The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) Executive Dean, Dr René Smith encouraged students to have an entrepreneurship mindset. Dr Smith was speaking at the second annual FoAD Student Entrepreneurship Day hosted by the faculty recently.

In her address Dr Smith emphasized the importance of the faculty’s role in ensuring that students are motivated and supported to become entrepreneurs and to be business minded.  “As students, you have to learn how to make money for yourself, the goal is if you are not in full-time employment, you should be self-employed or be able to employ other people,” she urged.

Eager FoAD students filled the City Campus’ Arthur Smith Hall to capacity to listen to a host of alumnus FoAD students who are thriving in their respective entrepreneurship ventures.

Jewellery Design alumni and owner of Bespoke Jewellery, Glenn Adendorff joined former Fashion and Textiles’ student and founder of Agape Designs Ntokozo Buthelezi, Director of Jumpstart, Ravi Madurumuthu and BeBold’s Thabani Banda for a 3-hour presentation on how to succeed as an entrepreneur.

The foursome shared their experiences with the students with the hope of inspiring them to consider entrepreneurship as a career path.

Buthelezi who has designed garments for beauty queens such as Mrs South Africa and many others spoke about her journey towards becoming one of the most sought after fashion designers in Durban.

“I had to put earplugs on my ears in order not to listen to people’s discouragements and what they had to say in order for me to get where I am today, I had to pray and I encourage you to do the same,” she stated.

At the end of the event students gathered for a pitching session held by BeBold, an online platform that enables and supports the pitching of innovative ideas in a safe and experiential learning environment.

First-year Fashion and Textiles student Phumi Mashush who was amongst those whose business idea was selected said she appreciated having the opportunity to pitch her idea, saying it inspired her and opened room for her to grow as an aspiring entrepreneur.

Pictured: Faculty of Arts and Design Executive Dean, Dr Rene Smith addressing students during the Annual Student Entrepreneurship Day.

Nasiphi Gigaba