“I invest in myself. I believe in investing in myself financially, physically, emotionally as well as academically,” said Alwande Mtshali.
Mtshali is a registered Durban University of Technology (DUT) student, doing her third year in Public Relations and Communications. Hailing from Ngwenya village at Mtubatuba. She is an entrepreneur and a founder of her own hair business called Alwande’s Beaut’ Hairstyles and also a model.
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Entrepreneurial Centre and Desk, located in ML Sultan Campus is big on assisting students during their business journey at no cost. Students present a business idea with the hope to obtaining funding.
Mtshali attended the Entrepreneurial Centre and Desk’s four-day boot camp at the Hotel School, Ritson campus. The camp engaged with pre-incubated student-preneurs.
“I wish to see my business grow. My future plans involve owning salons all over South Africa, manufacturing my own hair brand and hair products,” she explained.
The 21-year-old emerging entrepreneur is also a member of the Green Campus Initiative (GCI) executive team and has been to Cape Town with the team. “I joined GCI because I am a firm believer of environmental sustainability in and outside of the institution. In 2020 I became a member of the executive team and I could not be more grateful,” said Mtshali.
She said she channels her energy on things that will benefit her in the long run. She owns a number of titles since the beginning of her modelling career, one being for Miss Mtubatuba Queen 2019.
“Being a model is not only about beauty but also the brains as well. You must keep up with what’s happening around the world, you must bring about positive change in communities and most importantly be an inspiration to the young ones. The goal is to become Miss South Africa then Miss Universe, these are huge platforms which can help me raise my voice on certain societal issues,” she said.
Mtshali praises her family for supporting her in everything and they are the reason she keeps going.
Pictured: Alwande Mtshali.
Picture 2: Alwande Mtshali’s business logo.
Nikiwe Sukazi
