Bulungula Incubator
A new model for economic development in Mandela’s homeland - named a ‘beacon’ by Madeleine Albright.
http://www.micro-documentaries.com/bulungula.html
About the film
Technology incubators in tech centers like Silicon Valley have created some spectacular results, generating billions of dollars in revenue through the launch of businesses, creating jobs and fostering the entrepreneurial climate in their communities. However, this model of incubation has not been applied in the same way to address deep poverty and to support community development.Réjane Woodroffe, who grew up as a ‘colored’ girl during apartheid and later became a senior economist, set out to change this in one of the poorest corners of Mandela’s homeland. She is the recipient of the of the seventh annual John P. McNulty Prize.
Réjane founded the Bulungula Incubator in 2007 - a model that is unique in that the community members it serves are also the core implementers of its comprehensive programs. These include preschool and early education resources for all children; access to health care including prenatal nutrition, childbirth assistance, comprehensive HIV testing, antiretroviral drugs; and infrastructure improvements such as clean water sources, and road and school construction.
“By finding a way to enact lasting change in this region, the Bulungula Incubator is a beacon for rural communities struggling with similar issues. Most importantly, these communities have ownership over the improvements they make, creating a virtuous cycle of civic involvement and improvement of quality of life,” said former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, a member of the McNulty Prize jury.
The four-minute film was produced by Micro-Documentaries on location in South Africa.
