Student Services at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in collaboration with innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation recently hosted an online onboarding session for students who are part of the Student Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP). SEP is a programme driven by Student Governance and Development and Student Housing and Residence Life units.
The onboarding session was directed by Ms Sharon Mbalo who is one of the Task Team Members for SEP representing Residence Advisors under the Student Housing and Residence Life Unit. Ms Mbalo expressed her gratitude to students for taking a step of wanting to be part of the programme and she emphasized the importance of being part of such an initiative.
The DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane delivered his opening and welcoming remarks. Before his opening and welcoming remarks, Dr Nkonoane expressed his gratitude to the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Keolebogile Motaung for coming on board and partnering with Student Services to drive this project to achieve our goals as a sector. He also acknowledged Student Services and innobiz colleagues from the Student Entrepreneurship Desk who have been working behind the scenes to ensure the formation of this programme.
Dr Maditsane also congratulated the participants who were fortunate to be part of this enterprising venture and wished them well as they started their journey towards becoming student entrepreneurs. He encouraged students to enjoy incubation as it will depend on how they are committed to their different ventures and how creative and innovative their ventures are to attract further funding.
Acting Senior Residence Life Officer from Student Housing and Residence Life Unit, Ms Refilwe Twala outlined the purpose of SEP. Ms Twala indicated that “South Africa and the world have challenges of creating employment, especially for the youth. To bridge the gap of lack of jobs, it is imperative that our graduates are instilled with skills and knowledge to contribute towards the creation of jobs and contribute to the economy of this country. It is for this reason that an innovative idea to create a platform for the students to be exposed to entrepreneurship was born. Student Entrepreneurship Programme (SEP) intends to create a space in equipping students with creative and innovative entrepreneurial skills which will enable them to be knowledgeable entrepreneurs. SEP seeks to plays a critical role in empowering students to start and run their own businesses.”
She also gave the aim by saying “the programme aims to encourage students to be job creators and to be part of economic development whilst they are still within the university system. SEP serves as a build-up programme to the Art Business and Culture Festival (ABC-FEST) which is a cross-departmental initiative to bring to bear a festival for student entrepreneurs, artists and cultural activists to showcase their talents, sell their products, advertise them, and celebrate their business acumen through their goods and services at DUT. This will further assist them in refining their business ideas.”
Mr Khothatso Memela from innobiz gave a background on Student Entrepreneurship Desk. “We are here to give support to DUT students who are into entrepreneurship through entrepreneurial learning and business support. We strive for excellence and innovation so that you equip yourselves by the time you leave the university, you are prepared to overcome all challenges that will come and face you as an entrepreneur. You will also need to contribute to the development and change of the communities including the world,” Mr Memela said.
Acting DVC:RIE, Prof Motaung urged students to use this opportunity wisely and not take it back because this programme will change their lives for the better. She also encouraged students to be creative and innovative in their field of studies by coming up with ideas that will bring solutions to society and create job opportunities for young people.
“We will be giving you support throughout the programme as we will have different facilitators who are going to empower you with relevant skills and knowledge to commercialise your ideas. You need to be champions of change and be well-informed about your business so that you attract your target market,” Prof Motaung emphasized.
After the address, Mr Andile Samkele Masuku, Student Development Officer from Student Governance and Development made announcements to students. It was announced that the programme will last for three months and it will be done physically on weekends.
“You are required to participate in this programme until the end as your attendance is compulsory. At the end of the programme you will receive a certificate for participation,” Masuku announced.
Mr Masiza Ngculu, Student Governance Manager thanked all the speakers and attendees of the onboarding session. He encouraged students to be active and show commitment towards the programme.
Pictured: Staff and Students during online onboarding session.
Andile Masuku
