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Eight talented students from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) have been selected to represent the institution in the highly anticipated Intervarsity Studentpreneurship regional rounds this September.
These students emerged victorious from the internal rounds of the prestigious Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, held at the Butterworth campus on Monday.
Their groundbreaking business ideas captivated the judges and earned them a spot in the next phase of the competition.
One of the standout participants, Lilonke Buso, the founder of Lit World, a business focused on game room development said “ I did extensive research on my business idea and how it would be beneficial for youth and keep them out of illegal activities.”
The Intervarsity Studentpreneurs competition aims to encourage and support student entrepreneurship across universities.
It fosters innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills among university students, providing them with a platform to showcase their business acumen and inventive ideas.
“The insights from the judges have been an eye-opener. For the regional rounds, I will build on what I have done and take everything a day at a time,” Buso added.
Equally enthusiastic, Mzwakhe Mbowane, the founder of Bila Renewables, a company dedicated to transforming tyre waste into sustainable rubber pavements and tiles said he was thrilled and honoured by this recognition and making it to the top eight.
“As we prepare for the regional rounds, I am committed to refining our strategies and enhancing our innovation to showcase the full potential of Bila Renewables and our dedication to sustainability,” said Mbowane.
As these innovative students prepare for the regional rounds, the entire WSU community stands behind them, eager to see their creative solutions and business ventures flourish on a larger stage.
Acting Director for Student Governance, Leadership and Development, Ntsikie Nohako-Mtiki, praised the programme and acknowledged the students' dedication, especially given that they were preparing for the competition during exam time.
"It was not easy to focus on studies while also tapping into entrepreneurship," she noted.
"However, the students showed remarkable courage and commitment. To the students, I want to say even if you don’t make it, don’t be discouraged, hold on to your dreams."
WSU EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Coordinator, Khanyisile Blaai, shared similar sentiments.
“The competition is more than just a contest; it's a celebration of ingenuity and the entrepreneurial spirit, and an exciting opportunity for students to represent WSU, learn, grow, and network with other aspiring entrepreneurs.”
“As these innovative students prepare for the regional rounds, the entire WSU community stands behind them, eager to see their creative solutions and business ventures flourish on a larger stage,” Blaai concluded.
By Yolanda Palezweni
