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Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is playing host to the Eastern Cape Regional Rounds of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2024.
This prestigious event will be held on September 11–12, 2024, at WSU’s Butterworth Campus and marks a key milestone in the university’s ongoing commitment to inculcate entrepreneurial talent among its students.
The competition, part of a broader national initiative, brings together the brightest entrepreneurial minds from South Africa’s 26 public universities.
WSU is hosting contestants from sister institutions, including Nelson Mandela University, the University of Fort Hare, and Rhodes University, in what promises to be an exciting “battle of ideas and innovation,” where students will showcase their cutting-edge projects and business ventures.
WSU EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Coordinator, Khanyisile Blaai, said the showcasing their innovative projects and products give access to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, with an aim to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing amongst studentpreneurs.
“The department is not only focusing on getting students to compete but is cultivating an entrepreneurial mind-set. However, if there are opportunities for students to pitch their business ideas, we do support them for their growth,” she previously noted.
WSU has consistently demonstrated its dedication to nurturing student innovation and skills development.
Recently, a group of WSU students participated in the EDHE Studentpreneurs Indaba, an event designed to support budding entrepreneurs and small business owners by sharing practical knowledge, best practices, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
This experience equipped the students with insights into the challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial landscape, preparing them for the upcoming regional rounds.
The EDHE Studentpreneurs Indaba also provided WSU students with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to industry experts, further enhancing their entrepreneurial journey.
"The programme is about more than just competing, it’s about building a solid foundation for student entrepreneurs to meet industry experts, share best practices, and gain real-world insights that can help their ventures flourish,” Blaai said.
By Yolanda Palezweni
