Youth Entrepreneurial Foundation Workshop - an Initiative of Four UKZN Students

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The Youth Entrepreneurial Foundation workshop aimed at helping create a world of innovative entrepreneurs using the power of networking to bring about future solutions was hosted by the UKZN Nazareth Tertiary Students Association (NATESA) on the Pietermaritzburg campus.

An initiative of four students - Mr Scelo Sithole, Ms Ayanda Biyela, Ms Sinenhlanhla Nduli and Ms Zamanguni Khuzwayo - the workshop hoped to help bridge the gap between university students, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship.

Guest speakers included Dr Simo Mthethwa, Ms Ncedolwethu Shange, Mr Thembelani Ndaba, Mr Lungelo Mnyandu and Mr Bonginkosi Khumalo who all delivered informative and insightful presentations.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues Nduli said: ‘After countless failed attempts to break into the entrepreneurial world ourselves and knowing a few individuals on the University premises who are entrepreneurs, we decided to create a platform to impart proper mentorship and guidance towards having or bringing about ideas to create change and solve societal problems.’

She said the organisation wanted to build a world full of innovative entrepreneurs using students but this could only be done by connecting the experienced with the inexperienced. ‘We also want to make networking a new norm - instead of competence we will embrace connecting and networking among students and entrepreneurs.

‘Our foundational workshop was aimed at not only those who already have businesses or business ideas but also those keen to launch their own start-ups but don’t know where to start,’ said Nduli.

Students with ideas and who wanted to become entrepreneurs were encouraged to keep their visions alive and aim for start-ups.

‘As the Youth Entrepreneurial Foundation, we hope to contribute to the reduction of the country’s high unemployment rate, particularly among university graduates. We want to assist students develop business ideas they can use to create jobs for themselves and other members of the community,’ she said.

‘The types of businesses we want to foster are those that can affect economic change and growth. We also hope to provide mentorship, build a community of entrepreneurs, and create value chains through the Youth Entrepreneurial Foundation. In this way, we hope to see entrepreneurs identify gaps, provide solutions, solve problems and grow together,’ said Nduli.

She said the workshop - attended by more than 70 students - had been a success. She said their aim going forward was to create a networking space for students to connect with entrepreneurs and for entrepreneurs to connect with other entrepreneurs.

Words: Sithembile Shabangu

Photographs: Supplied