Over a two-day Design Thinking Workshop and Hackathon, the young people of Kruisfontein took a step to finding tech solutions to improve safety and security, which has been worsened by the lack of economic opportunities in their community.
The Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust partnered with Propella Business Incubator to facilitate their efforts in finding innovative solutions to uplift the community of Kruisfontein.
This is in line with their Theory of Change Model, which highlights the trust’s role as a catalyst, focusing on issues or systematic problems that stand in the way, or prohibit, communities from becoming thriving, resilient, sustainable, and empowered.
The trust works collaboratively with entities such as Propella and others to achieve its vision and mission.
“The Design Thinking Workshop and Hackathon is a programme facilitated by Propella Business Incubator, aimed at identifying and cultivating high-tech solutions co-created with community members that will help the community of Kruisfontein improve safety and security supported by KWF Community Development Trust,” said Linda Lawrie, Propella incubation journey facilitator.
The trust’s community liaison co-ordinator, Nadia Mjwara, shared that their focus area in the project is on “Welfare and Humanitarian Development”.
They aim at creating resilient, empowered, and sustainable communities through strategic thinking.
For the past eight years, Propella has been supporting new businesses, incubating more than 243 ventures.
These businesses have thrived in the ICT and Industrial sectors, generating over 1 390 jobs.
Masakhane Mlamla, Propella business incubator manager, shared that ideas and solutions generated from the Design Thinking Workshop and Hackathon will be recommended to the trust, and economic participation projects will be generated in support of the ideas provided by the community.
He commended Kruisfontein residents and community-facing partners for their enthusiasm, high levels of engagement and positive outlook.
At the end of the two-day Design Thinking Workshop, the participants presented the community’s problems and viable solutions, guided by socio-economic researcher, Professor Deon Pretorius, and Propella’s senior industrial advisor, Grant Minnie, who evaluated the solutions based on their impact, feasibility, and innovation.
“It’s great to see young people taking charge of their community’s development,” said Mlamla.
He said that the participants of the Design Thinking Workshop and Hackathon had formed a platform for themselves, and called it The Humansdorp Youth Development Forum.
“This is an excellent initiative, and it’s inspiring to see the participants electing leaders and taking ownership of the projects within themselves. With the support of the KWF Community Development Trust and incubation from Propella Business Incubator, the winning solution(s) will have a real chance of making a positive impact on the community of Kruisfontein,” said Mlamla.
Prince Matonsi, general manager of the Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust, said that the Humansdorp Youth Development Forum is a powerful example of how young people can drive positive change in their community.
“With support from the KWF Community Development Trust and Propella Business Incubator, the forum is well-positioned to make a real difference in Kruisfontein,” said Matonsi.
