2020 has undoubtably been a very challenging year for all, however we are thankful to you for your patience as we adjusted to our new normal. As we start with the New Year, we would like to pay homage to the frontline Covid-19Warriors that have been working tirelessly, sacrificing their lives and time to attend to patients during the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic. The Covid—19 pandemic had and is continuing to have a global impact with various European countries reverting to strict regulations and restrictions to reduce the number of new infections and deaths.
South Africa is currently experiencing a second wave of infection, placing tremendous constraints on the medical sector and thus the country has reverted to level 3 of the national lockdown. Understandably, there is a great sense of unease across the country with the death toll increasing daily. We however remain optimistic that if we continue wearing our masks, sanitising and practising social distancing we will beat this deadly disease that is claiming so many lives globally.
Allow me to share with you some activities during the 3rd quarter. In November 2020 we celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week where a series of activities were hosted to connect entrepreneurs, in the Innovation Ecosystem and strengthening ecosystems around the world. The Innovation Hub participated at the Black Umbrella GEW three-day event which was a collaboration between Black Umbrella, The Innovation Hub and Google and took place on 23-25 November 2020. On 10 December 2020, The Innovation Hub joined by Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia USA, representatives, the Technology Innovation Agency and other stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, celebrated innovators at the 2020 Gauteng Accelerator Programme Innovation (GAP) Competition Awards virtual event. Though we were not able to celebrate the way we normally celebrate the awards ceremony this year, we are looking forward to what 2021 might bring and we cannot wait for the 2021 awards ceremony befitting for all our innovators to be hosted at The Innovation Hub, Lynnwood Tshwane.
It is pleasing to note that since 2011, the four categories of GAP have attracted more than 1400 entries and invested over R19 million in seed funding and incubation support to over 100 start-ups. All the participants for GAP Innovation Competition see value in the developmental aspects of the competition and those that participate indicate that it is not just about winning but also the value aspect such as skills development, networking and mentorship that the programme brings for the growth of businesses. Congratulations to all the winners and we welcome them to The Innovation Hubs’ business incubators.
Tribute to Ms Phephisile Maseko, CEO of Phephisa NaturalsIt is with our heavy hearts that we pay tribute to one of our entrepreneurs, Ms Phepsile Maseko, the founder of Phephisa Naturals, and Traditional Healers Organisation founder and chairperson. Gogo Phephisile Temangcamane Maseko, affectionately known as Gogo-wabantu following her untimely death on 04 January 2021, was housed at BioPark@Gauteng Business Incubation facility. She was well known for advocating for the use of traditional medicine. Phephisa Natural Resource Institute has products such as gwengwe jelly, which is used to treat funguses and skin diseases, nganu shampoo for hair and nganu face wash to sooth and moisturise the face. Her healing talents were uncovered when she was nine years old. At the age of 13, she started to travel with her father across the continent to learn about traditional medicine, and they also travelled to the homelands in SA, Uganda and other African countries like Lesotho and Botswana. The Innovation Hub would like to honour the work and contribution that Ms Maseko has made to the innovation ecosystem and Traditional Healers Organisation . Our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues and everyone who knew her. She has left a void in the Bioeconomy space, especially in the areas of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The Innovation Hub we will ensure that her legacy lives on.
To stay abreast with all the exciting entrepreneurship news, information and opportunities available at The Innovation Hub, connect with us on our social media platforms: follow us on Twitter @Innovhub, like us on Facebook InnovhubZA and Instagram Innovhub or visit our website www.theinnovationhub.com. Alternatively call our help desk on 012 844 0000. We always like to hear from you.
I thank you for being part of our innovation ecosystem community……and I hereby wish you all the best for 2021
Until next time stay blessed!!