The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Human Capital Services (HCS) and Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) recently held a handover event for the DUT Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) at ML Sultan campus.

Manager of the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) Mr Solomon Nyamurima welcomed everyone who was present during the handover, as he explained the core purpose of the programme followed by their aim as a unit in supporting SMEs and what they look for in these starting enterprises.

“It is their first time as a unit they are doing something of this nature at DUT because as an incubator together with innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation they normally do seed funding, everything took a slight twist,” said Nyamurima.

He further explained that the incubation programme aims at supporting the establishment and growth of small businesses by offering support services to entrepreneurs, these support services include fully equipped working spaces, mentoring, and advising.

Senior Director of Human Capital Services, Mr Mxolisi Msomi addressed the entrepreneurs with some outstanding words as he acknowledged the efforts they put in their businesses and the many risks they have taken along the way.

“The journey you have taken is inspiring to some of us, having this type of opportunity is something that may open a lot of doors as time goes by, and going forward. Develop your own and let it be unique, and don’t forget that in everything we do in life there is a multiplier effect as one stays constant in their work,” said Msomi.

Ms Nompilo Zungu, Director of Misugeda Group shared her success story on how she went about starting her business. She said that growing up she always knew that she wanted to be a businesswoman, she wanted to create jobs and open a business that brings value to customers. She further relayed that she had started her business in 2021, and it was a big risk for her as she had no background or had done any research about her business. She stressed that she had passion and she was driven and motivated by her words she kept since the beginning, and now she’s running her business the way she had dreamt of starting.

Director of Procurement, Ms Nonhlanhla Gumbi shared some remarkable words of encouragement to the entrepreneurs and to the staff.

“This day marks a great day for all of us, the staff has done much in the programme as it was not easy for all of us and for the entrepreneur. They must apply the ripple effect in everything they do in their businesses. They must focus on their selves as ripple effectors, have a good race and run a fair one for more opportunities,” said Gumbi.

Ms Buhle Ndawonde, Transformation Specialist at HCS gave the closing remarks, thanking the DUT staff, business owners for availing themselves from their busy schedules to be at this prestigious event. “It has been a long journey and a wonderful one for all of us,” she said.

The handover concluded with the winners being presented with their equipment.

Pictured: The winners holding their equipment at the handover event. (Photographer: Dumo Xaba ).

Vuyo Khanyile