From 13 – 14 August 2024, over fifty (50) student entrepreneurs from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), North-West University (NWU), Central University of Technology (CUT) and the University of Free State (UFS) gathered at VUT for the Central Regional Round of the EDHE (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity.
The two-day event was coordinated by EDHE, a program of Universities South Africa (USAf), supported by the Economic Activation Office at VUT.
The EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity is a platform designed to identify, recognise and showcase the top student entrepreneurs at South Africa’s 26 public universities. While the competition intended to promote entrepreneurship, it also aimed to motivate universities to support student-led businesses. During the regional rounds, contestants are given an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges from the region, where winners proceed to the national finals to battle it out for R100,000 cash prize.
To welcome the participants of the competition, was Prof Khehla Ndlovu, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of VUT, who encouraged them to take the competition as a vital opportunity to learn, grow, and network with others who share a vision of making the world a better place through entrepreneurship. “No matter what happens at the end of the day, you are all winners. The courage it takes to step forward with your ideas, to pitch them, and to subject them to scrutiny, is not something to be taken lightly. This competition is not just about who takes home the prize; it is about the journey of entrepreneurship. It is about learning from each experience, refining your ideas, and continuously striving for excellence,” Prof Ndlovu said.
The same sentiments were shared by Dr. Edwell Gumbo, Director: EDHE who told contestants that they were not merely participating in a competition for the sake of winning. He further emphasised that the competition was more than just a platform for students to showcase their business ideas, but also a space where they can push the boundaries to bring their boldest ideas to life.
During the competition, the contestants were divided into four categories: Existing Business: Social Impact, Existing Business: General, Existing Business: Technology, and Research-Based Businesses. This format enabled participants to present their entrepreneurial endeavors across various sectors, reflecting the diversity and innovation within the student community.
In an impressive demonstration of talent and creativity, all the top winners were from Central University of Technology (CUT), demonstrating the university’s strength in entrepreneurial excellence. Ms. Jo-anne Elveruschka Lekgetho, Co-Founder of Bellatra Tech, secured first place in the Existing Business: Technology category, while Mr. Kabelo Makhabanyane, founder of Mashaeng Class Production (Pty) Ltd, earned the second position. Mr. Bongani Benedict, the innovator behind Bbm-Go, was awarded third place, while Mr. Kabelo Makhetha, founder of OWA Jewellers, claimed the fourth position.
The winners expressed their gratitude and encouraged fellow contestants who did not advance to remain resilient. They highlighted that they now must represent those who were unable to advance to the national level, carrying forward the collective aspirations of all participants.
At the end of the event, the judges emphasized that not winning does not signify the end of one’s journey. They encouraged participants to continue excelling in their pursuits, believe in what they are selling, and maintain a spirit of mutual support.
“While some of us have been climbing organizational leaders, we have before us a cohort of young individuals who aspire to build and lead organizations themselves; to become employers.”, said Prof. Chengedzai Mafini, VUT’s Acting DVC for Teaching & Learning, in his official closing remarks.
