The Student Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP) Graduation Ceremony, hosted by Student Governance and Development in partnership with Student Housing and Residence Life, was a remarkable celebration of student innovation, resilience, and commitment to entrepreneurial growth. The event was held in the Conference Room at ML Sultan Campus, the event recognised SEP participants who successfully completed the programme, demonstrating their drive and commitment to building valuable entrepreneurial skills for their future.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Mr Masiza Ngculu, Manager for Student Governance. He acknowledged the students’ accomplishments and praised their dedication to the program. “Do not take this opportunity for granted; great things often start small, and this programme is an important step in your life journey,” Ngculu remarked. He encouraged students to use the SEP as a springboard for establishing their own businesses, reminding them that even small beginnings can lead to great success if pursued with determination.
Senior Residence Life Officer, Refilwe Twala, shared insights into the purpose and vision of the SEP, emphasising the impact of the program on student development. “We gather to celebrate the accomplishments of students who have completed the intensive 13-week SEP, focused on building essential entrepreneurial skills,” Twala noted. She congratulated the students on their dedication and perseverance throughout the programme and encouraged them to pursue entrepreneurship in a competitive job market, where innovation and self-reliance are more crucial than ever.
One of the event’s highlights was the student pitching session, where participants presented their business ideas and proposed creative solutions to real-world problems. Judges engaged actively with each group, asking questions to challenge and refine the students’ concepts. Each group was allotted five minutes for their presentation, followed by a five-minute question and answer session, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable feedback and insights from experienced professionals.
Following the presentations, the graduation ceremony began, marked by the distribution of graduation attire and certificates to the students. Kholeka Mfeka, Administrative Officer for Clubs and Societies under Student Governance and Development, took the stage to commend the students for their achievements. She expressed pride in their hard work and commitment, emphasising that their accomplishments in the SEP marked just the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.
Miss Lana Brady, Lecturer for Entrepreneurial Studies and Management, continued the celebration by announcing the top three winners of the SEP, each of whom demonstrated exceptional creativity, dedication, and innovation. Prizes were awarded to the top three groups: the first-place winner received R15,000, second place R10,000, and third place R5,000. Mr Myeni, who won first place, expressed his excitement and gratitude, saying, “I am thrilled and overwhelmed. Hard work and dedication truly pay off. This achievement has shown me that I can accomplish anything with commitment and effort. I am looking forward to starting my business once I complete my exams.” He extended heartfelt thanks to the judges, facilitators, and lecturers who made the SEP a successful and impactful experience.
Otto Pupuma, the Student Representative Council’s Social and Welfare Officer from the Pietermaritzburg campus, concluded the event by expressing her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the program’s success. She thanked the judges for their thoughtful and fair evaluations, recognised the collaborative efforts of all event organisers, and congratulated the participants for their hard work. She encouraged the students to take this opportunity forward by starting their own businesses and contributing to their communities.
Pictured: Attendees at the SEP) Graduation Ceremony.
Sinamile Sithole
