The 2021 Play Your Part Innovator of the Year Award aims to recognise individuals and organisations that have used innovative means to positively impact the economy of South Africa. 

According to the awards, innovation has been dubbed the "engine of growth and development" globally. 

For many countries that are working to remain competitive, improving innovation and technology is viewed as a way to positively assess their progress and impact.

The awards add that to achieve sustainable economic growth, however, technological innovation needs to progress at a reasonable and recognisable pace.

The awards are looking for exceptional thinkers who have helped the country improve its service to its citizens through:

  • innovative programmes
  • partnerships
  • policies, and
  • strategies. 
Firdoze Bulbulia, writer, producer and Play Your Part Awards judge, says, "Creativity and innovation are very important in trying to change perspectives and trying to change the social circumstances of people. We know that people who are innovative find solutions because they are creative, and creative thinking leads to lateral thinking."

"Lateral thinking is multi-layered, complex and enjoyable. This kind of thinking increases the chance for creatives to find solutions for challenges in the community," concludes Bulbulia. 

Entrants are encouraged to nominate innovations or innovators that have changed the lives of the people in their organisation or community. 

For more information on how to get involved, you can visit www.brandsouthafrica.com. You can also follow Brand South Africa on Facebook or on Twitter.