GSB&L Launches 13th Champions and Young Researchers Programmes

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The Regional and Local Economic Development Initiative (RLEDi) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) has launched the 13th cohort of its Champions and LED Young Researchers Programmes.

Hosted at UKZN, the initiative welcomed 22 social entrepreneurs and six master’s candidates committed to advancing social and local economic development in KwaZulu-Natal.

The launch forms part of the KZN Social Economy Development Programme, a collaboration between UKZN and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA). The initiative aims to strengthen social enterprises while supporting research-driven solutions to local economic development challenges.

Held at the GSB&L Training Facility, the event brought together stakeholders, funders, alumni and participants for a day of engagement and orientation. The programme included an overview of activities, a testimony from a Champions alumnus, participant introductions and an industry engagement session led by Absa Group Limited, the prize sponsor for the programmes.

The eight-month Champions Programme supports social entrepreneurs who are building sustainable, impact-driven enterprises that create employment and strengthen local economies. The 2026 cohort reflects a diverse group of innovators committed to inclusive economic growth across the province.

The Young Researchers Programme complements this work by assisting emerging development practitioners through hands-on research, skills development and exposure to real-world economic and social challenges. The six selected researchers will contribute evidence-based insights to inform Regional and Local Economic Development initiatives.

More than 400 applicants competed for placement across the two programmes, with successful candidates demonstrating strong leadership potential and a shared commitment to community upliftment.

RLEDi Project Manager Dr Mlondi Vilakazi said the initiative continues to nurture a new generation of changemakers. He noted that the programmes contribute to UKZN Strategic Goals 2 and 3: to achieve excellence and high impact in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and to promote high-impact societal and stakeholder community engagement.

“The UKZN 2026 cohort of Champions represents a dynamic group of social entrepreneurs driving meaningful change within society,” he said. “Through collaboration and shared learning, they will amplify their impact, create employment opportunities and strengthen the socio-economic landscape of the province.”

Welcoming all on behalf of EDTEA, Mr Patrick Mbokazi commended the partnership with UKZN and reaffirmed the department’s support for enterprises that positively impact society.

“We look forward to supporting you on your journey and helping you achieve your mission of growing your enterprises,” said Mbokazi.

The launch marks the beginning of an intensive learning journey focused on structured training, mentorship, research and innovation-driven social laboratories aimed at strengthening enterprise sustainability and developmental impact in KwaZulu-Natal.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Supplied