“When you go out of here, you must remember that, as a South African graduate, you are faced with challenges of economic growth and unemployment. 3.8 million Youth are not at school, unemployed and not in training. That youth is relying on people like you to make a difference in their lives. South Africa is in dire need of innovators and entrepreneurs. You are the right candidate and well equipped with such, so, go out there and make a legacy for yourself! Go out there and create employment for that youth! Go out there and make sure that you add value in growing the country’s economy!” These were the words of Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu during the 2014 autumn graduations when he addressed the graduates. Clearly, his words did not fall on deaf ears.

Tshepang Mokhatla, a second year student in Tourism Management, Carly Willemse also in Tourism, and Zanele Matsane, a student at the Department of Built Environment took steps to strides when they entered the enterPRIZE job creation challenge competition. The competition is a partnership between the International Labour Organisation (ILO), DETEA, Seda and Flemish International Cooperation Agency (FICA) with generous sponsorships from the private sector, universities, and business associations. The initiative is in its second year of existence with a much higher number of entries as compared to 2013 when it started with only fourteen categories to enter. In 2014, 769 entries for 25 categories were received from five districts around the Free State Province and 71 Free State entrepreneurs received various prizes to the value of R7.5 million. In addition to the prizes, entrepreneurs will also receive technical support. Our own Tshepang, Carly, and Zanele performed excellently and were amongst the narrowed field of 121 participants. 

Their entry proposals were based on job creation, growth potential, sustainability, market demand, innovation, and relevant skills. The participants also received training on how to present themselves and their business plans to the independent judges from twelve judging panels. CUT’s flag flew higher above the rest when its own students scooped position 1 and 2 respectively. Both Tshepang and Carly scooped the first position winning an amount of R150 000 in the Tourism Sector Focus under the Most Innovative Business category. The winners said that they will be starting a bicycle tour on top of Naval Hill, a novel and viable business idea for Bloemfontein as it will create and sustain jobs! The duo said their money will be solely used for funding their new business. Zanele took the second place with a substantial cheque of R100 000. According to Ms Winnie Sereeco, National Project Coordinator, Free State SME Development Program, the main goal of the enterPRIZE competition is to create decent jobs through small and medium enterprise development. “This competition was launched last year at CUT’s Bloemfontein Campus for emerging, new and established enterprises based in the Free State province. This is in line with Free State Provincial Government’s SME Development Initiative to meeting its priorities towards job creation.” Winners hailed from Bethlehem, Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kroonstad, Parys, Philopolis, QwaQwa, Sasolburg, Thaba’Nchu, Welkom and Wepener. 

Image 

Picutred is Tshepang Mokhatla, and Carly Willemse at the official hand-over event. Right: Zanele Matsane proudly showing her winners certificate.