Membership Model
Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) is a programme of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), funded through the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP). EDHE is positioned within Universities South Africa (USAf), the representative organisation of the 26 public universities.
EDHE would like to invite all interested parties to become part of the EDHE family. As a general member, you will be notified of all the EDHE related initiatives, news and events.
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 basis in which the members programme will be run for members and communities of practise. 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 is encouraged.
EDHE CoPs will play an increasingly important role in the new phase of the EDHE programme, starting in April 2021.
The purpose and role of CoPs in respect to the Membership Programme remains the same as that of the EDHE programme and it is to:
- Share relevant knowledge, resources and best practice;
- Transfer practical skills;
- Influence policy;
- Support and promote national EDHE projects regionally and locally; and
- Determine success indicators for EDHE.
(1) CoP for Student Entrepreneurship
The purpose of the CoP is to mobilise the national student and graduate resource to create successful enterprises that will ultimately lead to both wealth and job creation.
Student Entrepreneurship week is a one-week campaigns that takes place through the hosting of in-house programmes by the institutions in partnership with business, industry and NPOs. The entrepreneurial and innovative actions of dynamic champions for entrepreneurship at the participating institutions make these campaigns instrumental in raising awareness of entrepreneurship as a career, as well as emphasising the benefits of having the best of both worlds as a student and an entrepreneur.
The EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity encourages and supports student entrepreneurship across the 26 public universities in South Africa. Student entrepreneurs are invited to submit their innovative ideas and businesses for this unique opportunity. The purpose of this competition is to identify the top student entrepreneurs at each university, showcase their businesses and invite investment into this cohort of start-ups. In the process, universities will have the opportunity to demonstrate their entrepreneurial talent and the ways in which they support and grow the next generation of business leaders.
(2) CoP for Entrepreneurship in Learning and Teaching
The purpose of the CoP is to support Higher Education Institute (HEI) staff and students to a) develop an entrepreneurial mindset, b) develop an understanding of entrepreneurship elements, and c) bring possible student entrepreneurial intent to action.
This CoP aims to support HEI academic staff to incorporate elements of entrepreneurship into curricula, cross-disciplinary and institution wide. The objective is to create a pool of HEI staff who can capacitate students to move towards entrepreneurial action through a) their offerings of relevant knowledge, b) transferal of practical skills and c) the application of business principles to a specific discipline.
These should take place through the a) academic curriculum, b) research-led practice and c) non-academic support units for student entrepreneurship
(3) CoP for Entrepreneurship Research
The purpose of the CoP is to support academics in instilling an entrepreneurial mindset within all students and graduates through the offering of relevant knowledge, transferral of practical skills and the application of business principles to a specific discipline. This should take place both through the curriculum and through research.
- two key projects
- Application of entrepreneurship curriculum across all disciplines; and
- Commercialisation of products
- To develop a clear action plan for 2021
- To have a common understanding of terms of participation as a member of the CoP.
(4) CoP for Entrepreneurial Universities
The purpose of the CoP is to create a conducive environment that will enable universities to adapt strategically and embark on projects whereby third-stream income can be generated through innovative business ideas.
Plugin to institutional policy: How can the development of an entrepreneurial university where all programmes, from botany to business, embrace elements of entrepreneurship pedagogy through linking it to its institutional policy and ecosystem? Opportunity: Do your university have a total entrepreneurial university approach where ALL programme offerings incorporate elements of entrepreneurship? If you do, please share your best practice to the conveners listed above. IF not, how do you envision such a strategic fit?
(5) Studentpreneurs CoP
The EDHE Studentpreneurs CoP consists of a maximum of 26 bona fide student entrepreneurs, nominated as representatives by and of their universities, to serve on this national entrepreneurship leadership structure. The purpose of the CoP is to identify challenges of and opportunities for student entrepreneurs at higher education institutions. Further, members may advocate for change while advising on and collaborating with the national EDHE office. The Studentpreneurs CoP is the mouthpiece on student entrepreneurship, as they strive to leverage and build support structures that may help small businesses owned by students. The CoP seeks to organise and coordinate student entrepreneurs in institutions of higher learning under one banner for the advancement and growth of their businesses, monitoring of the progress of representatives and the progress of entrepreneurship in the respective Universities.
The current CoPs and their Chairpersons are as follows:
- EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurial Universities
- Professor Eugene Cloete, Chairperson of the EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurial Universities, Former Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at Stellenbosch University and current Chief Executive Officer, Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC)
- Professor Eunice Seekoe, Deputy Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurial Universities, Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning and Communication Engagement –Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship in Teaching and Learning
- Dr Thea van der Westhuizen, Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice in Entrepreneurship in Teaching & Learning, Academic Leader: Management and Entrepreneurship Discipline, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Professor Tshidi Mohapeloa, Deputy Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice in Entrepreneurship in Teaching & Learning and Senior Lecturer & PDEM Coordinator at Rhodes University
- EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research
- Dr Natanya Meyer, Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research, Head of Department Associate Professor, University of Johannesburg
- Dr Faith Makhosazana Vezi-Magigaba, Deputy Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning, University of Zululand
- EDHE Community of Practice for Student Entrepreneurship:
- Ms Nadia Waggie, Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Student Entrepreneurship, Head: Sustainability and Impact, University of Cape Town
- Ms Karen Snyman, Deputy Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Student Entrepreneurship, Specialist: Student Entrepreneurship, Nelson Mandela University
- EDHE Studentpreneurs Community of Practice
- Chad Lucas, Chairperson for the EDHE Studentpreneurs Community of Practice and Student at Sol Plaatje University
- Mr Lindokuhle Zul Deputy Chairperson for the EDHE Studentpreneurs Community of Practice, Mangosuthu University of Technology
- EDHE Community of Practice for Economic Activation Offices
- Ms Jayde Barends, Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Economic Activation Offices, Senior Technology Transfer, Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Professor Pierre Joubert, Deputy Chairperson for the EDHE Community of Practice for Economic Activation Offices, Head of the School: Economics and Management Sciences, Sol Plaatje University
All university leaders, academics and support professionals with a focus on entrepreneurship are able to sign up for General EDHE membership. Entrepreneurship development in the general community and in the basic education sector is not within the scope of EDHE alone, but alignment and collaboration with universities is encouraged.
