EDHE SWEEP Student Chapters
The SWEEP student chapters are brought to you by the SWEEP programme, where we would like to have a SWEEP chapters within the 26 public universities. We envision to have a chapter run entirely by students who will form committees managed according to University policies and procedures.
The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide a step-by-step guide for establishing a SWEEP University Chapter, from recruiting members to registering the chapter with both the university and the SWEEP National team. This SOP ensures a systematic approach to initiating and operating a successful SWEEP chapter at university level.
- Identify potential members who are passionate about women’s economic empowerment and have the dedication to drive positive change.
- Conduct outreach activities such as informational sessions, social media campaigns, and collaborations with student organisations to attract interested students.
- Collect applications from interested students and review them to select committed individuals who align with SWEEP’s vision and goals.
- Notify selected members and schedule an introductory meeting to discuss the formation of the SWEEP University Chapter.
- Organise an introductory meeting with selected members to introduce the SWEEP initiative, its mission, objectives, and expected roles within the chapter.
- Elect or appoint chapter leaders, such as a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, to oversee the operations and ensure effective coordination.
- Develop a constitution or set of bylaws that outline the chapter’s purpose, structure, decision-making processes, and membership requirements.
- Determine regular meeting schedules and communication channels for efficient coordination and collaboration among chapter members.
- Establish subcommittees or task forces to focus on specific areas of SWEEP’s activities, such as events planning, fundraising, partnerships, and mentorship programs.
- Familiarise yourself with the university’s requirements and guidelines for student organisations or clubs.
- Prepare the necessary documentation, including the chapter’s constitution, list of founding members, and any additional forms or applications required by the university.
- Submit the registration documents to the appropriate university department or office responsible for approving student organisations.
- Follow up with the university to ensure the registration process is progressing and address any additional requirements or inquiries they may have.
- Once approved, obtain official confirmation of the chapter’s registration and any documentation that may be required for future activities or access to university resources.
- Contact the SWEEP National team to express your intent to establish a university chapter and request the necessary registration forms and guidelines.
- Complete the registration forms provided by the SWEEP National team, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information about the university chapter and its members.
- Compile any additional documents or materials required by SWEEP National, such as the university’s official registration confirmation or proof of compliance with university regulations.
- Submit the completed registration forms and supporting documents to SWEEP National as per their instructions.
- Follow up with SWEEP National to confirm the successful registration of the university chapter and inquire about any further steps or requirements.
- Plan and organise a kick-off event to officially launch the SWEEP University Chapter, inviting university officials, faculty members, students, and relevant stakeholders.
- Develop an annual action plan that outlines the chapter’s goals, events, initiatives, and expected outcomes for the academic year.
- Regularly communicate and coordinate with the SWEEP National team to stay updated on national campaigns, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Conduct regular meetings, workshops, and events to engage members, raise awareness about women’s economic empowerment, and
- Designate a coordinator within the chapter who will be responsible for handling the registration process and serving as the main point of contact between the chapter and the SWEEP National team.
- Organise an introductory meeting with selected members to introduce the SWEEP initiative, its mission, objectives, and the coordinator’s role in facilitating communication with SWEEP National.
- Elect or appoint chapter leaders, such as a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Coordinator. The coordinator will oversee the registration process and act as the liaison with SWEEP National.
- Develop a constitution or set of bylaws that outline the chapter’s purpose, structure, decision-making processes, membership requirements, and the responsibilities of the coordinator.
- Determine regular meeting schedules and communication channels for efficient coordination and collaboration among chapter members, with the coordinator ensuring effective communication with SWEEP National.
Please note
The coordinator’s role will involve communicating with SWEEP National throughout the registration process, providing updates, submitting required documentation, and facilitating any additional communication or collaboration between the chapter and SWEEP National. The coordinator will also ensure that the chapter adheres to any reporting or compliance requirements set by SWEEP National.
SWEEP National is excited to announce that universities can now start their own SWEEP chapters on campus.
SWEEP chapters provide a platform for women to connect, support, and empower each other. By starting a SWEEP chapter, you can create a community that promotes personal and professional growth, while also giving back to society. If you are interested in starting a SWEEP chapter on your campus, we have created a checklist to guide you through the process.
Checklist
Be a SWEEP National Member: In order to start a SWEEP chapter, This will give you access to SWEEP resources and support, and ensure that your chapter aligns with our mission and values.
Do you already have a society and want to be involved with SWEEP? If your university already has a society that promotes women’s empowerment and aligns with SWEEP’s values, you may want to consider partnering with us. By partnering with SWEEP, you can access our resources, support, and community, while also retaining your own society’s identity.
How many students are interested to being members? Before starting a SWEEP chapter, it is important to gauge interest among your peers. Consider hosting an interest meeting to find out how many students are interested in joining the chapter. This will help you determine the size and scope of your chapter and guide your planning process.
Do you have specific roles and responsibilities? It is important to establish roles and responsibilities within your chapter, to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. Consider creating a leadership team and defining specific roles and responsibilities for each member. This will help to ensure that your chapter runs smoothly and effectively.
