Graduates and programme mentors
Hosted at the Centre for Entrepreneurship on the University’s North Campus, the lively event markded a momentous milestone for the second cohort of innovators on their entrepreneurial journeys.
According to Karen Snyman (right), Student Entrepreneurship Specialist at Mandela University, the main aim of the programme is to create a supportive environment for youth township entrepreneurs.
“We do this by providing them with knowledge, resources, and networks, to drive socio-economic transformation, reduce inequality, and build a more inclusive community”.
Initially designed as a two-week course, the programme was adjusted after engagements with community members and participants, many of whom were already employed or managing their own businesses.
After understanding the needs of the community and participants, the six-week programme was launched in 2023, with sessions being held every Saturday at the University’s Missionvale Campus.
Programme mentors
The sessions were facilitated by experienced entrepreneurs who all run successful businesses. Beyond facilitating workshops, they brought experiential learning into the programme, sharing insights from their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, 99% of the mentors are alumni of Mandela University.
Overall, the programme has supported 45 township entrepreneurs to date, from as far away as Kwanobuhle, Motherwell, and Shauderville. The first cohort had 25 participants enrolled, with 19 completing the programme. This year’s cohort had 22 participants, with 16 completing the programme.
Giving an account of the transformative impact of the programme, Siyabonga Ndumo, a second-year student at Mandela University and township entrepreneur said the insights gained from the programme has benefitted his construction company.
“I learnt many things ranging from financial and marketing management, and many other nuggets which have boosted my confidence and understanding of operating a business,” he said.
The event’s keynote speaker was alumnus, Pastor Sean Bezuidenhout (right), founder and director of GrowthTech, a software development company based in Gqeberha.
In his address entitled: “Impact of entrepreneurship in the community” Pastor Bezuidenhout spoke about how being an entrepreneur stretches beyond making profits to inspiring despondent communities.
He explained that entrepreneurship is not a get-rich-quick scheme, but requires hard work, perseverance, and ethics.
He added that each month is not the same in entrepreneurship, and sometimes one would have to contend with paying staff and surviving with what is left. Being an entrepreneur also means enduring tough times and being a special person who would “stick the course.”
He rounded off his address by giving six tips:
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Embrace lifelong learning
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Build resilience
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Network relentlessly (“Your network is your net worth”)
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Add value
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Leverage off technology
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Remain ethical
“The seeds you plant today will bear fruit tomorrow” he concluded.
The event not only awarded those who completed the programme, but the top winners of the in-house pitching competition were announced.
Luthando Vanga, who owns a printing company based in Zwide, won first prize to the value of R25 000 for his winning pitch with the three runners-up each winning prizes to the value of R7 500.
“Rather than adhering to a winner-takes-all” approach, we view the pitching competition as a platform for showcasing entrepreneurial potential,” said Hemstone Mito, the Nexus programme co-coordinator.
He added that the prizes were tailored to the specific needs of each business or entrepreneur, ranging from creating websites and pairing participants with mentors to offering business development sessions, while cash prizes served as a small incentive.
The primary focus remains on providing comprehensive support to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their businesses.