The winners of the Central Regional Rounds of the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2024, with one of their mentors, from left: Mr David Kareli, Business Development Officer: Innovation and Technology Transfer Unit and CUT coordinator for the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity Competition; Kabelo Makhabanyane, founder of Mashaeng Class Production; Kabelo Makhetha, founder of OWA Jewellers; Bongani Benedict, founder of Bbm-Go and Jo-anne Elveruschka Lekhetho, co-founder of Bellatra Tech.

The Central University of Technology has once again proven itself as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. In a resounding victory, CUT swept the Central Regional Rounds of the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2024, with all four winners hailing from the university. During the 2020 competition, CUT also dominated the Central Region, winning all four categories.

This clean sweep is not just a victory for the winners, but also a testament to the robust support system that CUT provides to its students. Through dedicated mentorship, fit-for-purpose facilities, and a culture that fosters innovation, CUT has created an environment where entrepreneurial talent can thrive.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, boasted that this incredible achievement underscores CUT’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and solidifying its position as a leader in the higher education sector.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their outstanding achievements in the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2024. Their success reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire university community, and we are excited to see them represent the Central Region at the national level. CUT is committed to continuing its support for these young entrepreneurs as they embark on this next phase of their journey,” said Prof. Ngowi.

From technology solutions to transformative social impact ventures, the winners of this year’s Central Regional Rounds reflect the diversity and dynamism of CUT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Jo-anne Elveruschka Lekhetho, the visionary Co-Founder of Bellatra Tech, clinched the top spot in the existing business: Tech category. Her product, the Campus Guide App, provides an all-in-one solution for current and prospective students as well as visitors to higher education institutions.

In the Existing Business: Social Impact category, two exceptional entrepreneurs emerged victorious. Kabelo Makhabanyane, the Founder of Mashaeng Class Production and Kabelo Makhetha, the Founder of OWA Jewellers, is making a profound difference in their communities. Mashaeng Class Production is a mixed farming business that produces fresh vegetables at an affordable price for poor communities of Mashaeng Fouriesburg and Matwabeng Senekal. The business has also created jobs for the unemployed youth in those communities.

OWA Jewellers provides innovative jewellery with QR code technology, transforming traditional jewellery into functional safety devices without compromising style. The business aims to assist family members of people with epilepsy, dementia, and mental health disorders with their medical profile on the QR Code, along with their next of kin’s contact details. These businesses not only generate profit but also drive positive social change, exemplifying the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Bongani Benedict, the innovative Founder of Bbm-Go, triumphed in the Existing Business: General category. His business provides travel and tourism services to clients needing customised services tailored to their travel preferences. The company offers these customers relevant and trending travel information, accessibility, travel guides, travel rewards & discounts, hassle-free travelling, as well as efficiency and security during this experience.

 These four outstanding individuals will now carry the torch for the Central Region as they prepare to compete at the National Finals in Gauteng on 28 November 2024. Their success is a source of pride for CUT and the Central Region, and it signals a bright future for entrepreneurship in South Africa.