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Communities of Practice (CoP’s)

In order to facilitate greater consistency and a more structured approach to entrepreneurship development in all its forms within universities and nationally, a new EDHE membership model is introduced. Each official member of an EDHE CoP will be asked to make a single commitment of their choice for the period aligned with the objectives of the CoP in question. In return, official EDHE members will receive a number of benefits, such as sponsored attendance of key events, letters of support when applying for promotion or new positions and a recognisable lapel pin exclusive to EDHE members. The role of the Membership Model is to provide strategic direction and a basis on which the member’s programme will be run for members and communities of practice. In addition, it will be in fulfilling the oversight responsibilities in respect to the EDHE Programme. The EDHE Programme is positioned to make entrepreneurship education and training accessible for all students across disciplines. This is a much-needed intervention that would better equip students to successfully participate in the economy upon graduation, regardless of whether they are employed or not and the success of this membership module would accentuate this action.

Although the need for entrepreneurship development in other sectors might be as important, the current focus of EDHE is on universities. All university leaders, academics and support professionals with a focus on entrepreneurship are welcome to apply to participate in one of the EDHE CoPs. Entrepreneurship development in the general community and in the basic education sector is not within the scope of EDHE, but alignment and collaboration with universities are encouraged.

EDHE CoPs will play an increasingly important role in the new phase of the EDHE programme.

The purpose and role of the Communities of Practice (CoPs) within the Membership Programme remain aligned with the broader objectives of the EDHE Programme. These include:

  • Sharing relevant knowledge, resources, and best practices.
  • Facilitating the transfer of practical skills.
  • Influencing policy and shaping strategic direction.
  • Supporting and promoting national EDHE projects at the regional and local levels.
  • Defining success indicators for EDHE to measure impact and progress.

(1) CoP for Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators

This CoP is open to university leaders, academics, and support professionals involved in entrepreneurship development. The focus is on universities, and activities related to entrepreneurship development in other sectors are omitted.

Purpose

  • Enhancing Student Support: Providing guidance, resources, and best practices to equip coordinators in fostering student entrepreneurial development.
  • Facilitating Knowledge Sharing: Creating a platform for coordinators to exchange insights, strategies, and experiences in supporting student entrepreneurs.
  • Strengthening Institutional Capacity: Assisting universities in integrating entrepreneurship into institutional structures, policies, and support services.
  • Encouraging Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Promoting partnerships between universities to enhance student entrepreneurship initiatives nationally.
  • Aligning with National Priorities: Supporting the development of policies and programs that drive student entrepreneurship in line with national economic goals.

Download CoP for Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators TOR

(2) CoP for Entrepreneurship in Learning and Teaching

This CoP is open to university leaders, academics, and support professionals involved in entrepreneurship development. The focus is on universities, and activities related to entrepreneurship development in other sectors are omitted.

Purpose

  • Support Higher Education Institute (HEI) staff and students in developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Enhance understanding of key elements of entrepreneurship.
  • Transform student entrepreneurial intent into actionable steps.
  • Assist HEI academic staff in integrating entrepreneurship elements into cross-disciplinary and institution-wide curricula.
  • Build a pool of HEI staff capable of guiding students toward entrepreneurial action through:
  • Offering relevant knowledge.
  • Transferring practical skills.
  • Applying business principles to specific disciplines.
  • Facilitate entrepreneurial development through:
    • The academic curriculum.
    • Research-led practice.

Download CoP for Entrepreneurship in Learning and Teaching TOR

(3) CoP for Entrepreneurship Research

This CoP is open to university leaders, academics, and support professionals involved in entrepreneurship development. The focus is on universities, and activities related to entrepreneurship development in other sectors are omitted.

Purpose

  • Establishing strategic partnerships with local and international research communities to produce solution-oriented, impactful research on entrepreneurship.
  • Translating research findings into actionable policies that contribute to societal and economic development.
  • Conducting evidence-based research to inform and influence policy implementation.
  • Playing a key role in all EDHE research studies and initiatives throughout the term.
  • Sharing relevant knowledge, resources, and best practices to enhance entrepreneurship research.
  • Identifying emerging research areas and opportunities for further development in entrepreneurship.
  • Collaborating with key stakeholders across the public, private, and non-governmental sectors to strengthen research impact and application.

Download CoP for Entrepreneurship Research TOR

(4) CoP for Entrepreneurial Universities

This CoP is open to university leaders, academics, and support professionals involved in entrepreneurship development. The focus is on universities, and activities related to entrepreneurship development in other sectors are omitted.

Purpose

  • Share best practices and resources related to entrepreneurial universities.
  • Support the development of university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystems.
  • Influence national and institutional policies on entrepreneurship in higher education.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders in public, private, and non-profit sectors.
  • Promote national EDHE projects and initiatives.
  • Research to inform policy and practice.

CoP for Entrepreneurial Universities TOR

(5) Studentpreneurs CoP

This CoP is open to students engaged in entrepreneurship development and those running businesses within universities. The focus is specifically on activities related to entrepreneurship development in higher education.

