The Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA), initially known as SATN established in 2006 by 5 South African Universities of Technology, held a five day training session at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban.
THENSA is governed by a board of directors comprising of the Vice-Chancellors of all the participating members such as the Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University etc, and this workshop was funded by the Department of Science and Innovation. THENSA is a consortium of technology focused institutions in South Africa.
The purpose of the event was to assist students with sharpening and refining their business ideas or businesses through sessions which focused on writing a business plan, drafting a lean business canvas, looking at costs, pricings, value proposition, as well as teaching them how to do a 30 second elevator pitch. Out of the collection of entrepreneurs participating in the THENSA online programme which was recently launched, only 26 were selected to attend this workshop and of the 26 entrepreneurs, 5 were from innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The diverse group of students (at undergraduate and masters level) participated that in the training, were nominated based on their business concepts, innovative ideas and some with start-up businesses.
The five day programme consisted of a series of trainings and engagements such as Lean Business Canvas, Business planning, SWOT analysis, Financial Management alongside fun activities such as brain teasers and mini market exercises to encourage creativity and innovation in their business ideas.
The final day consisted of the Dragon’s Den session where the entrepreneurs were given an opportunity to pitch their business ideas, inclusive of all the information, guidance and advice from the mentors present at the workshop.
“It is without a doubt that there was an overwhelming positive response from students as to why they liked the programme. They were grateful for the experience. The content was well presented and they gained entrepreneurial skills to start a new business, an effective short programme and knowledge on entrepreneurship, a lot more was learned than anticipated, they loved the practical engagements, ” said Ms Kogie Pretorious, the programme coordinator.
The entrepreneurs left the workshop with a new found passion and goals for the improvement of their businesses.
“I am so grateful to DUT and innobiz for introducing us to the THENSA programme, because now I have a better and clearer vision for my business and have made new prospects and goals to achieve,” said Makhosana Zulu, an entrepreneur from innobiz DUT.
A big congratulations goes out to the following entrepreneurs who won the top 3 prizes after the Dragon’s Den:
Siyabonga Gumede, founder of MEDI-VIA for the Highest Growth Potential
Makhosana Zulu, founder of MAKHOTECH for the Most innovative and Creative Business Idea
Mbuso Ngcongo, founder of MBALABALA, for the Most Financially Viable Business.
Pictured: Attendees at the THENSA five-day training programme.
Aliziwe Mbambo
