The Durban University of Technology (DUT) through the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and innovation attended the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Lekgotla 2022.
It was a four-day programme that recently took place in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The annual programme was themed: Move to Market, which was informed by the imperative of developing entrepreneurship despite concerning challenges faced within the broader socio-economic context and its impact on the higher education sector.
The fully-packed programme was attended by representatives from various reputable organisations who shared valuable input and proposed possible solutions to some of the country’s socio-economic issues, including youth unemployment, poverty, limited resources, to name but a few. The list of esteemed guests included the Honorable Minister of Small Business Development Mrs Stella Ndabeni – Abrahams, CEO of Universities South Africa, Professor Ahmed Bawa, University of Cape Town, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, University of Venda, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof Sibusiso Moyo and DUT Technology, Transfer and Engagement, Prof Keolebogile Motaung.
Professor Sibusiso Moyo formed part of a panel that discussed the transformation of rural-based institutions into entrepreneurial universities. Prof Moyo spoke about the importance of having enabling systems and processes in universities that will allow swift and sufficient support for student businesses.
“The idea of having processes which have short turnaround times, especially in issues around procurement. Our policies and procedures become very important in supporting our entrepreneurs,” she said.
Additionally, Moyo emphasized the importance of producing businesses that do not only operate for profit but also contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Some of the highlights of this programme were the opening address discussion with the Honourable Minister Stella Ndabeni – Abrahams, which was moderated by DUT’s Prof Keolebogile Motaung. Honourable Ndabeni-Abrahams spoke of the urgency to turn ordinary citizens to job creators so they can contribute to rebuilding the country’s economy.
“The national development plan is clear that out of the 11 million jobs to be created, nine million will come from small enterprises. This, therefore, means that we need to turn ordinary citizens and students from job seekers to entrepreneurs who will create job opportunities,” she said.
The minister further detailed the four key priorities of the government business development strategy, which included the regulatory environment, market access, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship development.
To ensure maximum exposure to entrepreneurship and its dynamics DUT also afforded 18 of its student entrepreneurs an opportunity to form part of the Student Indaba on the last day of the programme, which is aimed at supporting student entrepreneurs with existing start-ups or small businesses through sharing knowledge, opportunities, and networks.
The last day of the annual Lekgotla was the EDHE Studentpreneurs which focused on building leadership capacity in students with existing start-ups or small businesses. Additionally, it aims to share knowledge, opportunities, and networks to support young entrepreneurs under the theme, Student leadership for the business leaders of tomorrow.
In attendance were student entrepreneurs from across the 26 public universities in South Africa, with DUT having the highest number of student representatives, with a total of 19.
The programme was opened with a vibrant engaging, drumming session for the in-person attendees and shortly after, was officially opened with an introduction of the EDHE Student Community of Practice (CoP) and the Nelson Mandela University SWEEP Student Chapter. The CoP comprises of 26 members, one from each university with Ntobeko Mafu representing DUT. The mandate of these students is to strive to leverage and build support structures that may help student-run enterprises.
The keynote address was done by Sandra Speaker, CEO at Pranary – The Practical Business School, spoke on innovation and entrepreneurship as well as business growth strategies for budding entrepreneurs.
“Always think of what could possibly set you apart from others, from that, the world is your oyster,” he commented.
Further adding to the conversation was Sandile Shabalala, Senior Student Engagement Officer at EDHE. He indicated that initiatives like the EDHE Studentpreneurs Indaba are there to equip students with a wonderful opportunity to network with business-minded students from different universities. Over the four years, this annual event has set a footprint as the place to be for students and those interested in student entrepreneurship at Higher Education level.
Pictured: Mr Richardt Kok, (Stakeholder Manager, EDHE), Prof Keo Motaung (Director:TTI, DUT), Hon Stella Ndabeni- Abrahams (Minister, Small Business Development)
Pictured: Delegation of DUT Students with Mr Richardt Kok
Photographer: Antonnete Lindani
Antonnete Lindani/ Nontethelelo Mzizi
