Photo: Back row 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, Mr Bongani Tshabalala, Mr Aphiwe Sogiba, Mr Siphiwe Mkhwanazi, Mr Junior Gopane.  Front row from left: Ms Refilwe Leeuw and Ms Masego More. Mr Aphiwe Sogiba and Bongani Tshabalala will be presenting their business at the Regional Rounds of this competition.

 

In a remarkable display of innovation and talent, CUT students have emerged as trailblazers at the Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA)-DSI 5-Day Face-to-Face Entrepreneurship Training Programme. This collaborative initiative, developed in partnership with Munster University of Technology in Ireland, has showcased our students' remarkable capabilities in business and entrepreneurship.

This training took place at the Premier Hotel in Cape Town, from 31 July – 04 August 2023. Aligned with the SAQA-accredited New Venture Creation Qualification at NQF Level 5, the programme aimed to equip students with the skills and strategies essential for succeeding in the dynamic world of business.

Students were exposed to cutting-edge insights through research, market analysis, and the cultivation of technical, managerial, and personal abilities. A highlight of the programme was the opportunity for students to present their business concepts to potential investors, financiers, and business experts, fostering an environment of invaluable feedback and refinement.

Six CUT students participated in the training, winning two of the three wards. Masego More clinched the "Most Financially Viable Business" award for her project, Vermi Village. At the same time, Aphiwe Sogiba and Mr Bongani Tshabalala secured the "Most Innovative and Creative Business Idea" award for SBA Renewable Energy Technologies.

Aphiwe Sogiba and Bongani Tshabalala are poised to present their innovative business venture at the upcoming Regional Rounds of the EDHE Intervarsity Competition. “I am excited and inspired; my plan is to take this business idea and turn it into a viable business, as after pitching this idea, investors have shown interest in it. During the THENSA training, I also learnt about all aspects of a business. And, the importance of teamwork. I’m an engineer, so I need someone on the team to do the finances, and marketing while being supported through the CUT entrepreneurship eco-system,” said Sogiba.

“The highlight for me was how they taught us to do the elevator pitch, and that we got to use it in real life on our way back to Bloemfontein, securing future meetings with potential investors. This is also exciting as we are also learning that it’s not always about who has the best idea, but how we can collaborate with each other in ensuring further potential growth for our entrepreneurship enterprises,” added Refilwe Leeuw, who also partook in the training.

The students’ participation was supported by David Kareli from the Innovation and Technology Transfer Unit, working in collaboration with iGym, CILT, and the various faculties. This led to the discovery and nurturing of this exceptional talent pool. Kareli also serves as a coordinator for the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity Competition.

Achievements such as these are a resounding affirmation of CUT’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, showcasing the limitless potential that resides within our academic community.

Photo: At the THENSA-DSI Entrepreneurship Training Programme, back from left: Mr Siphiwe Mkhwanazi, Mr Aphiwe Sogiba, Mr Junior Gopane and Mr Bongani Tshabalala. Front row from left: Ms Refilwe Leeuw and Ms Masego More.

Uploaded: 17 August 2023