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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS 2027

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KZN SOCIAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), will be running the 2027 LED Champions Programme for Social Entrepreneurs. We invite eligible social entrepreneurs across KwaZulu-Natal to apply. Local chambers of commerce, government institutions, and community-based organisations may also nominate suitable candidates.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 31 OCTOBER 2027

How To Apply
Call For LED Champions 2027

What is the KZN Social Economy Development Programme?

The 2027 KZN Social Economy Development Programme, also known as the LED Champions Programme, is a social entrepreneurship initiative that supports community changemakers across KwaZulu-Natal. Each year, social entrepreneurs with impactful existing enterprises are selected through a rigorous process to join the programme. Designed around global best practices, it addresses the key challenges faced by social entrepreneurs and provides participants with advanced knowledge and innovative tools to develop and scale their social enterprises.

Enterprises targeted by the programme

Small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) making a socialor environmental impact in their communities.

  • Businesses run by or serving marginalised or underserved communities
  • Businesses addressing climate change, waste management, and renewable energy issues
  • Enterprises promoting sustainable agriculture or ecotourism
  • Businesses with a clear commitment to solving social, environmental, or economic challenges.
  • Enterprises leveraging creative approaches to address societal challenges

What will the KZN Social Economy Development Programme offer?

development intervention that is designed to capacitate social entrepreneurs to scale their impact. It will offer the opportunity to work with fellow LED practitioners through participation in a series of work-integrated learning activities aimed at developing their organisations and ideas into sustainable social enterprises. This programme includes workshops on personal growth and development, human centred design thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, legal structures, financial management, marketing, human resources, integrated supply chain management, and assessing and measuring performance of the enterprise. For the duration of the programme, accommodation (for candidates residing outside of Durban), meals during workshops, and course materials will be provided.

When/ How does the programme run?

The programme runs as an action-learning, interactive social lab comprising two-day plenary sessions each month, followed by fieldwork, reflection, and implementation activities. It combines online and face-to-face teaching and will run from February to August 2027.

How to Apply?

Applicant Requirements

  • Must be able to understand English (written and spoken)
  • Operate an existing social enterprise in KwaZulu-Natal that has been active for at least one year.
  • Hold a Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.
  • Must be a South African citizen residing in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Must be unemployed and not enrolled in any form of study during 2027, and be available to fully commit to the programme for its duration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit the following documents

  • Matric certificate or equivalent
  • A supporting letter from a credible organisation in the applicant's community, such as the LED officer of the local municipality, a local business chamber or a similar organisation.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Identity Document (ID)

Women, youth and persons with disabilities who meet the programme requirements are strongly encouraged to apply

Apply Now

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