The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and the office of the vice-chancellor awarded five entrepreneurs with prizes for their innovative pitches made out of a selection of 36 students, at the final pitch competition held at Ritson Hall, last Friday.

In his keynote address, DUT vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, said that he was pleased to be amongst ‘crazy’ thinkers who will change the world.

“I am delighted to be in the midst of innovative minds. I believe most of you achieved what you have by default and not design. Our education system does not teach innovation, it teaches you to look for jobs and we all know there are no jobs,” said Prof Mthembu.

He also said that the University was looking for a system which will provide training that turns students from being job seekers to job creators. “DUT is working on the model which will make sure that by design we produce entrepreneurs every year,” he said. Kaugelo Modise, a national representative from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), congratulated all the participants of the pitch competition and encouraged them to dream more.

Also, Thobane Banda from BeBold pitch innovation and a former DUT taxation student encouraged entrepreneurship amongst students.  “We believe the boldest student is the one who can create a business that grows and changes the economy of this country,” said Banda. All 36 finalists will participate in an incubation process and be trained while linked with companies that will assist taking their products to market.

Siphiwe Zuma, first year Interior Design student, received the first price from the office of the vice-chancellor and received R15 000 for his accomplishment. Zuma said that his idea was inspired by his condition as a student, who took a bus to campus and that was when he thought of an umbrella for the disabled. “As a disabled student who uses a walking stick, I get really angry when it raining as I cannot hold an umbrella and walking stick whilst taking a shuttle,” said Zuma. He started his idea knowing that it would be helpful to many people with the same situation as his.

Other prizes from the Office of the  Vice-Chancellor  included R10 000 awarded to first-year Fashion and Textile student, Diva Mobedi and R5000 to students from different faculties doing marketing for businesses.

Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mthembu with the winning entrepreneurs.

Mbuso Kunene.