Looking at developing and promoting sustainable entrepreneurship through mentorship and strategic partnerships is a key aspect which forms part of the Durban University of Technology’s ENVISION2030.
Three dynamic top three mentees in entrepreneurship at DUT, Dr Nokhuthula Hloniphani Mavela, Ms Anani Snenhlanhla Nani and Business Administration student, Mr Qinisani Mangeni, have paved their way to the ground-breaking Entrepreneurship Venture Builder (EVB) programme by THENSA which takes place from 24 February 2025 until 27 February 2025 in Cape Town.
The exciting programme is being launched by the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in collaboration with seven South African and one Namibian university, to accelerate the journey of promising startups from minimum viable products to market-ready successes.
DUT is proud to be one of the prestigious partners of the EVB programme where the top three DUT mentees were selected to showcase their project presentations in Cape Town.
Under the guidance of DUT’s THENSA manager Dr Pinkie Ntola, her role will be to assist teams (applicants) in navigating challenges in market strategy, product development, and potential investor partnerships.
“A committee was appointed internally, that worked on the mentee selection and prioritised teams that pass the initial screening process, deepen engagement for those with high commercial viability. We identified MVPs and prototypes with commercial potential and will be supporting the entrepreneurs through tailored training and mentorship. I have also assisted in the development of the curriculum for the EVB, and as such, I will be delivering a financial management module to the EVB mentees from all the partner institutions on the 5 March 2025,” she said.
Dr Ntola excitedly shared that she will assist the three mentees selected for the EVB pitch session in Cape Town, as each of their projects tackles significant challenges with innovative solutions.
“I’m excited about the three mentees selected for the EVB pitch session in Cape Town, as each of their projects tackles significant challenges with innovative solutions,” she shared.
Dr Ntola indicated some of the highlights of the projects, with the first being on Water Free Goods which will address transparency in the food industry by eliminating the deceptive practice of ‘water weighting’ in meat products. “This retail model ensures customers get the actual weight of meat they pay for, enhancing trust and value in the market,” she said.
Secondly, Dr Ntola spoke of the INAN Aeroponics Farming which aims to bring a game-changing approach to agriculture by using a modular, soil-less farming system that drastically reduces water usage while maximising crop yield.
“This is particularly crucial for urban and water-scarce regions, aligning with sustainability goals. Finally, the Nootropic Drug project is focused on cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection, addressing issues like mental fatigue, degenerative decline, and cognitive health-challenges that affect students, professionals, and the elderly alike. Given the increasing demand for mental wellness solutions, this research is timely and impactful,” she explained.
Dr Ntola emphasised that each of these ventures demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to solving real-world problems, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they refine their pitches for the EVB.
Sharing on her jubilation on being given the opportunity to present for the first time at THENSA, mentee Dr Mavela said that it was a great opportunity that she did not take for granted.
Dr Mavela’s presentation is on a “smart drug”, a proudly African developed nootropic intended for the management of cognitive and age-related mental health decline. She further highlighted that such an opportunity to sell herself and her work to the venture capitalists is a good platform to find funders, partners and mentors.
“I am looking forward to meeting like-minded innovators from other institutions and various backgrounds who are commonly bound by the desire to see lives and livelihoods improve for the better here in Africa,” she said.
Dr Mavela explained that her role at such a conference intertwines with ENVISION2030.
“The DUT philosophy of education requires for us to be innovative and creative whilst distinctly doing so ‘Proudly DUT’ with the hope of transforming society and this is what we are attempting to do as a team of ‘adaptive’ graduates who what to make a difference in the treatment of marginalised conditions associated with mental health within the African context,” she said.
Adding to the conversation was second mentee, Anani Nani, a third year Urban and Regional Planning student at DUT.
“As an entrepreneur and Agri-Tech enthusiast, I am passionate about innovative solutions for food security and sustainability. I am the founder of INAN Aeroponics Farming, a startup focused on smart urban agriculture. Being selected to present at THENSA is an incredible opportunity. It validates the hard work I have put into INAN Aeroponics Farming and allows me to showcase an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture. I am excited to engage with industry leaders, gain feedback, and explore potential collaborations that can help scale my venture,” she shared.
She further added that she hoped to gain insights from industry experts, network with potential investors and partners, and refine my business model based on feedback.
“Additionally, I aim to learn best practices in venture building and explore funding opportunities for scaling INAN Aeroponics Farming,” she replied.
Last of the mentees is Mangeni, a driven and ambitious third-year student who is pursuing a Diploma in Business Administration at DUT.
With a strong passion for entrepreneurship, he is committed to harnessing his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the South African economy.
I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply humbled to have been given the incredible opportunity to attend THENSA in the vibrant city of Cape Town. I feel truly honoured to be part of this esteemed gathering, where I will get to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship,” he shared.
Mangeni’s topic is centred around Water Free Goods, a retail store concept that specialises in selling products that are free from added water and chemicals.
“I’m a bit nervous, but I’m looking forward to the experience and making the most of it. As the founder of Water Free Goods, my role at the conference intertwines with ENVISION2030 by leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship to create social impact. Through my business idea, I aim to provide a sustainable solution to the issue of water-added products, promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly food options. Also, by participating in the conference, I hope to gain knowledge, networks, and resources that will help me refine my business model, scale my solution, and ultimately contribute to the achievement of ENVISION 2030’s goals,” he said.
Pictured: DUT mentees, Anani Nani and Qinisani Mangeni.
Waheeda Peters
