VC’s VISIT AT THE DUT MIDLANDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE AND STUDENT DESK

The Vice-Chancellor (VC) & Principal Prof Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu and DUT Management including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) from Research, Innovation and Engagement office (RIE) Prof Sibusiso Moyo, DVC from People and Operations Office Dr Machi, Director of Midland Campus DR Thabede, Deans as well as head of Departments, visited Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre offices and the Innovation Hub on the 28th of February 2019. The aim was to take the VC and Management on a tour of the Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre offices and Innovation Hub so that they can comprehend the core operations of the centre and Innovation Hub, see the infrastructure and also engage with student entrepreneurs who receive business support from the centre.
 
After the State of the University Address at Indumiso campus hall, the VC and Management proceeded to the centre for a site tour of the offices and Innovation Hub. The Centre Manager, Miss Nontokozo Ngcobo highlighted the current activities of the centre, the three units namely Agro-processing, Technology and Art that the centre plan to open in the near future as well as stakeholder relations that have been cemented thus far. The stakeholders that were present at the tour included Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), Department of Agriculture, Ikusasa LeAfrika Foundation (ILAF) and Makwande Corp Ventures.
 
After the office tour was completed, they all went outside to engage with four business student entrepreneurs who had exhibition stands of their products. These were Forward Slash Projects, Quench Still water, Ruth Concept Interior Design and PSX Holdings. The tour proceeded to the Innovation Hub where two more student business entrepreneurs (Classis Foods Enterprise and Yummy Dairy) had tasting stands for dairy products, sweet potato juice and atchar. The sweet potato juice was a winner amongst all the attendees and was completely sold out by the end of the tour.
 
A brief networking session was held and the Campus Director: Dr Thabede, gave a short introduction and welcome to the guests. One of the centre’s stakeholders Mr Bheki Zulu from ILAF said that “This is a good initiative that I have never seen in any other university. It will be great if industries support such initiatives”. In closing the Vice Chancellor Prof Thandwa Mthembu emphasised that if all students undergo through such programs they will be successful in business.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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ACCELERATED ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME 2019

 
Accelerated Entrepreneurship programme 2019 (#AEP 2019) was a 3-day initiative that aimed at developing businesses who are still on a start-up level and accelerating those who are already operating. The #AEP 2019 was held by the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk (DUT MEC) on 10 June – 12 June 2019.

“Doing research is paramount for student entrepreneurs in order for them to create sustainable and thriving businesses. being ignorant is expensive, as one can lose many opportunities” said Nontokozo Ngcobo, the centre manager when she was welcoming student’s entrepreneurs on the first day of the programme. Invaluable, useful and mind opening information was the main drive for #AEP 2019. Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, Digital marketing tools, marketing principles, capital expenditure and business plan to mention a few, were the topics covered on the first day. The programme was a full package that was packed with both theoretical and practical information.

The second day instigated by a session from our very own DUT student, Lungisile Dube who is also the founder and CEO of Forward Slash an IT (Information Technology) company. He ignited and gave insight into student’s entrepreneurs on how to use Manager accounting software. Funding opportunities and lean canvas business model were also covered on this day. entrepreneurs were ignited, trained and prepared for the Elevator pitch competition that was to take place on the last day of the programme.

The last day of the programme was about pitching and business skills transfer that was facilitated by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Being elegant was the order of the day for the young optimistic entrepreneurs. The panel of judges consisted of well-versed people when it comes to the entrepreneurial space. This Includes Renish Moonsamy; Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Lindokuhle Makhaye; Usizo IT group, Sabelo Thusi; Thusi Holdings, Nontokozo Ndlela; DUT department of Public Relations and Communication, Lorna McCullough; DUT Department of Applied Management and Nontokozo Ngcobo; DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk.
 
