Sponsor organisations that make some of the projects undertaken by the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme possible, were among the star-studded crowd at the Intervarsity national finals held in Johannesburg on November 21 and 22.
The SAB Foundation
The SAB Foundation, which sponsors the Existing Business: Social Impact category awarding three prizes, was represented by Ms Itumeleng Dhlamini, Head of Programmes.
Expressing the SAB Foundation’s pride at partnering with EDHE in this very important work, she had this to say to the finalists: “I’m truly inspired to see so many passionate young entrepreneurs here, each of you with the potential to change industries, uplift communities and help shape a brighter future for this country.
“At the SAB Foundation, we wholeheartedly believe in the power of entrepreneurship. We have witnessed how even the smallest ventures can create waves of positive change, empowering communities, creating jobs and celebrating the rich culture and diversity of South Africa.”
Ms Dlamini (right) said the SAB’s mission was all about supporting entrepreneurs and EDHE’s mission is perfectly aligned with that. By empowering student entrepreneurs and embedding entrepreneurial thinking within South Africa’s higher education, EDHE, she said, was helping shape the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
“This programme equips students with the tools and opportunities to test their ideas, learn from setbacks and build resilience – all vital traits for successful entrepreneurs,” she said as she congratulated everyone who’d made it to the finals.
“I want you to keep in mind that entrepreneurship is not just about profit making or selling products. It’s about having the courage to tackle challenges that others might shy away from; it’s about looking at your communities, spotting needs and creating solutions that can improve the lives of those around you.
“Each of you possesses that courage. The road ahead might not always be smooth. But you are not alone. With partners like EDHE, the SAB Foundation, Allan Gray Orbis Foundation by your side, you have the support network to help you grow.
“Your success in this competition is not just the beginning of what we believe will be a transformative journey, for you and the communities you serve, but we believe you can take this opportunity to impact your country more broadly.
“I encourage you to keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and remain committed to your vision for a better future. We can’t wait to see the impact you make, not just in the competition, but in the world beyond these walls.”
Allan & Gill Gray Orbis Foundation
Many of these sentiments were echoed by Mr Linda Dhladhla (left), Entrepreneurship in Schools Senior Lead at the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies South Africa.
A previous employee of EDHE, Mr Dhladhla expressed gratitude to the programme team for his career growth. He narrated the brief history of the Intervarsity competition, which started in 2019 with Dr Norah Clarke – the founding Director: EDHE, who served until December 2023.
“I joined in 2019 when the idea of an Intervarsity was born. We only knew that we wanted to give young entrepreneurs at university an opportunity to showcase their businesses. Five years later, it is still going strong and the finalists are a testament to all the hard work that was put into this programme.”
He said The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation firmly believes that entrepreneurship is a transformative force – the engine that drives economic growth, creates jobs and addresses the pressing challenges of our time.
“This competition exemplifies the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset –something we firmly believe in as an organisation. What we need in our higher education institutions are mindsets that see problems as opportunities, that take risks and lead with purpose.”
The Foundation, he said, saw their contribution to the Intervarsity as not just a privilege, but a necessity as it provides young entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their ideas, refine their skills and connect with like-minded individuals who share their vision for a better future.
These initiatives create an environment where creativity thrives, collaboration flourishes, and real-world solutions emerge.
He mentioned success stories like that of Mvelo Hlophe, founder and CEO of Zaio (above), an online coding school whose graduates work for leading organisations such as Amazon, Wipro and FNB. “Mvelo Hlophe was the first Studentpreneur [of the Year in 2019]. He is running a company that provides skills and helps young people get jobs.
“As a Foundation, we are dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and are proud to continue supporting this initiative. We recognise the immense potential within South Africa’s young people and are committed to investing in their growth through programmes, mentorship and networking.
“We aim to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders who build businesses, strengthen communities and transform industries. We see the potential in young people to solve bigger problems in our society.”
Turning to Dr Edwell Gumbo, the now Director: EDHE, who succeeded Dr Clarke, Dhladhla said he believed it was time to compile an Impact Report of what has happened in the last five years, and the impact this competition has had – not only in the sector but in the lives of those entrepreneurs as well.
“How can we collaborate on a project that lets South Africans know that there is a future for entrepreneurs in this country?” he asked. Dr Gumbo was seen nodding his head in the audience.
Standard Bank South Africa
Standard Bank South Africa was also represented at this event, represented by Dr Kirston Greenop, Head: Corporate Citizenship. She told the audience: “Your indicator of success came when this programme and this initiative was mentioned in the State of the Nation Address. That is an indicator that people know what you do and how institutionalised and embedded the work that you do is into the university fabric, or community. This is one of the critical change growth vectors that will actually change our unemployment problem.”
Standard Bank financially backed the setting up of Economic Activation Offices on university campuses. Dr Greenop committed to continuing that involvement and grow it.
“We have a particular area within the bank that is focused on the education sector specifically. This is because we know that if you have to grow, if you have to build in terms of creating jobs and enable people to reach their full potential, you must be deliberate in how you unlock that growth.
“So, we’ve set up an education sector with the express purpose of meeting our vision – that Africa is our home, we drive her growth. This resonates with the growth that you (EDHE) are promoting, developing and driving.
For growth, you need three things:
- A clear vision, which you have
- You need to work together with partners – what amazes me about this work that EDHE does is how integrated with partners and other institutions it is – which is exactly what will make it a success
- You need to be very deliberate about what you do.
“For us, as a bank, when we’re looking for entrepreneurs, or enterprise developers to develop entrepreneurs and their new businesses, we know that there are barriers in place: access to financing, skills, abilities, opportunities. Those are the types of things we need to unlock together.
As recipients and people working in this area, there are three things you need
- Find your people – I think you’ve found your people
- Find your partners and stick with them
- Find your purpose. That purpose is going to come through in the success you’ll see from the programme as it comes through
The bank, as a partner, would see it in its relationships with entrepreneurs and small businesses, in their ability to navigate, be resilient in difficult circumstances, and contribute back to their communities.
“We’d like to see a lot more social entrepreneurs, an area that has been under appreciated and under resourced for a long time. If our communities thrive, we thrive and our full economic potential can be reached,” she said.
Charmain Naidoo is a contract writer for Universities South Africa.