In September 2024, SIX is partnering with the University of the Free State to host the first global gathering of global social innovation leaders in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Whether in mega cities or rural communities, people all over the world have demonstrated their power to make lasting change. In developed and developing countries alike, locals are coming together to address societal challenges and innovate together to advance the needs of their own communities. It is the resilience, strength and collective power of citizens, who best understand their communities, that make places thrive.
Nowhere is this more true than South Africa. With the highest gini coefficient in the world, high unemployment, and rife corruption, it is unsurprising that there is a lack of trust in the government to address the basic needs of its population. But South Africa is best known for its vibrant and resilient society, collective action and commitment to justice. Throughout its complex history, people have come together to make change happen. As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, a growing population of young people, and a post-election 'new era', this is a pivotal moment, especially for the next generation.
At a time when our narratives are dominated by polarisation, division and dystopias, we need inspiration more than ever. In our multi polar world, this inspiration may come from places that are less well known. We are also living in a time when our challenges are more intertwined and complex , so we need time, with the best minds from everywhere, to work through these challenges together in a creative way.
'Indaba' is a term originating from the Zulu and Xhosa languages of Southern Africa, meaning "gathering" or "discussion".
A vibrant platform that is rooted in the spirit of collaboration and inclusivity, an indaba embodies principles of democracy, equality, and community involvement, so that everyone's voice is heard.
At a pivotal time in South Africa, this indaba will be a dynamic space to foster meaningful dialogue, exchange and ideas with the best minds from around the world.
Key questions and themes we will explore
During our days together in Bloemfontein, we will discuss what it takes to build the collective power of communities to create thriving, resilient, people-powered places.
Redesigning institutions
What kind of institutions do we need to enable communities to thrive and succeed?
How can institutions ensure they are incorporating the voices of the people they serve and places they are a part of?
Working across silos
What happens at the edges and in between places, such as where universities meet cities or where businesses meet the government? What kind of tools do we need to bridge divides and boundaries between them, both physical and emotional?
Imagining new futures
What can we learn from the past and present to build new, more hopeful futures for the next generation to thrive, and to build the kinds of society and environment we want to live in?
Why we are collaborating with the University of the Free State
Our host and local partner is the University of the Free State. Situated in central South Africa, and with campuses in the city Bloemfontein and the more rural Qwaqwa, UFS has a strong vision for innovation, social justice, human rights and social impact. This commitment is demonstrated through its diversity of innovative and interdisciplinary programmes, spanning from experimental farming, to their Centre for Human Rights, and the Science-for-the-Future programme. Their presence also extends to the rural community of Qwaqwa, where their second campus explores indigenous wisdom and cutting-edge mountain research.
For UFS, interdisciplinarity is not just a buzzword, it is embedded in all departments. UFS is an anchor institution of the future, serving not only the students and the university community, but also the city and wider province, as well as acting as a lab for the city and bridging the university and its local communities in all of its work, both in the city and the mountains.
Who should come and why?
At a time when our narratives are dominated by polarisation, division and dystopias, inspiration is more crucial than ever - and we need to look to places less well known to find it. That's why we're gathering the best minds from around the globe to creatively tackle our interconnected challenges together in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa.
SIX events are always locally rooted and globally relevant. SIX events also bring together actors across different sectors - philanthropy, public sector organisations, companies, NGOs and civil society organisations. Whilst many participants will be coming from different global contexts and sectors, we know you will find inspiration and discover new perspectives.
This is an event for anyone who is in need of hope, inspiration and new energy. This will be a truly global discussion - you don't need to be working in South Africa to leave this event inspired! It is a place to hear new thinking and ideas, learn about new trends and different examples, and a forum to challenge your assumptions. It is a forum for lively exchange, participation and learning. And a place where you will make new friends, and build networks for the future.
About the organisers
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SIX is a global organisation focusing on accelerating learning and exchange across borders and sectors, in order to help organisations better solve and prepare for the societal challenges we face.
SIX was established in 2008 with the purpose of identifying and connecting isolated social innovation leaders, building their capacity, consolidating knowledge, developing frameworks, and creating a group of supportive peers that would create pathways for others to follow. Since then, we’ve worked with dozens of partners from governments, companies, foundations and NGOs, across 6 continents.
The University of the Free State (UFS) is an inspiring university situated in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa also known as the ‘city of roses’, right in the middle of South Africa. At the heart of their strategy and practice is the value of social justice and care.
The university is committed to tackling systemic inequality, bridging the gap between their urban campuses and rural campus and developing programmes that are based on mutual learning, pluralism and reciprocity. Beyond being a knowledge centre, they are a true anchor institution of the city, contributing to economic development.
Meet our speakers
– More speakers to be announced soon
Our strategic partners
Some of the global organisations that attend our events
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