Welcome to Bukelani Institute

Advancing Humankind’s Potential

About Bukelani Institute

The Bukelani Institute is a dynamic African innovation and impact institution committed to developing people and communities through transformative outreach, enterprise development, and systems change.

The Institute operates across five core practices—Creatives & Culture, School for Society, Computer Sciences, Biodiversity & Oceans —each advancing scalable solutions to Africa’s most pressing social and environmental challenges through a community-centric, future-focused approach. The School for Society is accredited by FP&MSETA and the Services SETA under S84 Learnovate brand.

Practices

Creatives & Culture

The Creatives & Culture Practice at Bukelani Institute empowers emerging artists, performers, and cultural entrepreneurs by providing skills development, mentorship, and platforms to showcase talent.

Through programmes like ArTour and CultureFest, the Practice fosters creativity, cultural expression, and entrepreneurship, while promoting local heritage, arts innovation, and sustainable cultural enterprises. It connects learners to networks, audiences, and markets, creating opportunities for impactful cultural engagement and enterprise growth.

School for Society

The School for Society is rooted in purpose and driven by impact. We empower changemakers to launch and scale ventures that solve real problems while building sustainable business models.

From ideation labs to investment readiness, we walk with emerging social entrepreneurs every step of the way.

Here, profit meets purpose — and communities rise.

Biodiversity & Oceans

Our Biodiversity & Oceans Practice explores the rich interconnections between nature, community, and economy. We promote biodiversity education, green livelihoods, and environmental entrepreneurship — particularly in rural and coastal areas.

Through research, training, and advocacy, we champion sustainable futures rooted in respect for ecosystems.

Protecting nature, empowering people — one practice at a time.

Focus: Arts, culture, and creative entrepreneurship

ArTour

Nationwide arts and culture tour engaging learners and creatives
Creative workshops and exhibitions in all nine provinces

CultureFest

Annual festival showcasing music, dance, theatre, and visual arts
Provides a platform for emerging creatives and cultural entrepreneurs
Integrates workshops, competitions, and performances to enhance visibility and skills

Impact:

Support for emerging creatives
Growth of creative enterprises
Increased cultural engagement and community participation

ArtTour & CultureFest

Focus: Social enterprise development and entrepreneurship
Target Constituents: Aspiring and existing social entrepreneurs, youth

Key Activities:

Business planning and financial management workshops
Design thinking and innovation sessions
Mentorship and networking
Pitching and enterprise showcase events

Impact:

Creation of sustainable social enterprises
Enhanced entrepreneurial and leadership skills
Increased access to funding and market opportunities

Innovating 4 Impact

Focus: Maritime education, biodiversity, and coastal community empowerment
Target Constituents: Community members, maritime educators, local government, traditional authorities

Key Activities:

Communities of practice for collaboration
Accredited maritime and biodiversity training
Coastal conservation and biodiversity initiatives
Mentorship and enterprise support linked to oceans economy

Impact:

Skilled and empowered coastal communities
Improved coastal ecosystem management
Enhanced sustainable livelihood opportunities
Creation of local Oceans Champions

Oceans Champions

Bukelani School for Society offers transformative programmes designed to equip learners, entrepreneurs, and community members with practical skills, innovation capacity, and enterprise-building capabilities.

Skills & Enterprise Programmes:

Social Enterprise Programmes
Measuring & Communicating Impact Programme (10 weeks)
Social Finance Programme (10 weeks)
Agro-Ecology Programme (12 weeks)
Bioprospecting, Biotrade & Essential Oils Programme (12 weeks)
Oceans & Coasts Social Enterprise Programme (12 weeks)

School for Society

Focus: Community development, skills training, and sustainable livelihoods
Target Constituents: Community members, youth, women, local leaders

Key Activities:

Vocational skills workshops (agriculture, trades, crafts)
Community-led projects and cooperative initiatives
Mentorship and networking
Environmental and biodiversity awareness campaigns

Impact:

Strengthened community engagement and social cohesion
Enhanced livelihood opportunities
Practical skills development for sustainable economic participation

Community Roots

Focus: Biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and agro-ecology
Target Constituents: High school learners, educators, community members

Key Activities:

School and community gardens
Invasive species management
Biodiversity and environmental education workshops
Community engagement and reflection

Impact:

Improved environmental literacy
Sustainable community and school gardens
Development of eco-conscious leaders

Green Roots

Biodiversity & Oceans Summit 2025

Team Bukelani extends gratitude to all the speakers and attendees who participated in the Biodiversity & Oceans Summit 2025 held at the Durban Botanical Gardens on 11 September 2025. Siyabonga!

Hackathon 2025

Team Bukelani Institute expresses gratitude to all participants at the Hackathon 2025! It was an amazing day of co-creation of technology solutions for biodiversity challenges.

We will be awarding recognition and awards at the upcoming Social Enterprise Forum on Africa (SEFoA) 2025.

We are looking forward to Computer Sciences Week 2026!

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