In the proposed new phase of EDHE, the intention is to leverage the strong existing network of CoPs, champions in entrepreneurship development and relationships to capacitate each individual university in a focused, structured and measurable way. An EDHE member should aim to achieve at least one activity aligned to the three goals of EDHE, aligned with the vision stated below:
- Equip every studentand graduate for economic participation through entrepreneurial activity and student-focused projects;
- Support academics across disciplines to develop entrepreneurship through teaching, learning and research; and
- Support the development of universities as entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystems, which includes relevant policy development.
The following are the required criteria to qualify as a General EDHE Member:
- To align your work with a particular institution with the vision and objectives of EDHE;
- Employed at a South African HEI or affiliated organisation under USAf
Benefits of membership:
- Token of membership
- Exclusivity to EDHE Hybrid events including the annual EDHE Lekgotla
- The societal contribution from members
- Professional development for members: letter of recognition for contribution to EDHE
- Connection to a national university entrepreneurial eco system
- Sharing of knowledge and expertise
- Recognition in your university
Membership will be reviewed annually.
The following are the required criteria to qualify as a member:
- To follow through with the purpose and objectives of each CoP as stated in their ToRs for Communities of Practise
- To commit time to adhere to the above
- To be available for membership status meetings when required
- To go above and beyond the call of duty
- Members also need to be either be experts in their respective fields
- Employed at a HEI or affiliated organisation
- Available time for CoP work
- Experience in being an entrepreneur is an advantage
- Administration of entrepreneurship (or cognate related) programmes/ modules/ initiatives is an advantage
- Own resources to enable CoP membership and work
Specific requirements for the CoP for entrepreneurship in Learning and Teaching and – Entrepreneurship Research
- Teaching an entrepreneurship (or cognate related) programme/ module or initiative: current involvement or future involvement
- Academic qualification: Registered for or completed Philosophise doctor or equivalent
Completed Philosophise doctor or equivalent is an advantage - Track record of research-led practice to inform pedagogy is an advantage
- Track record of cognate-related research output recognised by DHET is an advantage
- Track record of research-led community engagement is an advantage
The EDHE CoPs have grown to become the university voice of entrepreneurship that 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 of creating real change, from grassroots to policy level.
a) Token of membership
b) Exclusivity to EDHE Hybrid events including annual International virtual VIP tour
c) The societal contribution from members
d) Professional development for members: letter of recognition for contribution to EDHE
e) Connection to a national university entrepreneurial eco system
f) Sharing of knowledge and expertise
g) Recognition in your university
The duration of each member’s membership is for a period of 1 year, which is subject to a review at the end of the period.
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.
The different membership levels, their proposed names, and their tokens are as follows:
Blue Badge – Rising Star – General Member
Member will be required to:
- First-year of membership
- 1 Year commitment to the CoP
- Attend a minimum of three out of four quarterly meetings
- Actively driving the objectives and supporting the projects of the CoP
Silver Badge – Steady Star – Advanced Member
Member will be required to:
- Third-year of membership
- Proven record of the contribution made in year one of membership (a feedback report to be submitted at the end of year 1)
- 1 Year commitment to the CoP
- Attend a minimum of three out of four quarterly meetings
- Actively driving the objectives and supporting the projects of the CoP
Gold Badge – Super Stars – Leadership: Chairperson of CoP gets Gold badge earned via remarkable achievement
Member will be required to:
- Third-year of membership
- Proven record of the contribution made in year two of membership (a short feedback report to be submitted at the end of year 1)
- 1 Year commitment to the CoP
- Attend a minimum of three out of four quarterly meetings
- Actively driving the objectives and supporting the projects of the CoP
- Members who are halfway through their membership, with recognisable progress
- All assessment sheets to have been submitted
- Members are allowed to only participate in one CoP and duel membership is not permitted
- Only CoP members are able to apply for membership
- A maximum of two members per university is allowed to join a CoP
- Termination of membership must be submitted in writing to the CoP Chairperson.
- Recognition of membership at the annual EDHE Awards will not be permitted should a member not actively participate in the CoP.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability of Membership
In keeping members accountable for their commitment, the following measure has been put in place:
- Quarterly meeting attendance registers, meeting agenda’s, and minutes must be submitted to EDHE by the Chairpersons;
- An annual report is to be submitted by the Chairpersons of each CoP to EDHE