The Elevator Pitch Competition initiated with a briefing session. Renish Moonsamy, the keynote speaker for the day, gave a presentation about the services that they offer at Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). Afterwards, the competition began. There were about 29 contestants for the Elevator Pitch Competition. The Competition was all about giving entrepreneurs relevant support that they require to sustain their businesses, hence external support was invited.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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CREATING AWARENESS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS

 
It is often said that “first impression lasts “. Hence 2019 began with enthusiasm and commitment in creating awareness and engagement with the Midlands DUT students as future business leaders. The main aim was to bring into life DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre and Student Desk (DUT MEC) brand as the preferred centre for business support and entrepreneurial activation. The DUT MEC brand Activation Campaign was held at Riverside on the 15th of January 2019. It gave insight and ignited students about entrepreneurship.

The DUT MEC team and Entrepreneurship Champions walked around the campus giving concise information to students about the centre and also capturing data in terms of the student details and assistance needed. There was an information desk that was utilised by the students to acquire more information about the centre’s offerings and an E-Zone space which had a computer that was showcasing archived videos of the centre’s previous activities and events.

A number of students showed interest in starting and growing their existing businesses hence they were so keen on business support services. Having such a centre in the Midlands campuses, will bridge the information gap and pave a way forward for the budding entrepreneurs.

The campaign was successful in creating awareness, providing an engagement platform and forging new relationships. Entrepreneurship is all about being innovative, taking calculated risks, working smart and being committed and this is the message that was clearly communicated.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN

Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre and Student Desk (DUT MEC) in collaboration with Horticulture (DUT Steve Biko Campus) hosted an Internal Clean-Up Campaign at Indumiso Campus on the 21st of February 2019. The event was aimed at creating environmental awareness and promoting environmental sustainability to potential student entrepreneurs.

The program of the day kicked off with a brief informative presentation by the Centre’s Operations Officer, Mrs Majola where she articulated the objective of the day to students in business and entrepreneurship Champions. She emphasised that sustaining the environment is everyone’s responsibility and that it should start with our working space. A clean environment equals to a healthy, clear and productive mind.

Midlands Entrepreneurship Staff, Students in Business, Entrepreneurship Champs and Horticulture geared up with safety clothing and tools to start the green day ahead. Horticulture did an outstanding job on the landscaping outlay of the targeted areas which are outside the newly established Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre (MEC) offices. Subsequently, the Clean-Up team began the planting process. The campaign also provided a great platform for information sharing, exchanging ideas, skills transfer, peer learning and networking from all those that took part.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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DUT GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAMP, THAILAND 2019

 
DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre is proud that two of its entrepreneurs have been invited to a Global Entrepreneurship Camp in Thailand. Lungisile Dube, a second-year student in the School of Education at DUT Indumiso campus, is the brains behind Forward Slash, a company specialising in IT Solutions. Nkanyiso Dlamini a second-year Accounting student at DUT Riverside campus, is an optimistic and passionate director of Ruth Concept Interior Design & Projects. The SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp (SUT-GEC) 2019 will be held at Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand and will commence on the 20th of May and culminate on the 28th of May 2019.
 
The aim of the SUT-GEC is to improve students’ practical skills in identifying business opportunities, forming and translating ideas into an entrepreneurial venture. Both Lungisile and Nkanyiso are eager and excited about the trip to Thailand. They are confident that it will be very informative and invaluable, especially since 90 students from other countries will be part of this Camp.
 
“Forward Slash specialises in Information Technology services. This entrepreneurial opportunity trip is very crucial for our business in terms of growth. “We have been trying to grow and scale our business. We want to go out of DUT, out of Kwazulu-Natal and even out of this country. I am expecting to come across a wide spectrum of knowledge and skills. I am so keen to explore how other countries approach entrepreneurship” said Dube.
 
“Forward Slash is a newly established business that is growing very fast. Being incubated by the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre has played a huge role in our growth. I have employed three people and currently making 41.57% return on investment” Dube added.
 
