StreetBiz Foundation

The goal of the Be a Nelson Project is to address South Africa's overwhelming challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality through initiatives that make Social Entrepreneurial Mindset (SEM) development accessible to all. Through formal SEM training and support, individuals and entire communities can engage in proactive citizenship and South Africa can be uplifted. Nelson Mandela's legacy is our country's most valuable social asset. The Be a Nelson Project taps into the Mandela mandate that everyone, regardless of their station in life, must contribute to the advancement of society for the good of all. The Be a Nelson Project is a multifaceted intervention to identify and empower the many champions and budding champions in segregated townships established during decades of Apartheid. Social Entrepreneurial Mindset development requires a trans-disciplinary approach integrating various academic disciplines based on the needs of NEET (World Economic Forum term for No Education, No Employment, No Training). It requires understanding the dependency mindset which contributes heavily to entrepreneurial under-performance in South Africa. The Be a Nelson project is context-related, taking into account practical realities and the strengths and weaknesses of South African society. Visionary leaders and people of goodwill are abundant in both disadvantaged and advantaged communities. This project will bring them together for meaningful change on local and national levels, creating a culture based on dignity, self-worth, personal and group initiative, mutual understanding, and recognition. Communities will be uplifted by leaders, actions, and strategies that enhance the spirit of Ubuntu.