Do you have a society and want to register it with SWEEP? If your university already has a society that aligns with SWEEP’s values, you may want to consider registering it with SWEEP. This will give you access to our resources and support, while also allowing you to retain your society’s identity. To register your society with SWEEP, please contact us for more information.
Starting a SWEEP chapter on your university campus is a great way to promote women’s empowerment, create a supportive community, and give back to society. We are excited to support you in this journey and can’t wait to see the impact that your chapter will make!
If you are interested in starting a SWEEP Chapter at your university, the first step is to ensure that you meet the checklist requirements mentioned above. Once you have done that, you can show your interest by contacting Ms Frances Zowa at frances@usaf.ac.za, Frances is our dedicated point of contact for starting SWEEP Chapters and will be able to provide you with more information on the process, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the next steps.
Please complete the registration form and submit it, Frances will then follow up with you to discuss your interest in more detail and provide you with guidance on how to start your SWEEP Chapter. We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you in this exciting journey of empowering women on your university campus!
Please contact your university SWEEP Coordinator from the list below to register a SWEEP Student Chapter.
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Karen Snyman
Tel: +27 83 271 1909
WhatsApp: +27 84 271 1909
Email: Karen.Snyman@mandela.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Mrs Simphiwe Sthembile Gumede
Email: mntambos2@ukzn.ac.za
Mr Ntuthuko Ndebele
Email: ndebelen1@ukzn.ac.za
Ms Thabile Ndaba
Email: thabilen2@dut.ac.za
Mr Thintani Mphiliseni
Email: thintanid@dut.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ntombi Mthembu
Tel: +27 82 788 5013
WhatsApp: +27 82 788 5013
Email: mthembu.ntombi@mut.ac.za
Mr Jimmy Mohale
Tel: +27 76 636 2995
Email: jimmy.mohale@ul.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Nadia Weggie
Tel: +27 83 732 5409 / +27 21 650 4398
WhatsApp: +27 83 732 5409
Email: nadia.waggie@uct.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Ms Frances Zowa
Tel: +27 12 030 0677
Email: frances@usaf.ac.za
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that these FAQs are based on the provided information, and it’s recommended to consult with the specific SWEEP chapter or SWEEP National for any additional or updated information.
SWEEP stands for Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme. It is an initiative aimed at developing awareness of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial activity among university student women, equipping them with practical skills, and providing opportunities for expertise and thought leadership in women entrepreneurship.
SWEEP chapters are open to all university female students who have an interest in entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment.
The objectives of a SWEEP chapter are to promote entrepreneurship, equip student women with practical skills, provide opportunities for expertise and thought leadership in women entrepreneurship, support women entrepreneurs through mentoring and networking, and create a safe space for addressing challenges faced by student women entrepreneurs.
To become a member of a SWEEP chapter, you need to express your interest in entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment. Attend their events, workshops, or meetings to learn more about the chapter and its activities. Contact the chapter’s leadership team for information on membership registration.
Yes, definitely! SWEEP chapters welcome students from various disciplines. Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment are valuable skills applicable to various fields and industries.
Membership fees, if any, are determined by each SWEEP chapter individually. Contact the specific chapter’s leadership team for information on any associated fees.
SWEEP chapters organise a wide range of activities, including workshops, seminars, mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, and events focused on entrepreneurship, skills development, and safe spaces for discussions on challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
Starting a SWEEP chapter requires gathering interested students, establishing a leadership team, creating a constitution, and registering the chapter with your university and SWEEP National. Refer to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provided for detailed guidance on starting a SWEEP chapter.
Yes, SWEEP chapters are encouraged to establish collaborations and partnerships with relevant stakeholders, such as local businesses, entrepreneurship organisations, community groups, and alumni networks. These collaborations should align with the chapter’s objectives and provide value to its members.
Contact information for SWEEP National can be obtained through the SWEEP National team or their official website. Reach out to them for any support, guidance, or inquiries related to starting or operating a SWEEP chapter.
No, SWEEP does not provide direct financial assistance to its chapters. However, SWEEP empowers chapters through entrepreneurial training, networking opportunities, and organizing events focused on skills development and economic empowerment. SWEEP aims to equip chapter members with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Upon approval of their application, a SWEEP chapter will receive a starter kit to support their activities. The starter kit includes t-shirts for each member, access to a marketing brand manual, and specifications for creating their own banners. Additionally, at the launch of their chapter, which is typically done through one of the EDHE flagship events, the chapter members will be provided with SWEEP pins as a symbol of their affiliation and dedication to women’s economic empowerment.
Please note that specific details regarding the starter kit and launch may vary, and it is recommended to consult with SWEEP National or the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The Chapter Chair and Coordinator will be added to the SWEEP National WhatsApp group chat, which serves as a platform for direct communication with SWEEP National and the EDHE team. This allows for timely and efficient communication regarding chapter-related matters, updates, and any support or guidance required from SWEEP National.
Please note that the mode of communication may vary based on the preferences and channels established by SWEEP National. It is recommended for the Chapter Chair and Coordinator to actively engage in the WhatsApp group and stay updated on important announcements and discussions.
EDHE SWEEP Student Chapters