Upcoming Events
27th ILA Global Conference
Prague, Czechia
17 – 18 October 2025
StreetBiz Foundation is excited to participate and present the Be Nelson Movement at ILA’s Global Conference, the largest gathering of leadership scholars, educators, and professionals.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge research, build connections, develop skills, and shape the future of leadership.
Be a Nelson Walk
Cape Town, South Africa
March 2026
Join the Be A Nelson Walk, a transformational 10-day journey through South Africa’s stunning Western Cape! This isn’t just a hike—it’s an adventure that challenges you physically, inspires you mentally, and connects you with purpose-driven people. Walk alongside grassroots leaders from the Be A Nelson Movement, explore breathtaking landscapes, and engage with local communities driving real change. At the heart of this journey is The Mindshift Experience—deep discussions and reflections on social justice, equality, and transformation. Step into something bigger, embody the spirit of Nelson Mandela, and walk with purpose.
Spaces are limited! Secure your spot now: hello@streetbiz.co.za.
Past Events
UN General Assembly
Science Summit 2024
September 2024
The 10th annual Science Summit took place alongside the 79th UN General Assembly from September 10-27, bringing together global leaders, scientists, and policymakers to advance collaboration on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Held virtually and in New York City, the Summit fostered discussions on bridging science and policy, driving actionable strategies for global challenges. A key theme of the 2024 UN General Assembly Summit was “Space Education for Africa,” highlighting the importance of creating awareness about space among youth. Nico de Klerk was a featured speaker, emphasizing the role of space education in inspiring future generations and driving innovation. This year’s event was especially significant as it aligned with the UN Summit of the Future, shaping the post-SDG agenda by evaluating progress, identifying gaps, and exploring innovative solutions beyond 2030.
Be a Nelson Workshop
in Social Entrepreneurship
July 2024
In July 2024, StreetBiz led the Be a Nelson Entrepreneurial Workshops across four South African provinces-Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape. The initiative attracted over 60 aspiring social entrepreneurs eager to develop innovative solutions for their communities. During the workshops, StreetBiz also took the opportunity to present certificates to participants who successfully completed the Open Society University Network’s Social Entrepreneurship course, recognizing their dedication to driving positive change. This impactful series of workshops reinforced the power of entrepreneurship in fostering sustainable development and social transformation in South Africa.
Be a Nelson / MasterPeace Walk In Nature
March 2024
The MasterPeace-affiliated walk in South Africa, credited to StreetBiz and its Be a Nelson Movement (BaN), involved 15 European participants alongside 18 South African youths, members of the BaN. Over six days in March 2024, participants engaged in meaningful mentoring relationships while walking in nature, focusing on discussions and development of innovative social and business ideas. This initiative aimed to empower the youths and foster cross-cultural connections through shared experiences and knowledge exchange in a natural setting.
Be A Nelson Pitch Competiton
June 2025
On June 16, 2025, StreetBiz Foundation hosted the first-ever Be a Nelson Pitch Competition on Microsoft Teams, bringing together a vibrant group of community innovators to present impactful projects aimed at addressing societal challenges. The event was a remarkable display of creativity, passion, and dedication from participants, affectionately known as “Nelsons,” showcasing ideas that resonated deeply with judges and attendees alike.
The competition was graced by a panel of distinguished judges:
- Gerdien Stam – Project Manager at a leading multinational corporation, known for her expertise in bridging technology with real-world commercial applications.
- Mark Stienen – A seasoned leadership coach and facilitator, whose career spans roles in law and human resources, bringing valuable insights into leadership and personal development.
- Jochem Wieringa – An accomplished entrepreneur and investor committed to supporting startups that address critical global issues such as climate change, poverty, and healthcare.
Tanya Mupfure expertly steered the event as the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring smooth transitions and lively engagement throughout. Each Nelson had five minutes to pitch their idea, followed by a three-minute Q&A session with the judges, providing opportunities for participants to elaborate on their projects and receive constructive feedback.
Participants showcased diverse, innovative projects, each addressing unique challenges: - Loyiso Pieterse – Konke Bin Cleaning and Recycling Initiative
Focused on environmental sustainability and community education, Konke aims to revolutionise recycling practices in local communities. - Thuso Pejane – Resplek (Student Accommodation App)
Addressed the critical need for verified, affordable student housing through an accessible digital platform, easing a significant burden faced by many students. - Zimasa Mretyana – Rivoni Foundation Soup Kitchen
Emphasized community nourishment and social cohesion, creating a supportive environment where marginalized individuals can receive meals and emotional support. - Gontse Molope – Nou So Deliveries
Tackled the challenge of limited delivery services in townships by introducing an innovative WhatsApp-based delivery system, enhancing accessibility and creating local job opportunities. - Tiisetso Seoe – Mathari Theatre Production
Leveraged theatre as a powerful educational tool to address pressing social issues, empowering young people to express themselves creatively and foster positive change.
