The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Chemistry hosted their first entrepreneurship series to introduce the Chemistry students to leadership and entrepreneurship. The event was held at the Cane Growers Hall, DUT ML Sultan Campus, Friday, 19 May 2023. In attendance were the Chemistry lecturers, Chemistry students, Head of Department, Professor Nirmala Deenadayalu and established entrepreneurs from the industry.
Dr Vimla Paul, the event’s Programme Director welcomed guests in attendance, especially the guest speakers who were Londy Maziwde, who owns Andimahle Building Events; Nomandla Ngcoya form the D Chem Group; Mfundiso Ngema from the Sugar Milling Research Institute; and Ayanda Radebe: Luna Skin Cosmetics.
DUT’s Dr Thabang Mokhothu did the opening remarks where he welcomed honourable guests and thanked them for being present to empower the students in terms of entrepreneurship.
The first guest speaker to take the stage was Londiwe Mazwide, an entrepreneur who is an award-winning luxury event specialist.
“Entrepreneurship is not an easy task. You may see people on social media and admire them but there are so many challenges that they face that you might not know of,” she advised.
Mazwide added that it is very important to have a mentor, a person one can talk to about their goals, dreams and studies. She advised the students about having goals and being visionary, as it makes things easier when one talks to people and they can advise better based on their vision.
“Being a student does not mean that you are young, this is the time to start shaping your future,” stressed Mazwide.
Mazwide has been in the industry for the past 14 years under her company Andimahle Building Events, she also owns two businesses, LM Florals which was established during the pandemic and LM Luxury Interiors which is still under wraps.
Adding to the conversation was the charismatic Nomandla Ngcoya who also reiterated that hard work pays off. She is an acclaimed Black pharmaceutical chemist having being featured in the Mail and Guardian Top 200 young South Africans (Science and Technology) in 2016 and the Sunday Sun unsung heroes 2022.
She is the founder of D Chem Group which is a detergent, perfume, hair and skin care manufacturing company. In 2020, she was also the only female who has made it into the top 5 for the KZN Ithala Bank Inkunzi Isematholeni youth in business competition in the last 5 years where the winners were announced in 2022 where she was the second runner up. She also won a global award at the Panache Women of Wonder Awards in April 2023.
Radebe from Luna Skin Cosmetics encouraged students to not let anything deter them from their path to success, whilst Ngema from the Sugar Milling Research Institute said that students need to use their knowledge and expertise whilst studying and aspire to be entrepreneurs.
In closing Prof Deenadayalu thanked each and every presenter for sharing and imparting their wise words and expertise. Ms Hlengekile Lubanyana, who was the organiser of this event, thanked the guests and speakers for honouring the event. She also thanked the students, lecturers, support staff, especially the Head of Department for hosting such an event.
Pictured: Londi Mazwide
Photographer: Waheeda Peters
Waheeda Peters and Sibahle Ngcobo
