The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is the first university in Africa to host the esteemed Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Under the theme: “Further Promoting Sustainable Urban Development,” the competition has five DUT students from 28 universities in 23 different countries chosen as finalists which will culminate at DUT from 30 October to 31 October 2025. The student entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world will be competing to showcase their solutions to urban challenges and to work towards becoming job creators instead of job seekers.
One of the finalists, Ms Chumwe Lisa Kasanga, a fifth-year International Interior Design student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), is all smiles after being chosen as one of the finalists in the 2025 Alliance Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
“Being selected as a finalist is both humbling and inspiring. It validates the vision behind Temwiko and affirms that sustainable, locally rooted ideas have a place in shaping the future. It also motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and turning my conceptual business into a lasting, impactful brand,” shared an ecstatic Ms Kasanga.
Ms Kasanga, who is originally from Zambia but grew up in Durban, says she is a passionate and creative with a love for scent, design, and sustainable living. Her journey blends artistic expression with eco-conscious entrepreneurship, leading to the conceptualisation of Temwiko, a handmade, natural perfume brand inspired by love and cultural heritage. She believes design and fragrance share the power to create lasting impressions, and her work reflects her dedication to both beauty and sustainability. Through Temwiko, she aims to inspire mindful consumerism while supporting local communities and the environment.
Sharing further on her business, Ms Kasanga expressed that Temwiko is a sustainable, handmade perfume brand offering eco-friendly, refillable fragrances crafted from natural, locally sourced ingredients. “The name comes from the Zambian Bemba word Ichitemwiko, meaning love. Although still in its conceptual phase, the brand envisions promoting conscious beauty, reducing waste, and supporting local suppliers. In the future, I aim to expand product lines, strengthen the refill programme, partner with eco-conscious retailers, and position Temwiko as a leading African sustainable fragrance house,” she emphasised.
Ms Kasanga indicated that the competition brought together innovators and entrepreneurs from various disciplines to present solutions addressing sustainability, urban challenges, and social impact. It involved refining her business model, creating a video pitching our prototype to a panel of judges, including a PowerPoint presentation, detailing that the process was both intense and rewarding.
Winning this competition, emphasised Ms Kasanga would provide both the resources and platform to accelerate Temwiko’s growth. She hopes to use the opportunity to scale production, refine sustainable practices, strengthen branding, and reach wider markets. Most importantly, she shared that it would allow her to empower local suppliers and educate consumers on eco-friendly fragrance alternatives.
Ms Kasanga reinforced that empowering oneself while studying builds resilience, independence, and readiness for the real world. “Academic knowledge equips us with technical skills, but entrepreneurship teaches adaptability, leadership, and innovation, qualities essential for long-term success. Balancing both prepares students to create opportunities rather than just seek them,” she highlighted.
Going forward, her goals include officially launching Temwiko, expanding its reach through retail and online platforms, and developing a full range of eco-conscious fragrance products. “Personally, I aim to continue growing as a creative entrepreneur who merges design, sustainability, and cultural storytelling in meaningful ways,” she said.
Sharing her thoughts was Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology, Transfer and Innovation at DUT who indicated that this competition will offer a platform to enhance the brilliance of student innovators and entrepreneurs who are aiming to solve some of the world’s most urgent urban challenges.
“This competition is more than just a showcase, it is a platform for our student innovators and entrepreneurs to apply their creativity, research, and passion to real-world urban challenges. It connects them with global peers, fosters cross-cultural collaboration, and exposes them to international best practices. Through this experience, they are not only representing our institution but also proving that our young innovators have the ideas and drive to shape sustainable cities of the future. We wish them every success as they enter the finals,” she said.
Pictured: Ms Chumwe Lisa Kasanga
Waheeda Peters
