Members of the Goalkeepers South Africa Network recently had opportunity to engage with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Paulin Basinga, Africa Director, during a meeting in Cape Town. The discussion highlighted the significant strides made by the Goalkeepers in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a local level and reinforced the impact of their work in key areas such as health, education, poverty alleviation, and innovation.
The Goalkeepers South Africa Network, facilitated by the Secretariat at the Policy Innovation Lab, Stellenbosch University, serves as a national extension of the global Gates Foundation Goalkeepers programme. With a focus on localising the SDGs, the network drives change through partnerships, capacity building, and public engagement. By championing innovative solutions, South African Goalkeepers accelerate progress in tackling some of the country’s most pressing development challenges.
The engagement provided a platform for Goalkeepers to showcase their work across multiple SDGs, including: SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Suzman commended the network for its cohesion, impact, and dedication, highlighting the pipeline of innovation in health, agriculture, and financial inclusion across South Africa and the continent. He underscored the Goalkeepers’ role in driving these advancements, reinforcing his message that “progress is possible.”
The meeting also reinforced the importance of collaboration in achieving the SDGs. Following the discussion, an extended virtual session was held later in the week with Jackie Ugokwe , Senior Communications Officer at the Gates Foundation. The Goalkeepers reaffirmed their commitment to scaling impact through innovative projects and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
The Secretariat at Stellenbosch University is committed to supporting the network. By enabling knowledge exchange, recognising achievements, and fostering strategic collaborations, the Secretariat plays a key role in positioning Goalkeepers as leaders in sustainable development.
This milestone engagement underscores the growing recognition of the Goalkeepers South Africa Network. As they continue to drive local solutions to global challenges, their work exemplifies Suzman’s message: progress is possible – and South Africa’s Goalkeepers are leading the way.