From affordable housing to recycling innovation, entrepreneurs recently pitched a wide range of business ideas at the inaugural Pitch and Business Evaluation Session hosted by the Fort Hare Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator.
The event, held at the Bhisho Campus, allowed local entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations to a panel of experts, receive critical feedback, and connect with potential mentors and investors. It attracted entrepreneurs from both the student body and the surrounding community.
According to the Director of the Centre, Prof Olabanji Oni, altogether, eleven applications were received in response to the call for submissions issued in 2024. “Five entrepreneurs took the stage to present their ideas. Among them, three pitched new business concepts, while two showcased established ventures seeking further development.”
Entrepreneurs who pitched new business ideas had to follow specific guidelines to ensure their presentations were clear and well-structured. They were asked to define the problem their idea addressed, explain the unique value proposition of their business, and provide evidence of market demand and scalability.
The entrepreneurs with existing businesses were also given presentation guidelines, focusing on showcasing their business overview, achievements, market positioning, and future growth plans.
“The event is designed to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Centre’s goal was to support both new and seasoned entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and impactful businesses. Attendees were encouraged to pitch innovative solutions, share their challenges, and articulate how their ventures could scale and contribute to job creation and community development,” explained Prof Oni.
The Entrepreneurs and Their Innovative Ideas
Among the pitches was PsyLink Consulting, an idea pitched by Ms Pamela Mpofu, which aimed to address workplace challenges, including employee retention and mental health issues.
Serenity Spaces, another new business idea presented by Ms Azile Mphinda, focused on developing affordable rental housing in urban and peri-urban areas.
The Centre also saw established businesses like MaSephie’s Bakery, a local bakery in Bhisho, represented by Ms Lwandlekazi September. The bakery trains women and youth in baking skills and seeks to address a weekend bread shortage.
Additionally, Gambuu, an innovative web-based platform that connects users with industry leaders and professionals for tailored advice, was presented by Mr Chumani Memela.
Another pitch came from Phanandi, an environmentally conscious recycling business proposed by Ms Nandipha Mabindisa. The concept focused on collecting used diapers and processing them into recyclable products.
Expert Panel Providing Guidance and Insight
The panel was composed of a distinguished group of experts, both from UFH and external institutions.
It included Prof Oni, alongside internal faculty such as Prof Tendai Chimucheka, Prof Forget Kapingura, Prof Munacinga Simatele, and Dr Mpumelelo Ndlovu. It also featured external members, including Prof Chux Gervase Iwu from the University of the Western Cape and Dr Thobekani Lose from Nelson Mandela University.
Other internal members included intellectual property and innovation specialists Mr Athenkosi Matshini, Adv. Vuyo Siko, and Ms. Pangomsa Ntonjane, along with Ms Chumasande Dapula, a lecturer in Business Innovations and Entrepreneurship. Together, they provided invaluable insight and expertise to guide the entrepreneurs in refining and scaling their ideas.
The session highlighted the importance of structured support and mentorship in guiding entrepreneurs toward success – a core objective of the Centre.
“As the session came to a close, it was evident that the incubator’s role in nurturing local talent would be pivotal in shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region,” said Prof Oni.
