Olivia van Rooyen wins Social Entrepreneur of the year!!
• Social entrepreneur category - Olivia van Rooyen – The Kuyasa Fund
Social entrepreneur category winner of Ernst & Young SA chapter of the World Entrepreneur Awards, Olivia van Rooyen started The Kuyasa fund to support community groups to save towards housing and grants loans to individuals who qualify for the state housing subsidy within their belief that the poorer of the poor are still credit worthy and that through mobilising savings they are able to build financial and social capital – specifically housing. Kuyasa provides microfinance services to those with secure occupational rights but whom are traditionally excluded by the South African banking fraternity. The underlying belief behind the business of Kuyasa is that by improving the quality of housing of these people – the moral and social fibre of the community is enhanced by pride felt in being a home owner, and the stabilisation it gives to families.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year
Ernst & Young’s global Entrepreneur Of The Year programme is the world's most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. Recognised globally, the award provides a unique way of encouraging entrepreneurial activity and recognising the contribution of outstanding men and women who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing, and dynamic business, recognising them through regional, national, and global awards programs in 125 cities in 40 countries.
About the Schwab Foundation For Social Entrepreneurship
The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship was co-founded by Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, and his wife, Hilde. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has been identifying the world’s leading social entrepreneurs in over 40 countries around the globe. Social entrepreneurs implement innovative and pragmatic solutions to social problems by tackling the root causes and creating social transformation. Selected social entrepreneurs of the Schwab Foundation network participate in World Economic Forum events, thus providing unique opportunities for them to connect with business, political and media leaders.
http://www.weforum.org/en/communities/schwabfoundation/
