Khulisa Social Solutions has been named Best Social Impact Organisation 2026 – South Africa; and has also received the Innovation Award for Data-Driven Social Solutions 2026 – South Africa in the African Excellence Awards presented by MEA Markets, part of AI Global Media (UK).  These awards recognise organisations demonstrating outstanding innovation, measurable impact and sustainable growth. 

For Khulisa, the recognition reflects nearly three decades of work tackling some of South Africa’s most complex social challenges by combining community-led solutions with evidence, technology and systems thinking. 

Founded in 1997, Khulisa has grown from a pioneer in restorative justice into a national social enterprise working across social cohesion, youth development, NGO capacity building, systems change and AI-enabled impact measurement.  

Rather than treating social issues in isolation, Khulisa works with communities to identify the systemic barriers that prevent lasting change. Its approach combines dialogue, community intelligence, data analytics and real-time impact measurement to help government, business and civil society invest where it matters most. 

“Our greatest teachers have always been the communities we serve,” said Lesley Ann van Selm, Founder and Managing Director of Khulisa Social Solutions. 

“These awards recognise an approach that places communities at the centre of designing solutions. Sustainable change happens when people become partners in solving problems rather than recipients of services.” 

One of Khulisa’s most significant innovations has been the development of its AI-enabled Impact Outcomes Platform, which combines quantitative data, community feedback and stories of change to provide organisations with real-time evidence of what is working, why it is working and where investment can have the greatest long-term impact. 

As South Africa continues to grapple with growing inequality, unemployment, violence, and weakened social cohesion, Khulisa believes that lasting solutions require stronger collaboration among communities, government, business, and civil society. 

Receiving these awards reinforces the organisation’s commitment to developing practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen communities, build resilient local organisations and ensure social investments deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes. 

Learn more here.