Enactus UKZN Celebrates Anniversary

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Enactus UKZN celebrated its 16^th anniversary during the organisation’s annual gala dinner held to honour achievements during 2018/19.

The dinner also presented an opportunity to formally thank the outgoing 2018/19 executive committee and present the 2019/20 Exco.

UKZN Co-Faculty Advisor, Mr Muzomuhle Mhlongo welcomed guests, thanked the University for its support, and acknowledged Business Advisory Board members, Enactus UKZN sponsors and partners, and alumni who were present.

The new 2019/20 Enactus UKZN Executive Committee members are:

•    Executive President: Mr Muhle Ndwalane

•    General Secretary: Mr Lungisani Ngcobo

•    Vice-President (Edgewood campus): Ms Nombulelo Ngobese

•    Vice-President (Howard campus): Ms Nonhlakanipho Ntuli

•    Vice-President (Pietermaritzburg campus): Mr Thulani Mthembu

•    Vice-President (Westville campus): Ms Ntandokazi Buthelezi

•    Head of Publicity and Marketing: Mr Nhlakanipho Mnqayi

•    Head of Finance: Mr Jabulani Nyembe

•    Head of Research and Development: Ms Luyanda Sokhela

Ndwalane presented a “State of the Team Address” in which he focused on the history of the organisation by recognising all its previous presidents, mentioning the name change in 2013 when SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) became UKZN Enactus (Entrepreneurial Action by Us).

He spoke about the role of Enactus UKZN over the years and how it has made a difference and an impact through empowering the lives of students and serving communities. ‘Our focus is on collaborations so that we can maximise the impact of our organisation while grooming future leaders and captains of industries,’ he said.

Ndwalane also spoke on the different social entrepreneurship initiatives the organisation is involved in, such as agricultural skills development for smallholder farmers, ushering services, virtual reality technology in education, and the Sack Space Project that uses a vertical sack farming method which has been adopted nationally and has a footprint in Zimbabwe.

Corporate Relations Division Executive Director, Mr Ashton Bodrick underlined the importance of entrepreneurship for the University and called on students to build a relationship with the Division so that in turn the University could support them by marketing their initiatives. ‘We want to tell your stories and the stories of other societies and sporting clubs, so please encourage other students to take up this challenge,’ Bodrick said.

Enactus UKZN 2013 President, Mr Sesethu Sidzamba thanked other former presidents for paving the way and urged students to understand the context of the organisation and why they were Enactus members. ‘What’s your narrative? What battles are you facing? The battles we faced in 2008 are completely different to those you are currently facing,’ said Sidzamba.

In closing, Executive Director of Student Services, Dr Rose Laka-Mathebula said it was a pleasure to be in a room full of “game changers”. She stressed the difference Enactus makes to the lives of communities saying: ‘With you being willing to step up, you are going to make our country a better place for all.’

Laka-Mathebula also thanked everyone involved in co-ordinating the event and the faculty members who are always willing to guide the Enactus students.

Certificates of appreciation were awarded to members of staff, partners, sponsors, alumni and Enactus UKZN team members for their inputs over the year.

Words: Hlengiwe Precious Khwela

Photograph: Itumeleng Masa