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Enactus DUT students are South African champions!

Enactus DUT students are South African champions!

Finally, a South African team is going to the World Cup! The Enactus team of students from the Durban University of Technology were crowned as the Enactus South African Champions at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg recently. The DUT team will now represent South Africa at the 2018 Enactus World Cup in the USA from 9 to 11 October 2018. This is a historic achievement for DUT, as it is the first time that South Africa will be represented by a University of Technology in this prestigious international competition.

In total, 19 Enactus University teams from across South Africa competed at the Enactus South Africa National Competition two weeks ago; where they showcased their social entrepreneurship projects that are changing lives and providing innovative solutions for a sustainable, positive impact in their communities. It also saw the inaugural Ideation Challenge, where nine teams participated.

The winning team from DUT presented on two projects. One focused on using waste soap and the second was an aquaponics farming project. The Enactus team from DUT worked around their theme for the year which is “recycling, reusing and re-purposing.”

After the realization that the hotel industry is one of the biggest polluters of both land and water, Enactus DUT initiated a Soap Recycling Project. The beneficiaries of this project are victims of human trafficking and abuse, who are being rehabilitated at the Open Door Crisis Care Centre in Durban. To date, over 29 000 kg of soap has been collected and recycled and over 120 000 litres of liquid products including, dishwashing liquid, toilet bowl cleaner and multi-purpose cleaner – have been produced. Currently, Enactus DUT have recruited 28 sales agents for the distribution of these products.

Through their Aquaponics project, over 6 600 bottles have been collected from the greater Durban area through a primary schools competition  for the construction of a green house. The project is addressing food security in the area of Noodsburg, generating an average of R100 per day and a monthly yield of up to 400 kg.

DUT Senior Director of Corporate Affairs Mr Alan Khan said that the University was exceptionally proud of their Enactus team. Khan added, “Our students were brilliant and we are delighted that Enactus DUT are the 2018 South African champions. This victory further illustrates the outstanding academic and entrepreneurial spirit that our DUT students possess. We want to also congratulate our colleague Ms Lana-Ann Brady and the rest of the staff from DUT, the Faculty of Management Sciences and their Executive Dean, Prof Rishi Balkaran,  Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof Sibusiso Moyo  who supported our Enactus team. We wish our championship winning team continued success as they represent South Africa at the World Cup in October.”

Ms Lana-Ann Brady said, “I would like to thank my Enactus team for all their hard work;  the many nights without sleep and their unwavering commitment to the program and their dedication to the project beneficiaries.  When their peers were on holiday in December / January, they sought alternative accommodation at a private student residence and worked throughout their vacation period on their projects.  Making sure that proposals are sent out timeously, mandatory documents required by sponsors and Enactus SA are sent on time. I am so blessed to work with such amazing students.”

“I am supposed to be the lecturer;  but I am always learning so much from them.  I also want to say thank you to Professors Balkaran and Moyo for their continued financial support and mentorship to Enactus;  our sponsors – Ford, Barloworld and AIG – for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to bring our projects to fruition; and to Enactus SA for their support and encouragement,” added Brady.

Enactus South Africa Board Chairman and President, CHEP Africa, India, Middle East (AIME) & Automotive Europe, Mr Jurie Welman said, “This event gives all delegates, a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the tremendous results achieved by our Enactus students that have a head for business and a heart for the world. More exciting, is to see how our teams take on sustainable enterprising initiatives to address real socio-economic issues in our country. So, it is true to say that Enactus teams are changing the world!”

The following students represented the winning team from DUT, Bafana Ngubeni, Katiso Sephelane, Aphiwe Magadla, Mthunzi Mapatwana, Nhlanhla Mthembu, Luvo Gugwana, Sanele Doncabe, Nokwanda Gamede, Sthembile Fakude, Siyethemba Dlamini, Obed Chauke, Kebone Rabelemane, Nyasha Busu, Percival Vezi, Sondelani Mwandla, Andile Gumede, Lebohang Phiri, Bongeka Dezi, Pumlile Tshunqukela, Lethiwe Mazibuko, Sthembile Ngwazi, Philani Nxumalo, Nosiphiwo Dlamini, Patience Mutsvairigwa and Cynthia Moyo. The Faculty Advisor was Ms Lana-Ann Brady.

Pictured: The triumphant Enactus DUT after they were crowned Enactus South African Champions at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg recently.

Waheeda Peters and Nduduzo Ndlovu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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