The biggest challenge that Forward Slash is currently facing, is finding professional working space, especially, since their services are in high demand. They are looking forward to growing even further and opening an online store where they will sell computers, laptops and other computer equipment and accessories.
 
On the other hand, excited Dlamini added; “This trip is an opportunity of a lifetime, I am extremely looking forward to it. This will be a great platform for networking and exchanging ideas with people who have different concepts and skills in conducting business. This is indeed an extraordinary opportunity that will be really beneficial in terms of personal and business growth.”
 
He continued to say that “Ruth Concept Interior Design & Projects produces cell phone holders & stands, photo frames and also does interior design. Most of our products are made from recycled materials. I believe that this trip will be an eye-opening journey with regards to finding alternative and impactful ways of doing business. Who knows? Maybe we will meet a potential investor who will assist us with buying equipment (machinery) for producing more products that are of high quality. We make 25% profit from the total costs. After this entrepreneurship venture, I am certain that our profit will increase”.
 
As Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk, we have no doubt that this will be an experience of a lifetime for our entrepreneurs and this trip will contribute towards the growth of their businesses.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND RESPONSIBLE ENTREPRENEURS

 
The continuous Clean-Up Campaign that was initiated in 2018 has grown bigger, attracting more partners. The DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre and Student Desk under the DVC’S office: Research, Innovation and Engagement: Prof Sibusiso Moyo, held it 3rd clean-Up Campaign on the 15th & 16th of April 2019 at Indumiso Campus, targeting the surrounding areas from the entrance into Imbali township all the way up to the main gate of the campus. Stakeholder relations, community engagement, skills transfer amongst DUT students and the community, creating environmental sustainability awareness and green business, are the core reasons for such initiative

Hence the DUT MEC collaborated with Imbali community members ( of both ward 19 & 23), Ward 19 councillor, Mr Siphiwe Ndawonde, Greater Edendale Development Initiative (GEDI), Msunduzi Parks & Recreation, the Department of Environmental affairs, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental affairs (edtea), Invasive Alien Species Programme (IASP), Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT), the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), Entrepreneurship Champs, DUT Midlands Enactus and proudly supported and sponsored by Jailbreak caterers.

On the first day, Msunduzi Parks and Recreation provided grass cutting tractors that were utilised in cutting the grass along the targeted route. The second day began with a few words from the local councillor, Mr Siphiwe Ndawonde who welcomed the team of Clean-Up Campaign. The Centre manager for DUT MEC, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo emphasized the importance of establishing sustainable businesses within the community. “Many business opportunities can be created, such as green businesses and businesses in the tourism industry. Let us first clean the environment before we talk business and this can only happen if we work collaboratively” she said. The clean-Up campaign is in alignment with the Good Green Deeds concept of the Department of Environment Affairs.

Then edtea held a brief workshop on the removal of Invasive alien species in the areas surrounding the Indumiso Campus. This led to an insightful discussion on the importance of educating the community on alien plants; the method of removing these plants using hazardous chemicals; the manner in which they spread; the amount of water they utilise daily and their impact on the environment. The participants then geared up with their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure health and safety.

The process began with picking up litter and raking the grass from Imbali crossing to the main gate of Indumiso, using the tools sponsored by Msunduzi Parks & Recreation. simultaneously, a small group was responsible for removing alien plant along the route. The waste that was collected was grouped according to their category for green business purposes. After that, Msunduzi Parks & Recreation sent a truck to remove all the waste that needed to be disposed of. Jail Break Caterers sponsored the team with lunch for 80 people.

The clean-Up Campaign was a huge success due to the dedication of the team and all the stakeholders. Together we can do more.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP BUSINESS START-UP BOOT CAMP

 
The DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship & Student Desk held an Entrepreneurship Business Start-Up Boot camp at Hella Hella Adventure Centre (Richmond). The Entrepreneurship Boot Camp was the first of its kind at the Durban University of Technology(DUT).

