Student entrepreneurs arrived in style and glamour at the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurial Centre & Student Desk (Centre) information session Gala dinner on Monday the 5th of October 2020.
The information-packed session consisted of informative and motivational items. This event aimed to celebrate and encourage prospective student entreprenuers to pursue the business sector, althoughs many businesses were affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown. This was also an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss issues and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Various students shared their testimonials on the success of their businesses, Kukhanya Ndaba the founder of Dikoruhm financial services was one of the students who shared his journey with the guests. He also shared words of gratitude to the Centre for assistance it has provided for his business in terms of compliance, mentorship and funding. Mbali Bengu founder of K’saselihle fresh farm also shared words of encouragement with the entrepreneurs, “take the negativity and use it to fuel your greatness”. Siyethemba Shezi highlighted that mentorship is vital in funding expenditure, she credited the Centre mentors for assisting her with buying decisions as well as effectively making use of her business funds.
This event was also about celebrating some of the biggest achievements in the year 2020, moreover, it was to allow students to share their experiences and useful information on how they managed to attain those accomplishments. Sphesihle Zondi was one of the students who shared his success with the guest, mentioning the growth of his business, some of the contracts he has managed to attain during the national lockdown and how he achieved it all.
The event was attended by esteemed guests from various professional spaces who also shared words of wisdom with the young entrepreneurs, Zandile Khoza of the Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC) encouraged students to know and understand their businesses; “If you know who you are and what you want no one will turn you down”. She was supported by the DUT alumni Mandisa Jostrey from Business Doctors who commended the Centre for their hard work in teaching entrepreneurship culture, “I wish there were organisations such as the Centre in our times, these are the stories we want to hear and read about” she declared.
Mbuso Ngcobo director and senior consultant of Biz Acumen and business mentor encouraged students to never stop learning; “learn about your industry, your craft, and your business environment and improve yourself constantly”. He further advised that they find purpose and meaning in what they do and to take a step back and applaud themselves for what they have achieved.
The event was concluded with a very informative and motivational personal mastery speech by the Centre’s External Business Project Officer Duke Ngcobo who highlighted the importance of knowing and understanding yourself first before attempting to understand the business environment. “You cannot enter into business if you do not know and understand yourself, the world out there is aggressive”; he further encouraged students to make use of the resources made available to them to redefine themselves and their businesses.
Pictured: Studentpreneurs who are incubated by the Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre.
Nontethelelo Mzizi
