Languages: 
A group of 20 Walter Sisulu University students shortlisted for the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) internal rounds converged in East London over the weekend for a three-day workshop in preparation for the championship.
The Intervarsity Studentpreneurs is a competition designed to encourage and support student entrepreneurship across universities.
This programme aims to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills among university students by providing them with opportunities to develop and pitch their business ideas.
WSU EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Coordinator Khanyisile Blaai said the purpose of the workshop was to prepare the contestants on a number of aspects before they take the stage in the upcoming Internal Rounds.
She said some of the aspects included understanding the business model canvass and its importance, pitch deck and pitching skills, development of business presentations, Market research and analysis, Legal Aspects and Business Registration, Scaling and sustaining a business, and Competition: Tips and Tricks.
“The contestantsinterreacted with the 2023 EDHE StudentPreneur of the Year - Ncedo Ntsabo who took them through the experience of being the national Award Winner and how to prepare for the competition, the challenges and the opportunities brought by EDHE programme,” she said.
Among the attended, Sinawo Siqebengu, said it was a resourceful workshop with great guidance from Ntsabo and industry expert Mr. Sabelo Malindisa from Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator.
Siqebengu said her company aims to develop an app that is designed to check the originality and the expiration dates of goods sold at spaza shops and to address the sale and consumption of illicit goods which are detrimental to our health and undermine our trust.
She said the workshop provided ample networking with fellow participants and also interesting to see the diversity of the solutions to different problems affecting our community.
“We had the opportunity to pitch our ideas and received constructive feedback. This experience was valuable for refining our pitches and gaining confidence in presenting our ideas.,” she said
She added that the workshop provided a comprehensive overview of what it takes to start and grow a successful business, while also fostering a supportive community of aspiring entrepreneurs and how to make the perfect pitch.
Also, grateful to have attended the workshop, Anezwa mvakade, with a company that makes hair food and hair sprays with natural oils that have no chemicals said the training was eye opening and polished her pitching skills as a result she has gained confidence to pitch in the internal rounds.
“If I didn't attend the training, I'm certain I was not going to make it. Before attending I thought I knew everything; it's only after the training that I got to realize how essential and important the training was,” she said.
She added that it helped her analyze her Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats and turn her weaknesses into strengths, and also taught her the importance of networking as an entrepreneur.
“Even if I don’t make it at the internal rounds, because of that training my business skills have improved,” she said.
Willing to assist, Ntsabo said the workshop was impressive, and was confident that with the type of talent, the tittle will bring back the tittle.
“My advice to the students would be just be brave, and know that their only opponent is themselves, and know their potential, and all the best,” he added.
By Yolanda Palezweni