Purpose

  • Identify challenges and opportunities faced by student entrepreneurs at higher education institutions.
  • Advocate for change and collaborate with the national EDHE office to address student entrepreneurship needs.
  • Serve as the voice for student entrepreneurship, promoting the advancement and growth of student-owned businesses.
  • Build and strengthen support structures to help small businesses owned by students.
  • Organize and coordinate student entrepreneurs across higher education institutions under one unified platform.
  • Monitor the progress of student entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship initiatives within universities.
  • Facilitate engagement with studentpreneurs via social media platforms and email for ongoing support and communication.

Studentpreneurs CoP TOR

(6) Economic Activation Offices (EAO) CoP

The Economic Activation Offices (EAO) CoP is open to representatives from each university or individual responsible for entrepreneurship development, focusing on fostering entrepreneurship within higher education institutions through collaboration, best practices, and institutional support.

Purpose

  • The focus is specifically on activities related to entrepreneurship development within higher education institutions.
  • Aims to create a supportive environment for student entrepreneurs to grow and scale their businesses.
  • Facilitates collaboration between universities, students, and external stakeholders to drive entrepreneurial initiatives.
  • Supports the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems at higher education institutions.
  • Works towards identifying and addressing barriers to student entrepreneurship in universities.
  • Engages in the promotion of resources, training, and mentorship opportunities for student-run businesses.
  • Drives policy recommendations to strengthen institutional and national support for student entrepreneurs.

Economic Activation Offices (EAO) CoP TOR

The current CoPs and their Chairpersons are as follows:

The following are the required criteria to qualify as a member:

  • Employed by a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or affiliated organisation.
  • Actively involved in entrepreneurship-related initiatives at their HEI.
  • Able to commit time to CoP activities.
  • Possess a postgraduate qualification (advantageous).
  • Experience with entrepreneurship or business management (advantageous).
  • Attend at least three annual meetings.

The EDHE CoPs have grown to become the university voice of entrepreneurship, which is called upon for information, guidance, advice, and engagement with other public and private sector entities. The leaders of the CoPs, specifically, have an important task as the face of these entities. The advocacy and influence of CoPs, however subtle and behind the scenes, is significant.

Participation and leadership in an EDHE CoP have contributed to the standing and influence of a number of members within their universities. Staff members who might previously be overlooked in their institutions now receive recognition for their pioneering and leadership work with respect to advancing entrepreneurial activity at their institutions.

Few other roles and structures hold the opportunity to create real change from the grassroots to the policy level.

a) Token of membership
b) Discounted price to attend paid EDHE events
c) Opportunities to present successful case studies, research, or projects at EDHE flagship events, conferences, and online platforms.
d) Professional development for members: letter of recognition for contribution to EDHE
e) Connection to a national university entrepreneurial ecosystem
f) Recognition of CoP members on EDHE’s official website and social media platforms for notable achievements.
g) Recognition in your university as an EDHE CoP member

The duration of each member’s membership is for a period of 1 year. Renewal of membership will be done at the first quarter of every year.

An *accountability form will also be made available to all members for them to document all progress made in that period and sent back to the EDHE Office.

  • Members may only participate in one Community of Practice (CoP); dual membership is not permitted unless they are members of the CoP for Studentpreneurs, Entrepreneurship Coordinators, or Economic Activation Offices.
  • EDHE does not restrict university members from joining Communities of Practice.
  • Membership termination requests must be submitted in writing to the EDHE office.
  • Membership is subject to annual review, and inactive members may be removed at the discretion of the CoP leadership.
  • Participation in CoP activities, including meetings and collaborative initiatives, is expected to ensure meaningful engagement and contribution.

Contact Details

Join us

Communities of Practice Chairs

Mr Martin Maupa

Mr Martin Maupa

Chairperson of the Studentpreneurs CoP

Mr Lungile Radebe

Mr Samkelo Ndlovu

Deputy Chairperson of the Studentpreneurs CoP

Ms Karen Snyman

Ms Karen Snyman

Chairperson of the CoP for Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators

Herman Van der Merwe

Ms Elizabeth Masoleng

Deputy Chairperson of the CoP for Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators

Professor Herman Van der Merwe

Professor Herman Van der Merwe

Chairperson of EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurial Universities

Prof Bulelwa Nguza-Mduba

Prof Bulelwa Nguza-Mduba

Deputy Chairperson of the CoP Entrepreneurial Universities

Professor Matshediso Mohapeloa

Professor Matshediso Mohapeloa

Chairperson of the CoP for Entrepreneurship Learning and Teaching

Dr Mc-Edward Murimbika

Dr Mc-Edward Murimbika

Deputy Chairperson of the CoP for Entrepreneurship Learning and Teaching

Prof Keolebogile Motaung

Prof Keolebogile Motaung

Chairperson of the CoP for Entrepreneurship Research

Professor Peter Baur

Professor Peter Baur

Deputy Chairperson for Entrepreneurship Research

CoP Membership Application

The EDHE landscape is now more clearly articulated, with distinctions being created between a CoP for Entrepreneurship Research and a CoP for Entrepreneurship in Teaching & Learning; in addition to the existing Studentpreneurs CoP (consisting of one student representative of each university), the CoP for Student Entrepreneurship (consisting of university staff that support student entrepreneurship) and the CoP for Entrepreneurial Universities.

CoP Membership Application