It is often said that “first impression lasts “. Hence 2019 began with enthusiasm and commitment in creating awareness and engagement with the Midlands DUT students as future business leaders. The main aim was to bring into life DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre and Student Desk (DUT MEC) brand as the preferred centre for business support and entrepreneurial activation. The DUT MEC brand Activation Campaign was held at Riverside on the 15th of January 2019. It gave insight and ignited students about entrepreneurship.

The DUT MEC team and Entrepreneurship Champions walked around the campus giving concise information to students about the centre and also capturing data in terms of the student details and assistance needed. There was an information desk that was utilised by the students to acquire more information about the centre’s offerings and an E-Zone space which had a computer that was showcasing archived videos of the centre’s previous activities and events.

A number of students showed interest in starting and growing their existing businesses hence they were so keen on business support services. Having such a centre in the Midlands campuses, will bridge the information gap and pave a way forward for the budding entrepreneurs.

The campaign was successful in creating awareness, providing an engagement platform and forging new relationships. Entrepreneurship is all about being innovative, taking calculated risks, working smart and being committed and this is the message that was clearly communicated.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu