Five innovative student entrepreneurs from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) are gearing up to compete in the grand finale of the prestigious Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, taking place at DUT from 30 to 31 October 2025.

 

This year’s competition themed: “Further Promoting Sustainable Urban Development,” features students from 28 universities representing 23 different countries.

 

DUT has made history by becoming the first university in Africa to host the prestigious Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. DUT, is a proud member of the this Alliance and is ready to carry the torch of urban innovation in 2025.

 

The five DUT student entrepreneurs comprises three females 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). They will compete against student entrepreneurs and innovators from across the world, competing for the big prizes to help take their businesses to new heights and showcase their solutions to urban challenges.

 

Ngubane, a PhD student in Architecture developed Project X, a digital construction management platform that offers real-time site monitoring, material tracking, and document coordination through the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Ngubane believes Project X has the potential to transform the construction industry across Africa, with its advanced features such as AI-driven risk alerts, BIM integration, and circular economy tools for waste reduction.

 

“Being selected as a finalist in the 2025 GISU Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition is truly an honour. This competition validates the hard work and vision behind Project X and reaffirms my belief that innovation in construction can have a meaningful impact on both industry and community,” she said.

 

The second finalist, Mokoteli, is currently a third-year Fashion Design student at DUT. Speaking about her business called Tiffany Mokoteli Enterprise, the fashionista said her entrepreneurial journey was driven by a passion for merging creativity with innovation to solve real-world problems in the textile industry.

 

“I am developing a nano-silica fabric finishing concept, a technology that can improve fabric quality and performance in unique ways. My vision is to see African-made textiles compete globally while promoting local manufacturing. I’m committed to using my studies, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit to create meaningful change in the industry. Being recognised as a finalist in the GISU competition validates my vision for improving textile innovation in South Africa and boosts my confidence, knowing that industry leaders see its potential to make a real impact,” explained Mokoteli.

 

Ms Chumwe Kasanga, owner of Temwiko is a Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design student at DUT. Kasanga is a passionate and creative person 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.

 

Through Temwiko, she aims to inspire mindful consumerism while supporting local communities and the environment. “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.

 

Unpacking his business, Banathi Sihonqo founder of Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic said it was a Durban-based wellness brand founded in 2023, offering a unique hybrid service model that combines the convenience of mobile spa treatments with the professionalism of a location-based clinic at Umbilo Medicare Clinic.

 

Sihonqo, from Pietermaritzburg, is currently a Master of Health Sciences in Somatology student at DUT.

 

“Our mission is to make wellness personal, accessible and holistic for everyone. We provide a full range of services, from massage therapy and skincare to holistic body treatments, all tailored to individual needs. Clients can choose to visit our clinic or enjoy treatments in the comfort of their homes or offices. We also offer subscription wellness plans that promote long-term, consistent well-being,” he shared.

 

Expressing his joy on being a GISU finalist, Sihonqo said: “I’m honestly excited and grateful to be a finalist in the 2025 Alliance Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. For me, it’s not just about the recognition, it’s about seeing the vision for Infinity Soma Wellness Clinic resonate with others. It’s a proud moment, but also a push to keep innovating and creating real change.”

 

The fifth finalist, Ndlovu is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student DUT, who is passionate about innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Innovative Mechanical Engineering Solutions (IMES), a student-driven initiative that promotes creativity and entrepreneurship within the engineering department. He is also the director of Lomeon Greenscapes (Pty) Ltd, a landscaping and property maintenance company.

 

His vision is to use engineering to develop technologies that address real-world environmental challenges and improve the quality of life.

 

“Being selected as a finalist is a truly humbling and inspiring experience. It feels rewarding to see our hard work and innovative thinking recognised on such a global platform. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and finding sustainable engineering solutions that can make a real impact in urban communities,” shared Ndlovu.

 

Dr Pinkie Ntola, Interim Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation at DUT, said the competition provides a platform to showcase the brilliance of student innovators and entrepreneurs who are striving to solve some of the world’s most pressing urban challenges.

 

She added: “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.”

 

 

Simangele Zuma