Launching the Circular Cement Programme with Fix Forward

In July 2026, we launched the Circular Cement Youth Entrepreneurship Programme with 100 participants from four provinces. The programme turns open-source research from Stellenbosch University into practical business opportunities by equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to use waste-derived materials from their local community as alternatives to conventional cement – enabling them to lower construction costs and, grow viable businesses while reducing their carbon emissions.

Developed by Fix Forward (NGO partner) and Impact Hub Cape Winelands (ESO partner) in collaboration with Stellenbosch University Department of Civil Engineering (Academic partner) and funded by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) and the Department of Employment and Labour (Government and Funding partners), the initiative is an example of strategic multi-sectoral collaboration for local impact – which gets us excited about the future of impact.