The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has once again affirmed its reputation as regional leaders in student entrepreneurship by securing a clean sweep at the 2025 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Central Regional Rounds.

Following similar triumphs in 2020 and 2024, CUT’s student entrepreneurs dominated the competition, winning first place in every contested category. The three winning students Basetsana Tsubane, Kabelo Makhetha and Kingsley Masemola, demonstrated not only individual excellence but also the collective strength and innovation that continue to define CUT’s entrepreneurial spirit.

This remarkable achievement underscores CUT’s consistent leadership in enterprise development and innovation, further cementing its position as a powerhouse in student entrepreneurship, both regionally and nationally.

2025 CUT Category Winners

Ms Basetsana Tsubane: Co-founder of Airnergy and Tech Solutions

Category 1: Existing Business-Tech

Basetsana is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering and a current Honours student. She is a clean-tech visionary tackling energy poverty in South Africa’s underserved communities. Her venture combines hydrogen and solar systems with real-time energy monitoring to deliver affordable, sustainable power. A multi-award-winning innovator, Basetsana has secured funding from Ford C3 and was named one of the Top 30 Young African Entrepreneurs by the Entrepreneur Institute of South Africa.

 

Mr Kabelo Makhetha: Founder of OWA Jewelers

Category 2: Existing Business-Social Impact

Kabelo is a third-year Diploma in Design and Studio Art (Jewellery Design) student. His startup, OWA Jewellers, blends elegant African design with smart safety tech to protect individuals living with epilepsy, dementia, and other conditions. Through his OWA CareLinks product line, QR-enabled jewellery provides access to emergency medical information via the OWA Care App. His vision is to make wearable technology both lifesaving and affordable.

Mr Kingsley Masemola: Founder of TechNa

Category 3: Existing Business-General

Kingsley is a second-year Design and Studio Art student and the founder of TechNa, a smart fashion venture that embeds adaptive technology into clothing. His work integrates health monitoring and safety enhancements into wearable designs. Kingsley has represented CUT at global innovation platforms including the WIPO Summer School and US-South Africa Venture Incubation Initiative (USSVI) and is passionate about shifting Africa from consumers to creators in the tech and design sectors.

“This clean sweep is a proud moment for CUT and a resounding testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of our students and the teams behind them,” said Prof Wendy Setlalentoa, Acting DVC: Research, Innovation and Engagement. “It affirms the strength of our innovation and entrepreneurship support ecosystem, from i-GYM to FabLab, SWEEP and the TTO and we look forward to supporting them on their journey to the national stage.”

The winners will be representing the Central Region at the EDHE Intervarsity National finals scheduled later this year.

The EDHE is a Universities South Africa (USAf) annual programme designed to identify, recognise, and showcase the top student entrepreneurs at South African public universities. Its primary objective is to nurture entrepreneurial thinking among students and inspire universities to champion student-led enterprises. The competition is an excellent opportunity for students to engage with entrepreneurs and investors, gain practical insights, and experience invaluable learning opportunities.

Uploaded: 11 August 2025