NATIONAL VICTORY: Celebrating Nelson Mandela University’s success at the 2026 Enactus South Africa National Exposition in Johannesburg this month are (front, from left) Joy Nthoroane and Sade' Prinsloo and (back, from left) Lebogang Lebeloane, Sandakahle Sivungu, Chuene Semono, Gift Masombuka, Khanya Soji and Katekani Mabunda. Photos: Enactus
The honours came at the 2026 Enactus South Africa National Exposition, held in Sandton, Johannesburg on 22 and 23 July, where Batho Pele BioLoop Africa Farm secured the national title.
The University also celebrated a third-place finish for Somphalali Maize Milling in the Harmony Food & Health Security, Employability & Entrepreneurship Challenge, while Faculty Advisor Sade' Prinsloo was named Faculty Advisor of the Year.
TOP TEAM: Nelson Mandela University Enactus representatives (from left) Sandakahle Sivungu, Joy Nthoroane, Chuene Semono, Khanya Soji and Gift Masombuka.
Enactus Mandela, a student entrepreneurship society under the University's Department of Student Governance and Development, is mentored by the Mandela University Africa Hub (MUAH), whose entrepreneurship team provides business development programmes, enterprise guidance and strategic mentorship to help student ventures grow and succeed.
National success opens global doors
WORTHY WINNERS: Khanya Soji and Sandakahle Sivungu of Batho Pele BioLoop Africa Farm.
Founded by student entrepreneur Sandakahle Sivungu, Batho Pele BioLoop Africa Farm transforms food, organic and plastic waste into sustainable resources through technologies including artificial intelligence, hydroponics and circular farming systems, tackling challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment and environmental sustainability.
Katekani Mabunda, Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the Mandela University Africa Hub (MUAH) and Team Advisor to Enactus Mandela, says the results demonstrate the strength of student entrepreneurship at Mandela University and the impact young entrepreneurs can have in their communities.
"Our students are building enterprises that don't simply compete well – they create practical, sustainable solutions to real challenges while developing the entrepreneurial skills needed to shape South Africa's future.
“In 2021 we built a new team from scratch and, come 2026, we rewrote history."
The event brought together student teams from universities across the country to showcase businesses that deliver measurable social, economic and environmental impact, while competing for the opportunity to represent South Africa at the Enactus World Cup.
Building entrepreneurs for impact
Founded in 1975, Enactus is a global non-profit organisation that brings together students, academics and business leaders to develop entrepreneurial solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
Active in South Africa since 2001, it gives university students practical experience in building sustainable enterprises that create measurable impact in their communities.
Enactus Mandela has become an established part of Nelson Mandela University's student entrepreneurship ecosystem, with teams developing ventures that address local challenges while gaining real-world business experience.
Through mentorship from the Mandela University Africa Hub (MUAH), students receive enterprise development support as they refine their business models, measure their impact and prepare to compete on national and international stages.
The annual Enactus South Africa National Exposition showcases these ventures before judges from the business, academic and civic sectors, with the winning team earning the opportunity to represent the country at the Enactus World Cup.
MUAH director Professor Thobekani Lose says that he is delighted about the institution’s wins.
“As our Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa always says: ‘It is up to all of us to take Nelson Mandela University boldly to the next level in service to society.’ Watching our students rise, innovate and win fills us with joy. Defying the odds, one step at a time, entrepreneurship is the past, present and future.”
Recognition beyond the national title
Somphalali Maize Milling, led by Gift Masombuka, progressed from the competition's top 10 to finish third in the Harmony Food & Health Security, Employability & Entrepreneurship Challenge. The community-based enterprise supplies affordable maize meal, offers milling services to local households and farmers, and creates employment while supporting local agricultural producers.
The team received R12 000 in development funding during the competition before receiving a further R5 000 and a trophy for its third-place finish.
LEADING THE WAY: Nelson Mandela University’s Lebogang Lebeloane (left) and Katekani Mabunda (right) celebrate Sade' Prinsloo’s Faculty Advisor of the Year award.
Prinsloo's Faculty Advisor of the Year award recognised her 12 years of commitment to developing student entrepreneurs and her contribution to student development, team preparation, fundraising and university engagement.
Reflecting on her award, Prinsloo says that she lives by the Bible verse Matthew 6:33, believing that if she puts God first in her life, all things will work out.
“Working at Nelson Mandela University has reinforced that belief and taught me that nothing is impossible with faith, commitment and perseverance. As Nelson Mandela said, 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' Receiving this award is a reminder that, with the right support and determination, great things are possible."
The national championship marks Enactus Mandela's first overall victory since 2021 and secures the team's place at the Enactus World Cup in São Paulo, Brazil, in November, where they will represent South Africa against the world's top student entrepreneurs.
Enactus Mandela co-faculty advisor and MUAH project specialist Dr Chuene Semono says that opportunities are always available to entrepreneurs willing to take advantage of them.
“The only challenge is entrepreneurial readiness. Does the opportunity find you ready?”
Meet the Mandela team
-
Sade' Prinsloo – Faculty Advisor, Enactus Mandela; Manager, Madibaz Radio and News
-
Dr Chuene Semono – Co-Faculty Advisor, Enactus Mandela; Project Specialist, Mandela University Africa Hub
-
Katekani Mabunda – Team Advisor, Enactus Mandela; Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator, Mandela University Africa Hub
-
Lebogang Leboloane – Enactus Mandela Team President
-
Joy Nthoroane – Enactus Mandela Team Treasurer
-
Gift Masombuka – Enterprise Leader, Somphalali Maize Milling
-
Sandakahle Sivungu – Founder, Batho Pele BioLoop Africa Farm
-
Khanya Soji – Enterprise Member, Batho Pele BioLoop Africa Farm.