UKZN Showcases Entrepreneurial Talent at EDHE-Absa Innovation Challenge Launch

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The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) made a significant mark at the National Launch of the (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education) EDHE-Absa Innovation Challenge, held on 25 June 2025 at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Umlazi, Durban.

The event, hosted by Universities South Africa (USAf) and Absa Bank, marked the beginning of a national initiative supporting student entrepreneurs across South Africa’s 26 public universities.

UKZN was represented by a group of emerging entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions to address some of South Africa’s most urgent challenges.

Among them was Mr Luyanda Mchunu, founder of Groceify-SA, a digital multi-retail grocery app tailored for low-income communities and students. The platform enables consumers to access short-dated groceries at lower prices, helping to reduce food waste while making basic food items more affordable-an initiative that deeply resonates with students facing food insecurity.

Also flying the UKZN flag high was Ms Ayavuya Sibisi, founder of Tropical Paradise Smoothie Bar, has transformed family recipes into nutritious smoothie packs. Originally from Venda in Limpopo, she addresses the critical issue of limited access to healthy food, which contributes to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.

Mr Kusaselihle Mndebele, a UKZN alumnus and Managing Director and Co-Founder of Bio-Solo Group, is using anaerobic digestion of organic waste to develop renewable biogas energy solutions. The start-up, currently in its development phase, is working on a second prototype.

Mr Khethelo Sibisi, another UKZN student, founded Botani’ker (Pty) Ltd, a natural hair care company that uses ayurvedic herbs to create organic products aimed at supporting hair health and growth. Her Glenwood-based salon also serves as a platform to educate clients on holistic hair care practices.

Other UKZN-affiliated entrepreneurs include Ms Nonjabulo Magwaza, founder of Risellinaires Holdings, which produces perfumes and diffusers; and Mr Tsepo Tsotetsi, Co-Founder of Majubalands Multiservices, a multi-industry venture built on the ethos of customer-centred innovation.

Speaking at the launch, UKZN’s Economic Activation Communication Co-ordinator, Ms Zamakhoza Khoza, highlighted the University’s commitment to student entrepreneurship through integrated learning, research, and mentorship platforms.

Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, from the School of Commerce, encouraged students to align their postgraduate research topics with scalable, market-ready social innovations. She noted that the School’s programmes in accountancy, economics, finance and management offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. 

The EDHE-Absa Innovation Challenge goes beyond competition; it is a platform for identifying bold, scalable ideas - whether high-tech or otherwise - that have the potential to shape the future. This year’s launch in KwaZulu-Natal showcased the province’s entrepreneurial potential, with UKZN playing a central role.

The journey continues as the top 20 finalists progress to an intensive bootcamp and mentorship programme, culminating in a national pitch competition. With R500 000 in prize money available, the challenge offers significant opportunities for real-world impact and innovation.

UKZN’s message is clear: Innovation lives here.

Words: Nduduzo Duma

Photograph: Andile Mhlongo