The Boot Camp was divided into two sessions. The first session was on the 16th -17th of May 2019 ( Thursday – Friday) with The DUT Midlands Students from the Department of Public Management. The second session was on the 20th -21st of May 2019 ( Monday –Tuesday) with students from the Department of Public Management ( Supply Chain), DUTDurban.

The main objective of the Entrepreneurship boot camp was to teach entrepreneurship in a fun, impactful, engaging and practical manner that is slightly different from the traditional method of teaching and learning. “I Hear and I Forget, I See and I Remember, I Do and I Understand”. Entrepreneurship is all about being practical.

The two groups on their first day played a variety of educational entrepreneurial and teambuilding games. Entrepreneurial games included the Levels of Start-Up, Spaghetti & Marshmallow Tower Challenge and Navquard. These games taught students quite a number of imperative things about entrepreneurship. Consistency, competitiveness, drawing a business plan, feasibility study, idea generation, creative thinking and other innumerable things, are part of what the students gained from the games.

Subsequently, they played teambuilding games namely the foefie slide, hiking, soccer and wall climbing. However, The evening was all about the presentations based on an on a 6-week business start-up training that was facilitated by the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre.

The boot camp was a lifetime experience to the DUT Public management students, as they were exposed to a wide spectrum of information about entrepreneurship. This boot camp was the very first one for the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre, however, it was phenomenally executed.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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EVERY RENOWNED ENTREPRENEUR HAS A STORY TO TELL!

 
Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle for those who have a passion for it. Mbali Mkhize, a third-year Human Resources Management student at DUT Midlands, was able to save up to R4 355 as a blueprint towards pursuing her goal of becoming a business owner. She used a 2litre bottle as a piggy bank to save Five Rand coins from January to December 2018.

A creative and goal driven Mbali Mkhize from Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal has always had a passion for sewing garments, as this was something she was exposed to from a very young age. However, due to financial difficulties, she thought her dream of being a professional fashion designer would never come true. Being the determined visionary she decided to use her savings towards paying her registration fee in order to further her education.
 
In 2018 the establishment of the DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre and Student Desk (MEC), ignited a spark for her to pursue her business idea. She used half of the money she had saved as capital to start her sewing business. “I am grateful for the information and advice I received from the DUT MEC. They made me realise that it was not too late for me to pursue my business,” said Mbali.

The establishment of the DUT MEC has brought back hope to students who have always had a passion for entrepreneurship, such as in the case of Mbali. Innumerable students who have brilliant business ideas undergo the very same challenges. Hence, the DUT MEC aims to bridge this gap by assist students to unlock their potential and establish sustainable businesses.
 
Pictured: Mbali Mkize.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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MIDLANDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE MARKET DAY

 
The DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk (DUT MEC) held a Graduation Market Day on the 29th & 30th of April 2019 at Indumiso Campus. Giving students exposure and access to the market was the pivotal aim for the two days.

On the first day of the event, early in the morning, the DUT MEC Staff and Student Entrepreneurs commenced their big day ahead by collaboratively and successfully setting up the stands and branding them with the DUT MEC branding. By 9 o’clock, everything was well prepared, therefore, student entrepreneurs started selling as customers were coming in numbers.
 
On the first day, there were five student entrepreneurs namely: Forward slash that was selling cakes and beverages; Classic Foods specialised in Shisa Nyama; Swahili Décor had households decorating items on display and finally, our in-house photographer did a stunning job capturing those treasured high-resolution memories for all graduates and their families.

The DUT Midlands graduation took place only for two days. There were two sessions on each day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The student entrepreneurs were exposed to approximately + /- 600 people on each day, which included graduates, their family members, security staff and the emergency personnel on standby.

