Industrious UFH students make their mark in Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education competition
Two University of Fort Hare (UFH) students, Ms Amahle Bokveld and Mr Vuyo Masebe, have earned their rightful spots in the national rounds of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Competition, where they will be representing the Eastern Cape province. This after the duo clinched first place in the Existing Businesses – General category, and in the Research-Based category, respectively, during the regional rounds of the competition held at Walter Sisulu University recently.
The national competition brings together industrious students from universities across South Africa and provides them with a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial ventures and research. The competition begins at the campus level, advances through regional rounds, and culminates in the national finals.
Ms Bokveld, a PhD in Microbiology student, secured first place for her co-founded enterprise, Ulibo-Lokuqala Agricultural Enterprise. Meanwhile, Mr Mesebe, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology student, impressed the judges with his innovative business, Indigo Medicine.
Their outstanding performance made the university proud, with UFH securing two category wins out of the four available.
The achievement by the two students reaffirms the University’s steadfast commitment of upholding its strong reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship. It also reaffirms the dedicated efforts of the staff at the Faculty of Management and Commerce, Intellectual Property and Innovation Office, and Student Affairs who work tirelessly to support the entrepreneurial talents of the participating students in ensuring their success in the competition.
The Eastern Cape regional rounds were held from 11 to 12 September 2024 where students from universities across the province competed in four categories: Existing Businesses – Social Impact, Existing Businesses – General, Existing Businesses – Tech, and the Research-Based category.
Representing UFH, along with the winning pair, were Mr Chumani Charlie, Mr Daniel Okoko, Mr Sibusiso Gaca, Ms Rirhandzu Shibulane, Ms Sikhulule Mbava, and Mr Tulani Qwesha.
Both students will now represent the Eastern Cape at the national EDHE competition, which will take place in Gauteng in November 2024.
The UFH EDHE coordinators Ms Pangomsa Ntonjane, Dr Ellen Rungani, and Prof Tendai Chimucheka as well as Advocate Vuyo Siko have commended the students for their dedication and encouraged them to keep refining their business models and pitch skills as they prepare for the national finals.
The coordinators also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Ms Lusanda Dyani, Specialist in Programme Implementation at the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Kore Business Solutions, and the faculty lecturers who played a significant role in guiding and mentoring the students.
With such achievements, the University of Fort Hare is solidifying its place as a leader in entrepreneurial education, inspiring a new generation of innovators and business leaders who are making their mark in South Africa and beyond.
We wish them well!