From dust to diamonds - Beulah Thumbadoo

Social Entrepreneurship is a term that is gaining much interest around the world, so much so that it has become a course of academic study in leading institutions globally. There is currently no universal definition of the term, but essentially it is popularizing the work of committed individuals who through innovative approaches aim to effect some form of large scale social change.

South Africa is no exception and Dust to Diamonds is a book profiling 19 social entrepreneurs (mostly from the Gauteng province) and the innovative approaches they have taken in order to tackle the various social challenges existing in their communities at various points in South Africa's recent history. Each story is very different and the issues tackled span many different sectors; education, health, HIV/AIDS and orphans, environment, youth at risk, and others. However, all demonstrate passion, vision and wholehearted commitment to social transformation. Dust to Diamonds is written in a style that could appeal to a range of different audiences. The lessons learnt section at the end of each chapter along with the overall insights detailed at the end of the text also allow it to be used as a valuable educational tool. The book is divided into three sections, namely, The Struggle Years -depicting stories addressing the inequalities created by the apartheid regime, Transformation - profiling work done through South Africa's transition to democracy and lastly, South Africa's New Challenges - highlighting present day projects which are tackling one of South Africa's current social challenges.