For the first time in Africa, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU), will host the grand finale of the global GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition under theme: Further Promoting Sustainable Urban Development. This prestigious competition, comprising of students from 28 universities representing 23 different countries, will be held at the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel in Durban on Thursday, 30 October 2025 and Friday, 31 October 2025.
DUT, through the Technology, Transfer and Innovation unit, in collaboration with the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, takes pride in being the first university in Africa to host the GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. As a proud member of this Alliance, DUT is set to successfully carry the torch of urban innovation in 2025.
Representing DUT in the competition will be five student entrepreneurs, comprising of three women and two males, namely; Ms Hlengiwe Ngubane, founder of Project X, Ms Tiffany Mokoteli of Tiffany Mokoteli Enterprise, Ms Chumwe Kasanga, owner of Temwiko, Mr Banathi Sihonqo, founder of Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic and Mr Lusanda Ndlovu, founder of Innovative Mechanical Engineering Solutions (IMES). These students are active participants in the university’s dedicated incubation programme called the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. They will compete against student entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world, competing for big prizes to help take their businesses to new heights and showcase their solutions to urban challenges.
Earlier this year, welcoming new students during Orientation Week, the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu provided insight on DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy. “In November 2019, our Council, which is our governing body, adopted ENVISION2030, a one-page strategy map. Flowing from several interconnected strategic objectives, DUT now has a unique and I believe trailblazing philosophy of education statement, which goes and it’s only ten words; our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society,” explained Professor Mthembu.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal confirmed that DUT had opted to become a fully entrepreneurial university that places a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, as a significant strategy for transforming societies and economies.
“That is why entities like the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, have been established in order to facilitate the transformation of our young people not only to think of themselves as job seekers, but as job creators,” Prof Mthembu added.
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT said: “The Durban University of Technology is honoured to be the first university in Africa to host the GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. This achievement aligns strongly with our ENVISION2030 strategy, which inspires us to be creative, innovative and entrepreneurial. Hosting this global competition reinforces DUT’s commitment to driving sustainable urban solutions, empowering young innovators and building partnerships that advance our vision of improving lives and livelihoods through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement.”
Prof Nemavhola further congratulated the five DUT finalists whom he said represent the transformative potential of DUT students to develop real-world solutions that improve lives and advance sustainable urban development locally and globally.
According to Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo, Manager of the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, who is also the GISU Coordinator at DUT, the finale will commence with an official opening and networking breakfast. She indicated that this prestigious international event represents a key strategic milestone for DUT, showcasing its commitment to entrepreneurship, research, innovation and global engagement.
“DUT is honoured to host the Final Competition, a historic milestone for both our institution and the continent. The opening ceremony will bring together esteemed local and international stakeholders, including academic leaders, industry partners and student teams. It will also highlight DUT’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and global collaboration,” shared Ms Ngcobo.
DUT is looking forward to welcoming international participants and key partners. For DUT, this historical occasion will solidify its ongoing commitment to building bridges between innovation, academia and industry. This landmark event is aligned with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, aiming to produce students that are creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive to the changes in the world.
Pictured: DUT staff and students during the launch of the global GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma/Samkelo Mtshali