On the second day, entrepreneurs came even earlier and with more products as the products from the previous day were all sold out. Even the photographer’s media wall stand was overcrowded with graduates and their families.
All in all, the market day was a phenomenal accomplishment for the DUT MEC and student entrepreneurs particularly in terms of sales and exposure to the market.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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RENOWNED PROFESSOR CHRISTOPH MAURER FROM GERMAN VISITS DUT MIDLANDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE

 

The DUT Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre & Student Desk hosted Prof Christoph Maurer from the Munich University of Applied Sciences, German on the 3rd of May 2019. The aim was to ignite students about German perspective on entrepreneurship and student support.
 
The Centre manager, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo Introduced Professor Christopher Maurer to the students and gave a glimpse of what he will cover on his presentation. Furthermore, she accentuated that students should embrace this grand and rare opportunity with both hands and ask as many questions as possible.
 
“Customer focus is the main issue in the entrepreneurship space. Find the gaps where you can jump in with a better idea. Being an entrepreneur is about identifying a problem and coming up with a solution for it “said Prof Christoph Maurer.
 
The Munich University of Applied Sciences has developed a tool known as the Morphologic Matric for addressing many problems experienced in the business world and identifying a number of solutions to address those problems. This is a great tool to develop new business ideas. Other models utilised include Fussy Front End, Balloon Rides and Double Diamond for inventing and evaluating feasible innovative ideas.
 
This session was exceptionally informative and of great value to students. Professor Maurer encouraged students to take resources that they already have and make the best of them. He then shared factors of success namely: be part of a team, be creative, be innovative, be committed and be successful.
 
“Unemployment rate in this country is flying high, however, there are possibilities for change. As the upcoming youth (referring to students) you have the power to alter this situation. Entrepreneurship has taken over the world, this is your opportunity to be innovative and inventive”, he said.
 
A question and answer session was held after the presentation. In terms of attendance, this event was a huge success as a total of 113 of the students attended. A majority of the students were from the Department of Public Management and enjoyed this interactive, insightful and informative German perspective on entrepreneurship.

Sindisiwe Ndlovu

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SOUTH AFRICAN TECHNOLOGY NETWORK-ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING

 

Entrepreneurship is a common language nowadays that has taken over the world. Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo, The Midlands Entrepreneurship Centre Manager was granted an exceptional opportunity by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to attend the South African Technology (SATN)-Entrepreneurship Training. The SATN Entrepreneurship Training was a 5-day Skills programme for Emerging Entrepreneurs. The training was hosted at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Republic Ireland, from 13-17 May 2019.
 
“Different Universities from different countries worked collaboratively to develop a credit-bearing short course (entrepreneurship curriculum) that was SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) aligned. I was thrilled to be part of such an amazing team that contributed towards the development of the Entrepreneurship Curriculum” excited Ngcobo.
 
She further elaborated that during this training, she was exposed to various practical entrepreneurship models that are going to be very useful to DUT students. “As an entrepreneurship facilitator and champion, it’s imperative to be forever learning and researching about new impactful methods of imparting information to individuals that have interest in business, especially nowadays where information is constantly changing, particularly, in the innovation space. Hence, being exposed to different international models that are used by different universities from different countries for teaching entrepreneurship was such a great opportunity for me, added Ms Ngcobo.
 
“The industry we are in requires strong relations and a lot of collaborations. There were various networking opportunities that I was exposed to, some of them included our very own South African Technology Network (SATN) CEO – Dr Padayachee and her team, Technology Innovation Agency(TIA) representative, the six African university’s academic representatives & their students” she said.
 
“In Ireland, I had quite a number of productive engagements with different people including Ms Cait Noone- Vice President International & Engagement, GMIT & her team, Dr Helen McGuirk, Ms Maria Staunton: the empower program manager, Mr Tony O’Kelly: the New Frontiers programme manager, various industry guest speakers, Dragons Den judges and last but not least, our South African Ambassador in Ireland Mrs Yoliswa Maya and her team who sealed everything. This was indeed an amazing opportunity” she added.
 
“Ireland was a blissful experience, with many friendly people. My biggest highlight was observing the level of innovation in such a small country” concluded Ngcobo.