EDHE CoP Chairperson’s Workshop

Exclusive for the 12 EDHE CoP Chairpersons and Deputy-Chairpersons

  • Date:
    Tuesday 11 March, 10:00 – 17:00
    Wednesday 12 March, 8:00 – 14:00

  • Venue:
    Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport

Workshop Theme: “Driving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at Universities
CoP Chairs will present their 2025 plans with the EDHE Economic Activation Officers and Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators on Thursday, the 13th of March. Chairs and -Deputy-Chairs are welcome to attend the full workshop.  Pre-registration will be required.

The Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Programme is proud to host its first CoP Chairpersons –  and  Economic Activation Office (EAO) Workshop, followed by the EDHE 2024 Impact Report & Partnership Launch event, a tradition that marks the beginning of a new year and sets the stage for impactful initiatives in entrepreneurship across South Africa’s 26 public universities.

This year’s four-day programme will feature strategic engagements, including two workshops for EDHE Communities of Practice Chairpersons and a dedicated workshop for EDHE Economic Activation Offices, equipping universities with insights and tools to drive entrepreneurial development on their campuses.

The highlight of the week will be the EDHE 2024 Impact Report & Partnership Launch event , an evening gathering that not only celebrates the start of a new chapter but also strengthens strategic partnerships. This year, we will formalise key collaborations through a partnership signing ceremony between our parent organisation, Universities South Africa (USAf), and two esteemed partners:

  • The British Council South Africa,
  • The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC).

Additionally, the event will serve as the official launch of the EDHE Impact Report, showcasing the progress and milestones achieved in 2024.

It is more than just an event – it is a symbol of renewal, commitment, and momentum for the EDHE Programme. It represents our unwavering dedication to fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within South African higher education. It is a space where universities, partners, and stakeholders come together to align on shared goals, inspire action, and set the tone for a year of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

The EDHE Programme continues to be a critical enabler of entrepreneurship education and development within South Africa’s post-school education and training (PSET) system. Grounded in the goals of the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) and aligned with the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training 2021–2030, EDHE seeks to address systemic challenges such as graduate unemployment while fostering innovation, economic growth, and social progress.

As part of its strategic focus, EDHE harnesses the collaborative power of its Communities of Practice (CoPs) – dynamic structures dedicated to advancing student entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship learning and teaching, research, and the development of entrepreneurial universities. CoP Chairs and Deputy Chairs play a pivotal role in driving this agenda, serving as catalysts for institutional transformation and champions of a shared vision for entrepreneurial ecosystems in higher education.

The upcoming EDHE National Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons Workshop, scheduled for 11–12 March 2025, presents a unique opportunity for the 12 CoP Chairs and Deputy Chairs to convene, reflect, and plan for the CoP activities of 2025. This two-day workshop will focus on strengthening the CoPs’ contributions to achieving EDHE’s strategic objectives while fostering collaboration across universities and creating innovative, actionable solutions.

Through this workshop, we aim to:

  • Deepen engagement with CoP members and strengthen their capacity to champion EDHE initiatives within their institutions.
  • Develop and refine project implementation plans for the CoPs, ensuring alignment with national priorities.

This workshop is more than a gathering; it is a call to action. Together, we will consolidate the significant progress made by the EDHE Programme and chart a course for even greater impact. The collective insights and leadership of the CoP Chairs and Deputy Chairs will be instrumental in positioning EDHE as a cornerstone of economic activation and entrepreneurial excellence in higher education.

We look forward to continue working together to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship, drive systemic change, and equip our students, staff, and institutions to thrive in a knowledge-intensive global economy.

Specific discussion points during this workshop:

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Conceptualising the Lekgotla & Studentpreneurs Indaba 2025
  • Establishing CoP priorities and implementation plans for 2025 projects

Contact Details

The EDHE 2024 Impact Report & Partnership Launch event (evening)

We exclusively invite our CoP Chairperson’s, EAO representatives and EDHE partners to our official EDHE Kick-off event to celebrate in particular our partnerships with the British Council and Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC).

Thursday evening, 13 March, 18:00 – 19:30