The University of Fort Hare (UFH) has officially expanded its academic offering with the newly accredited Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BoE) degree in the Faculty of Management & Commerce.
The programme was approved by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) on 21 November, with its first intake expected in 2027.
The qualification is an innovative, future-focused programme designed to shape visionary thinkers, responsive problem solvers, and socially conscious entrepreneurs. Its introduction marks a significant moment in UFH’s mission to empower graduates who can thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
A Strategic Response to Economic Challenges
The Dean of the Faculty, Prof Richard Shambare, said the BoE is UFH’s response to South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate and the urgent need for economic innovation.
Recent reports indicate that the unemployment rate in the country was at 31.9% in the third quarter of 2025.
“Research suggests that one of the best solutions to overcoming unemployment is to empower young entrepreneurs. The provision of an entrepreneurial degree at UFH aims to cultivate the minds of emerging entrepreneurs, which will ultimately contribute to new business developments, leading to economic growth in the region and beyond.”
“This degree aligns strongly with our vision of being a distinctive African university. It advances excellence in teaching and research while strengthening our social engagement mandate, particularly within communities that need entrepreneurial stimulation the most.”
A Qualification Designed for Impact
According to Associate Prof Roxanne Piderit, the Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning at the Faculty, the qualification equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to identify opportunities, solve real-world problems, and build sustainable ventures.
“The curriculum blends theory and practice, covering business functions, market research, product development, leadership, ethics, and financial literacy.”
The three-year curriculum follows a deliberate developmental approach. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge and develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The second year deepens understanding of business functions and provides work-integrated learning experiences. By the third year, students focus on strategic thinking, venture development, business planning, and pitching to expert panels, supported by the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Assoc Prof Piderit explained.
Students gain practical experience in evaluating opportunities, creating business plans, applying ethical and financial principles, and developing emotional intelligence. The programme also introduces students to market realities, risk assessment, and the drivers of sustainable business growth.
“Our approach is to ensure that students learn about, for, and ultimately through entrepreneurship. By their final year, they will be incubating business ideas with support from our Centre for Entrepreneurship on the Bhisho campus.”
Team Effort and a Bold Path Forward
Prof Olabanji Oni, HOD for Business Innovations and Entrepreneurship, said the accomplishment is the result of tireless, diligent work. “This accomplishment reflects a genuine team effort, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues in the Department for their hard work and unwavering support.”
With plans for future Honours and Master’s pathways, this qualification further positions UFH as a hub for entrepreneurship development in the region.
“This is not just another business degree. It is an investment in developing ethical, resilient entrepreneurs who can build enterprises that uplift families, communities, and the broader economy,” said Prof Shambare.