Empowering Future Entrepreneurs at UKZN’s Inaugural Student Business Fair and Exhibition

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UKZN InQubate recently hosted its inaugural Student Business Fair and Exhibition at the Edgewood campus, offering an inspiring platform for students to showcase their innovative products and entrepreneurial ventures.

The event celebrated the creativity and resilience of 50 students from various UKZN campuses and faculties and demonstrated the University’s commitment to nurturing future business leaders.

Attendees were immersed in a dynamic showcase of diverse student-led businesses, featuring everything from fine arts and culinary creations to beauty, fashion, and cutting-edge technology. ‘The purpose of the event is to spotlight our student entrepreneurs and encourage the community to support them where possible,’ said Mr Khutso Ramontja, UKZN InQubate’s Student Entrepreneurship Manager, during his opening remarks.

The event’s highlight was the powerful keynote addresses by industry leaders, aimed at empowering and motivating the next generation of entrepreneurs. Ms Thandeka Zulu, a UKZN alumna and CEO of Nia Consulting, represented the Mr Price Foundation and captivated the audience with insights from her entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on her own experience, which began at a UKZN Open Day on the Howard College campus where she won a business plan competition. Said Zulu: ‘The future is entrepreneurship. Always be a learner, remain open-minded, and diversify your business. Never rely on just one product or service to stay relevant in the industry.’

Another notable speaker, Ms Nosipho Mncwabe, Wear Your Brand Chief Editor, delivered a motivational address on the importance of personal branding. Encouraging students to ‘build a legacy for the next generation,’ Mncwabe shared her entrepreneurial journey and offered invaluable advice on navigating the business world. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with the speakers through mentorship sessions, gaining practical tips and guidance on key aspects of entrepreneurship.

The Fair also provided a stage for students to share their success stories. Among them was Ms Nonjabulo Magwaza, a PhD candidate at the Howard College campus, who launched her perfume business in her second year in 2019. Identifying a gap in the market for affordable, long-lasting fragrances, Magwaza now has distributors across South Africa. ‘I’m offering fellow students the opportunity to distribute perfumes and earn extra income,’ she said, exemplifying the event’s spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

The exhibition fostered valuable networking opportunities for students to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. ‘This event was a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs, explore new ideas, and collaborate,’ remarked Mr Sabelo Maduna, one of the student exhibitors.

The event concluded with prize giveaways, which added excitement and further incentivised student participation. Beyond the awards, the Fair allowed students and visitors alike to discover valuable products and services offered by their peers, all at competitive prices, making the event a tremendous success for all involved.

UKZN’s Student Business Fair and Exhibition not only highlighted the entrepreneurial talents of students, but also reinforced the importance of supporting and nurturing young innovators. The event serves as a testament to UKZN InQubate’s dedication to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship within the University, setting the stage for future business leaders to thrive.

Words: Nkosazana Manzi

Photographs: Tisetso Nhlapo