeepers

Our latest Goalkeepers session featured Dr Heinrich Volmink and Ms Bontle Tshole, who presented a powerful example of cross-sector collaboration. Their project combines precision medicine and nutrition innovation to tackle lifestyle diseases. Read the full story to see how their work is advancing SDGs 2 and 3, and what it reveals about the power of partnership.

Goalkeepers profile: Lawrence Mabasa

This month, the Policy Innovation Lab is spotlighting Goalkeeper Dr. Lawrence Mabasa. As a specialist scientist at the SAMRC and senior lecturer at Stellenbosch University, he leads research on maternal nutrition and child development, tackling both scientific and cultural challenges in public health. Discover how his work is shaping national policy and improving outcomes in vulnerable communities across South Africa.

Goalkeepers explore the power of value propositions

The most recent Goalkeepers South Africa community session brought SDG advocates together to explore people-centred innovation using the Value Proposition Canvas. Supported by the Policy Innovation Lab, which connects Goalkeepers with expert guidance, the session was led by Brandon Paschal from SU LaunchLab and focused on aligning ideas with real-world needs for greater SDG impact.

USD 200 billion announcement by the Gates Foundation

Bill Gates' renewed commitment to accelerate giving through the Gates Foundation aligns closely with the work of the Policy Innovation Lab. From AI-driven public solutions to inclusive economic development, the Lab is advancing the same priorities through locally grounded innovation.

South African Goalkeepers meet Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation

CEO Mark Suzman, alongside Africa Director Paulin Basinga, recently hosted the Goalkeepers South Africa Network in Cape Town. Facilitated by the Policy Innovation Lab, Suzman applauded their efforts, reaffirming that “progress is possible” through local action and collaboration. Read more about this milestone engagement and how Goalkeepers are shaping sustainable development in South Africa.