Judges carefully assessed each pitch based on relevance, creativity, potential impact, feasibility, and the quality of storytelling and delivery. The competition was incredibly tight, reflecting the high caliber of presentations.
The judges faced a challenging decision but ultimately selected the top three projects:
- 1st Place: Thuso Pejane (Resplek – Student Accommodation App)
- 2nd Place: Zimasa Mretyana (Rivoni Foundation Soup Kitchen)
- 3rd Place: Tiisetso Seoe (Mathari Theatre Production)
The winners were awarded a cash prize totalling R10,000, generously sponsored by Jochem Wieringa. Each winner expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, highlighting how the prize money would significantly impact their projects’ growth and community reach.
Throughout the competition, a strong spirit of community, collaboration, and mutual support prevailed. Judges and Nelsons alike underscored the importance of building partnerships and continuing to refine their initiatives through shared knowledge and resources.
Despite minor technical issues, promptly resolved by Bafana Binda, the event ran smoothly, maintaining high energy and engagement from start to finish. Participants praised the competition as a valuable growth opportunity, facilitating connections, mentorship, and practical feedback that will undoubtedly shape their future successes.
Participants received sponsored items, including branded diaries and shirts, symbolising their significant contributions to community innovation. The inaugural Be a Nelson Pitch Competition set an inspiring precedent, showcasing how grassroots initiatives, driven by passion and purpose, can create meaningful social impact.
StreetBiz Foundation looks forward to hosting future pitch competitions, continuously nurturing the innovative spirit of Nelsons and fostering sustainable community development.
Together, we’re building brighter futures and stronger communities.
The Nelsons on Nelson Mandela Day
July 2025
On the 18th of July 2025, StreetBiz Foundation’s Be a Nelson Movement stepped into the shoes of Madiba, championing the spirit of Ubuntu by actively supporting waste pickers across South Africa. This Mandela Day initiative was a profound statement of solidarity and gratitude towards individuals whose critical role in waste management often goes unrecognized.
The initiative unfolded simultaneously across five provinces, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, and Western Cape, reaching a remarkable total of 137 waste pickers. Each province independently organized activities tailored specifically to their local communities’ needs, funded by StreetBiz Foundation’s allocation of R10,000 (R2,000 per province). The event vividly showcased how collective action rooted in compassion can create substantial impact.
In the Eastern Cape, care packages were thoughtfully prepared and distributed to 10 waste pickers. The thoughtful inclusion of items such as building gloves, socks, individual coffee flasks, and a large 3-litre flask for hot water demonstrated practical consideration. Notably touching was the story of a woman who, upon receiving a much-needed pair of socks, visibly moved those around her with gratitude. Pilasande also navigated complex local concerns, addressing critical social challenges such as petty crime linked to scrap metal desperation, reflecting StreetBiz Foundation’s commitment to holistic community solutions.
KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant celebration engaged 20 waste pickers in partnership with the Palmer Waste Management Centre in Durban CBD. This extended Mandela Day session was not only an act of immediate generosity, providing care packages with essentials like beanies, coffee mugs, and tissues, but also served as a foundational step toward deeper collaborations. Positive exchanges with the Palmer team hinted at future projects and proposals aimed at enhancing wastepreneurship, aligning perfectly with StreetBiz Foundation’s ongoing “Access to Waste Management Capacity Building” project. Media coverage of the event highlighted both the joyful interactions and the strategic partnerships being forged.
In Gauteng, a simple yet powerful gesture reached 10 waste pickers, each receiving masks, gloves, mini blankets and fresh fruit, a clear demonstration of community care in action. Meanwhile, Free State province displayed impressive empathy and comprehensive support in their packages, which included essentials like gloves, masks, water bottles, and even personal hygiene items, reflecting a deep understanding of recipients’ needs.
Western Cape’s ambitious initiative reached an extraordinary 87 waste pickers, demonstrating significant scale and impact. Their practical approach of distributing reusable bags along with nourishing meals of hot dogs and juice provided immediate comfort and sustenance, echoing the spirit of Madiba’s dedication to community service.
These activities not only honoured Mandela’s legacy but also underscored the broader mission of StreetBiz Foundation and its dedicated Nelsons: to foster community resilience and inclusive economic growth through practical initiatives and strategic partnerships. By directly connecting with waste pickers, individuals pivotal to the circular economy, the Nelsons reinforced StreetBiz’s vision of waste management not merely as an environmental duty but as a crucial pathway to dignity, recognition, and sustainable livelihoods.
StreetBiz Foundation’s steadfast backing of the Nelsons has clearly illustrated the power of combined efforts, brought tangible support and fostering a culture of care and mutual respect. This Mandela Day, beyond the giving and receiving, a profound narrative emerged, one of mutual appreciation, strengthened community bonds, and future-focused collaboration.
As the stories from Mandela Day 2025 continue to resonate, StreetBiz Foundation and its Nelsons look forward to further building on this momentum, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to transforming waste management into an opportunity for community empowerment and sustainable development. Indeed, as Madiba famously said, “It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it,” and the Nelsons are proudly answering that call.