Back to Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation
University of Cape Town

Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation

This course is for anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether you are already familiar with the field of social innovation or social entrepreneurship, working for an organization that wants to increase its social impact, or just starting out, this course will take you on a journey of exploring the complex problems that surround us and how to start thinking about solutions. We will debunk common assumptions around what resources are needed to begin acting as a social innovator. We will learn from the numerous examples of social innovations happening all over the world. You will be challenged to get out of your comfort zone and start engaging with the diverse spaces around you. By the end of the course, you will have formed your own approach to social innovation, and you will have begun to develop the concepts, mindset, skills, and relationships that will enable you to start and evolve as a changemaker. The Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship co-created this course with RLabs, a social movement ‘born-and-bred’ in Bridgetown, Cape Town that is now active in 22 countries. The movement empowers youth through innovative and disruptive technology by teaching them vital skills and providing much needed support and a sense of community. Advocating and supporting initiatives such as RLabs forms part of the Bertha Centre’s mandate. The Centre is a specialised unit at University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, and is the first academic centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Status: Community Development
Status: Cultural Diversity
BeginnerCourse24 hours

Featured reviews

SA

5.0Reviewed Jul 3, 2020

This course was great! I learned a lot through discussion and project submissions. I have not only learned how to create change in my community but I have taken the first steps to make it a reality.

IS

5.0Reviewed Oct 12, 2020

I loved the combination of theory and reports of experience and how it allowed me to connect it to developing my personal project. Thank you very much for this inspiring course!

AH

5.0Reviewed Sep 26, 2016

This course has changed my life and I hope I can do even just a tiny bit to change the world. Well worth it for anyone tired of seeing the need for change and not knowing how to take action.

PJ

5.0Reviewed Jun 5, 2020

This was an inspiring course. I enjoyed applying Design Theory to an idea I had been pondering for years. I was able to refine my idea in order to share it with others and explore its feasibility.

BC

5.0Reviewed Oct 20, 2025

A very insightful course I’d highly recommend it to anyone on their social entrepreneurship journey who feels stuck. It’s the perfect refresher to reignite your passion and deepen your knowledge.

SL

5.0Reviewed Aug 6, 2020

A very useful and inspiring course that really motivates you to make a difference. I learnt so many new skills and ways of thinking about problems. Would highly recommend to anyone.

TV

5.0Reviewed Jul 18, 2020

Beautifly designed course with great teachers! RLabs is an awesome example and an inspiration for social change. I feel inspired and energized to start my one social innovation journey.

AQ

5.0Reviewed Aug 4, 2021

This course is very knowledgeable. I wish to congratulate RLaba and the University of Cape Town for creating such a wonderful and unique course. I have learned a lot. Thank you.

OM

5.0Reviewed Jun 5, 2018

This is a very effective course for anyone who would like to be an innovator or an entrepreneur. It helps with the knowledge and foundation of the necessary skills needed for social innovation.

EG

5.0Reviewed Dec 9, 2020

This course was very easy to use. The videos were informative and easy to understand. This course inspired me to create something meaningful and was a very helpful and encouraging experience.

NM

5.0Reviewed Nov 24, 2020

I thouroughly enjoyed this course. The material was easy to understand and engage with. The information was put together in a comprehensible way and the tasks were practical and relevant

CS

4.0Reviewed May 12, 2020

Great content, some areas were a little buggy (tech) but overall GREAT CONTENT AND COURSE LEADERS! Feeling very inspired and equipped with great knowledge to take my social innovation ideas forward

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 612

Justine Kennedy
4.0
Reviewed Dec 6, 2019
Leigh Ferreira
5.0
Reviewed Oct 4, 2016
Neville Prinsloo
5.0
Reviewed Dec 17, 2016
Andrea Huggett
5.0
Reviewed Sep 26, 2016
Savdar Im
5.0
Reviewed Feb 12, 2018
Julia Fischer
5.0
Reviewed Jun 12, 2018
Teesta Mukherjee
5.0
Reviewed Nov 30, 2017
Lizaan Muller
5.0
Reviewed Mar 14, 2017
Kimble Perry
5.0
Reviewed Jan 9, 2018
Sarah Henkeman
5.0
Reviewed Feb 8, 2017
Leslie Mashoko
5.0
Reviewed Apr 8, 2020
Kim Cottle
5.0
Reviewed Nov 1, 2019
Pamela Jacobson
5.0
Reviewed Jun 6, 2020
Osmunda E. Mbunda
5.0
Reviewed Jun 5, 2018
Joan Le Fur
5.0
Reviewed Mar 29, 2017
Amarnath
5.0
Reviewed Jan 2, 2019
Arthi Pattabiraman
5.0
Reviewed Mar 28, 2020
Asante Tracey
5.0
Reviewed Aug 15, 2020
Jessica Lozano Fernandez
5.0
Reviewed May 5, 2020
Daiza V. Cuyaman
5.0
Reviewed Oct 10, 2016