Varkey George

Varkey George is a prominent social entrepreneur and the Director of SHAWCO (Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation) at the University of Cape Town since January 2004. He has a significant background in social entrepreneurship and community development, having founded multiple companies under the Oshun SA consortium, which focuses on sustainable solutions for social issues in South Africa.

Background and Education

Born in Kerala, India, Varkey George has spent most of his adult life in South Africa. He holds several academic qualifications, including a B.Com from the University of Kerala, a Higher Education Diploma from the University of South Africa, and an M.Phil in Value Analysis and Policy Formulation from Stellenbosch University. His educational background complements his practical experience in community outreach and social innovation.12

Career Highlights

Before leading SHAWCO, George served as the CEO of the Wits Rural Facility at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he successfully turned around a financially struggling organization. At SHAWCO, he implemented initiatives that significantly increased the organization's budget and financial independence, reducing reliance on donor funding. His work at SHAWCO has included developing programs that provide educational support to underprivileged students, ensuring that many gain access to higher education.123

George is also known for his contributions to academia as a lecturer on social entrepreneurship and innovation at various universities both in South Africa and internationally. His expertise has been recognized by the Schwab Foundation, which acknowledged him as a leading practitioner in the field.12

Contributions to Social Entrepreneurship

Varkey George has been instrumental in creating sustainable models for social enterprises. He emphasizes the importance of connecting skills, technology, and finances to address social issues effectively. His initiatives, such as the SHINE program, aimed to provide extra tutoring in mathematics and science to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ultimately helping them gain university admission. This program was designed to be financially sustainable by charging fees to middle-class students to subsidize those who could not afford to pay.13

In summary, Varkey George is a key figure in social entrepreneurship in South Africa, with a strong focus on education and community development, making significant contributions through SHAWCO and other initiatives.