Enactus UKZN Champions Student Entrepreneurship

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Enactus is a global student movement that empowers young people to use entrepreneurial action to create social, economic, and environmental impact.

Active in over 30 countries, Enactus UKZN operates on the University’s five campuses, heading up seven student-led enterprises that tackle challenges in health, education, food security, technology, financial wellness and the arts sectors.

The UKZN enterprises are: MedBuddy, a peer-to-peer support aid for Medical students; eMedConnect, a digital platform linking users with medical professionals; HomEdo, a personalised home-schooling solution for rural and under-resourced learners; Vital Bites, a nutrient-rich food solution; GroceiFy, a grocery price-comparison platform; Imaliyethu, a financial literacy platform; and Art Buddies, an inclusive art education platform.

The team recently competed at the Enactus South Africa National Exposition held in July, at the Sandton Convention Centre where the MedBuddy platform took centre stage as a digital platform that aids medical and health-sciences students discover and compare the best study resources.

Developed by UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine students Mr Nzuzo Dlamini, Ms Nozipho Gina, and Mr Harvest Nkosi, the platform offers a curated directory of learning platforms, side-by-side comparisons (by price, subject, and features), community Q&A and daily study challenges.

As an internationally recognised digital solution available in South Africa, Botswana, eSwatini, Zambia and Austria, MedBuddy offers a structured guidance and peer support programme.

Created in July 2024, and officially launched in February of this year, the platform offers both free and paid options with a premium version being built in for extra support including, personalised study plans and rapid response.

Medbuddy founders said the facility was developed out of their own struggles to adapt to clinical medicine. “That personal experience opened our eyes to how many students face similar hurdles of information overload, uncertainty about which platforms to use and the feeling of isolation.

“Our digital solution exists to make sure that students never have to walk the journey alone, by giving them a supportive community and a clear map of resources.”

Enactus UKZN raked in a few awards at the national competition finals:

•    Art Buddies and HomEdo, were in the Top 15 in the MTN Digital Challenge, securing a combined R50 000 in funding, as well as two laptops

•    GroceiFy was placed in the Top 12 in the Ford Challenge category, and awarded R12 000

•    Vital Bites was recognised in the Top 10 in the Harmony Gold category, and won R12 000

•    GroceiFy, Art Buddies, and HomEdo each were awarded R6 000 from the MTN Digital Challenge for being in the Top 22

Individual excellence awards were also given to Enactus UKZN President, Ms S’nethemba Sithole for her impactful leadership, Mr Siyanda Chule for his exceptional administration skills, and Mr Nzuzo Dlamini for his outstanding promotional and membership engagement.

Sithole said the team’s performance was testament to the hard work, creativity, and perseverance they have shown. “Every late night, strategy session, and practice pitch paid off - not only in awards and funding, but in the growth of our team, the strengthening of our network and the validation of our ideas.

“We are building incredible ventures that change lives, so let’s keep our heads held up high, refine our work and come back stronger.”

To sign up to the MedBuddy platform, click here.

For collaborations and partnerships contact Ms Zekhethelo Gwala and Mr Qaphelani Fikeni at gwalaz.enactusukzn@gmail.com or fikeniq.enactusukzn@gmail.com.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photographs: Supplied