The Fix Scholarship, in partnership with Software AG South Africa, is proud to launch the Software AG Social Innovation Startup Programme - an initiative aimed at providing assistance to tech-enabled startups to solve their biggest social challenges, including providing networks, best practices and capital to scale in the industry.

Speaking on the partnership, Fix Moeti, CEO and Founder of the Fix Scholarship says: “With technology advancing globally and the visible rise of tech social enterprises in South Africa, the partnership between Software AG and the Fix Scholarship is an important partnership in providing social innovators with the skills to not only exist but thrive in a rapidly changing digital space.”

“The Fix Scholarship has always remained true to its belief in female entrepreneurship, leadership and social impact through education, and I believe that the partnership with Software AG South Africa will truly be beneficial to our entrepreneurs,” adds Moeti.

The Software AG Social Innovation Startup Programme calls all-female social innovators – that have an enterprise or idea with a social purpose to drive positive change – to apply for the scholarship. Candidates should be females leading social innovators and problem solvers who understand that income accompanies impact.

Kholiwe Makhohliso, VP & Country Manager for Software AG South Africa, says Software AG is always mindful of the positive impact it can have on the future. “This is why we work ceaselessly to be independent, inclusive and inventive. 

“We are grateful to have partnered with the Fix Scholarship as it allows us to pay particular attention to women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM). It is our duty to encourage women to be tech-enabled social innovators and provide them with opportunities that will empower them economically. The programme will ensure that we reduce the shortage of scarce and critical skills  and move women from low-skilled jobs to more formal positions that will, in turn, help develop the country.”

The Fix Scholarship is a non-profit organisation that offers female social entrepreneurs, who pursue entrepreneurial solutions for urgent social development challenges, the opportunity to complete the Gordon Institute of Business Schools’ (GIBS) Social Entrepreneurship course. The course is aimed at assisting them to make an impactful social and economic change within their communities as well as an opportunity to be awarded capital to maintain or start-up their business.

Since 2013, the organisation has offered scholarships to several inspiring social entrepreneurs. One such person was Ntsiki Bereng, founder of Apple Tree Montessori, which aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment for the African child.

Bereng says after completing the Social Entrepreneurship course through GIBS, she was able to make a positive impact in her community and particularly on the lives of the children of the area. “Through the initiative, I have not only positively impacted my future, but the futures of the children that I teach and develop into tomorrow’s leaders.”

Makhohliso says Software AG is fair and flexible to work with and committed to sustainable progress in making a world of living connections. “By providing the fluid flow of data, we give a business the power to instantly see, decide and act.

“We are passionate about transformation in South Africa and continue to invest heavily in aspects of socio-economic development, skills development, supplier and enterprise development. This programme is one of many initiatives we are involved in to support IT start-ups.” 

Applications are now open and will close on the31 March 2020. Interested applicants can register on www.fixscholarship.co.za.