The 10th annual Social Entrepreneurs Demo Day, an event recognised as a cornerstone of the social entrepreneurship and community development intervention programme, was recently held in Richards Bay.
The initiative, led by the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Department (EDTEA) in collaboration with UKZN and association with Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) – aims to equip social entrepreneurs, also known as “champions”, with the necessary tools to grow their enterprises.
Senior lecturer at UKZN’s the Graduate School of Business and Leadership Dr Xoliswa Majola, facilitated the event.
Public Governance specialist at the GSB&L, Professor Purshottama Reddy delivered the opening address highlighting the significance of supporting social enterprises that create both economic and social value. ‘This programme is a pioneering project in KZN which provides boundless opportunities for greater private sector and NGO participation creatively and innovatively, in responding to South Africa’s developmental challenges,’ said Reddy
Among the dignitaries present was MEC for Social Development in KZN who is also a notable alumnus of the programme, Ms Mbali Cynthia Shinga who spoke passionately about how the initiative has been instrumental in her journey as a public servant. ‘Being a beneficiary of the programme in 2018, I can attest to the fact that it has laid a great foundation in my current portfolio as I am able to better understand what our communities need,’ she said.
The Demo Day provided a platform for 30 entrepreneurs to present their innovative business ideas outlining their funding needs to sponsors in front of panel of judges which included an Area Segment Manager for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) at Absa Ms Ntombikayise Magcakini; Centre Manager at the Downstream Aluminium Centre for Technology (DACT) Ms Lindiwe Radebe, and the Deputy Director at the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs – Regional Local Economic Development (EDTEA-RLED) Mr Lungile Mthembu. The judges also provided champions with valuable suggestions about how to refine and enhance their business strategies.
The event culminated in the awarding of trophies and certificates for the champions as well as the Absa Overall Social Entrepreneur Award worth R5000 being presented to three champions from each participating university with the intent of helping them further develop their businesses. Winners were, from UKZN, Ms Sinethemba Nene, founder of Lokshin Bite; from UNIZULU, Ms Zandile Cele, founder of Zamdu Services; and Ms Zanele Zuma, from MUT, founder of Zakhanya Fitness.
As the event drew to a close, Deputy Director for Capacity Building and Institutional Development at EDTEA Mr Patrick Mbokazi, Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator at MUT Mrs Ntombi Mthembu, and Associate Professor and Head of Department in Economics at UNIZULU Professor Sheunesu Zhou, extended their congratulations and appreciation to the champions.
Closing remarks were made by Project Manager of the Regional and Local Economic Development Initiative Dr Simon Taylor: ‘I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for your unwavering dedication and the substantial positive transformations you have initiated in your communities. Your initiatives not only create employment opportunities but also contribute to the economic development of KZN,’ he stated.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Xolani Ncube