Alumni
Inhlanyelo Hub hosts the Unisa Eastern Cape Alumni Chapter
Inhlanyelo Hub hosted members of the Eastern Cape Alumni Chapter, sharing information on its activities and how alumni can participate in Inhlanyelo Hub initiatives. On 19 July, the Town Lodge in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, buzzed with excitement as Inhlanyelo Hub hosted a special alumni dinner. The evening aimed to connect Unisa alumni with the Hub's dynamic programmes, offering support for their entrepreneurial journeys.
From left: Amo Marengwa, Learning Coordinator, Inhlanyelo Hub; Daya Raseela, Regional Office Coordinator, Gqeberha; Nkgoang Motale, Regional Services Manager, Unisa Eastern Cape; Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader, Inhlanyelo Hub; and Phumelele Mokoena, Incubation Services Manager, Inhlanyelo Hub
Phumelele Mokoena, Incubation Services Manager at Inhlanyelo Hub, opened the event with welcoming remarks, reflecting on his five-year journey with the hub. He emphasised the immense potential of the Unisa ecosystem, passionately challenging alumni to reach out for business development guidance or funding support. Mokoena pledged his commitment to refining their business ideas and models.
Prof Annemarie Davis, Project Leader at the hub, captivated the audience with an inspiring story. She recounted the tale of "Ordinary", a girl from the land of Familiar who dared to dream big despite her mundane routine. Davis' story illustrated the power of potential and the need for resilience. She urged alumni to pursue their dreams and demonstrated how stepping into the unknown can lead to extraordinary achievements. Davis highlighted the crucial role of entrepreneurship within higher education, calling on South Africa's 23 universities and technical institutions to foster entrepreneurial spirit. The Inhlanyelo Hub, sanctioned by Unisa's Council in 2021, aligns with the university's Capacity Development Programmes, nurturing enterprise creation to support students and academics with entrepreneurial mindsets and creating an environment for universities to generate third-stream income through innovative business ideas.
Yonela Skotoyi, Gqeberha chapter convener, expressed deep gratitude for the hub's support and shared exciting projects the PE alumni committee is undertaking. Meanwhile, Motale Nkgoang, Unisa Eastern Cape's Regional Service Centre Manager, commemorated Mandela Day by reflecting on Nelson Mandela's belief in education's transformative power. He stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among academia, industry and government for economic recovery.
Nkgoang reaffirmed the partnership between Inhlanyelo Hub, the Eastern Cape Regional Office and the Gqeberha alumni chapter. Together, they aim to create an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, stimulates job creation and drives economic growth. By pooling resources, expertise and networks, they are dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and access to funding.
The alumni dinner was not just an event but a celebration of potential, collaboration and the courage to pursue dreams. It marked a significant step towards building a brighter future for entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape and beyond.
For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes, visit https://inhlanyelohub.com/en/
* Submitted by Inhlanyelo Hub
Publish date: 2024/08/01
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