The EmpowerEDpreneurs Programme was born out of a vision to merge industry expertise with educational passion, in 2023. Founded by Yâchal du Plessis, a seasoned lecturer of the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Applied Management with a deep-rooted commitment to practical teaching and community service, the programme aims to empower both future and existing social leaders and entrepreneurs.
Du Plessis career in the industry has always been driven by a desire to teach beyond traditional methods. Growing up in a home where community service was a daily norm, she harboured a passion to uplift others while equipping students with real-world skills. This dual passion for education and community upliftment inspired the creation of EmpowerEDpreneurs, a programme designed to offer an integrated curriculum that provides practical, operationally driven, and creative solutions to enhance participants’ organisations and businesses.
The programme blends the expertise of DUT students with the guidance of visionary leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and specialists across various fields. This symbiotic relationship benefits both students and participants and students gain hands-on experience and practical skills, while participants harness student talent to advance their organisations and contribute to community development through employment and upliftment initiatives.
The programme recently held a strategic workshop to refine its approach. Industry experts in marketing, communications, community engagement, entrepreneurship, and human resources provided invaluable insights, addressing curriculum gaps and aligning the programme with industry standards. This workshop led to actionable improvements that have already been integrated into the 2024 programme, enhancing its alignment with industry expectations and graduate skill requirements.
Du Plessis is thrilled to announce the launch of this year’s EmpowerEDpreneurs programme and are now calling for 2024 participants. This year’s programme promises even greater outcomes in terms of skills and resources, thanks to the recent enhancements and the inclusion of inspiring leaders and successful entrepreneurs. The programme’s success was underscored by its victory at the 2024 Engagement Showcase and Pitching Awards, where it clinched first place, and its Gold award for “Most Impactful Engagement Project” at the DUT Faculty of Management Sciences Awards.
Looking ahead, Du Plessis is enthusiastic about the programme’s growth. The ultimate achievement for Du Plessis is witnessing both students and participants make a meaningful impact in their communities, fulfilling the programme’s mission to bridge the gap between education and practical, community-focused entrepreneurship.
Applications are now open for aspiring social leaders and entrepreneurs interested in joining the EmpowerEDpreneurs programme. To apply, use the following link: https://forms.gle/12629kumPBV4cLmXA. For more information or any queries, email the Project Leader, Ms Du Plessis, at yachald@dut.ac.za. The application deadline is 22 August 2024.
Pictured: (left to right) Yâchal du Plessis (Project Leader and DUT lecturer), Riccardo Benedetti (Head of Procurement-Hulamin), Dexter Madlala (Executive Director-Ensync Engineers), Warren Mockler (Group Marketing Manager-SMG) and Phumzile Xulu (Engagement Practitioner-DUT).
Phumeza Msongelwa
