SAB Foundation Awards 2026 — Kayzi
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Grant · Non-repayable

SAB Foundation
Social Innovation Awards

For SA founders building early-stage solutions to real social problems

Funding range R300k – R1.3m
Type Grant + Mentorship
Open to SA Citizens 18+
Since 2015 R88m invested
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Deadline: 16 March 2026 at midday. Early submissions strongly encouraged.
Eligibility gate
✓
South African citizen, 18 or older Certified copy of SA ID required with application
✓
Beyond the idea stage Must show proof of time or money invested — a prototype, business plan, or market research
✓
Original innovation Must be your own work — a new solution or significant improvement on an existing one
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Targets SAB Foundation beneficiary groups Women, youth, persons with disabilities, or people in rural areas
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Not eligible: Tholoana Programme alumni Previous recipients of the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme cannot apply
Choose your track
Track 2

Disability Empowerment Award

Innovations that create economic access for persons with disabilities — assistive tech, inclusive employment, training or income-generating models.

What they assess
01
Social impact
Does it meaningfully improve quality of life for target groups?
02
Job creation
Potential for direct and indirect sustainable employment
03
Commercial sustainability
Does the business model have a credible path to viability?
04
True innovation
New solution, or a significant improvement on what exists
Common disqualifiers
Still at idea/concept stage with no evidence of development, testing or investment
Innovation does not benefit one of the four target groups (women, youth, disabled persons, rural communities)
Previously received support via the SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme
Not a South African citizen, or under 18
No credible path to commercial sustainability — purely charitable or donation-dependent model
Kayzi advisory note

Financial inclusion counts here.

Kayzi sits squarely in the financial inclusion sector — one of SAB Foundation's explicitly listed focus areas. If your business or platform helps underserved South Africans access funding, credit or financial services, this grant is worth a serious look.

Before applying, make sure you can clearly articulate your social impact — who benefits, how many, and what changes for them
The assessors want to see traction, not just potential. Document your pilot, your users, your data
Mentorship is part of the package — this is not just capital, it's a programme. Factor that into your decision
Apply early. The deadline is firm at midday 16 March — do not leave it to the last day
Kayzi can help you prepare

Not sure where to start? Kayzi was built by a CA and former CFO who spent 15 years seeing what funders actually look for — and what gets founders rejected. We can help you assess your readiness, identify your gaps, and put together a stronger application before the 16 March deadline.

Review your application and flag gaps before you submit
Help you articulate your social impact clearly and credibly
Check your documentation is in order
Advise on which track best fits your business
✉ Get in touch — jenna@kayzi.co.za

Deadline is 16 March. Reach out now — don't leave it to the last day.

Not sure if you qualify?

Take the free Kayzi readiness check — 10 minutes, no fluff. We'll tell you where you stand before you apply.

Take the free readiness check Ready to apply? Visit sabfoundation.co.za directly