The EDHE programme is hosting its third annual national EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition, funded through the University Capacity Development Programme of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
The purpose of the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity is to identify top student entrepreneurs at South African public universities, recognise and showcase their businesses, and invite investment into this cohort of student businesses. The competition also provides an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs in the ideation phase to pitch their innovative business ideas. In the process, universities have the opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial talent and demonstrate ways in which they can support and grow the next generation of business leaders.
The three Mandela University winners are Deborah Balogun in the New Ideas category, Randolph Meth in the Existing Business: Tech category and Siyathemba Charles Mbhele in the Existing Business: General category.
BSc Honours student in Formulation science, Deborah Balogun (pictured bottom left), has formulated a herbal toothpaste made from an indigenous African root. It incorporates the traditional form of oral care (a chewing stick) with the modern style of oral hygiene (toothpaste).
Randolph Meth (centre), final year BCom Financial Planning student, runs Silicon Energy Technology - an innovative company aimed at providing commercialised energy solutions at affordable and economically catered prices. It is a renewable energy entity specialising in providing customers/communities with a fresher alternative to typical and existing energy solutions with the advantage of saving on energy costs.
Final year Bachelor of Arts student, Siyathemba Mbhele, owns Quiqstart, a bicycle rental shop located in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) striving to provide affordable bicycles for leisure and utility needs.
The students will take part in the national finals in Johannesburg in mid-November.
