Unisa takes part in the 2023 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition

Inhlanyelo Hub, a burgeoning entrepreneurial venture, recently made its mark by participating in the prestigious Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Northern Regional Round representing Unisa. The event was part of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) program, sponsored by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in collaboration with universities in South Africa. This fifth annual National Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition is a significant event aimed at discovering and celebrating the brightest student entrepreneurs from South African public universities.

Oageng Mokoka (second from the left), the Learning and Development Coordinator at Inhlanyelo Hub, with Unisa students Bonginkosi Mabaso, Lerato Maleka, and Sibusiso Zungu. Not pictured are Unisa students, Hope Mapheto and Lerato Mamorobela, who participated in virtual competitions.

The EDHE program plays a vital role in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among students, providing a platform for young and innovative minds to showcase their talents, skills, and entrepreneurial flair to a wider audience that includes investors, business leaders, and mentors. The competition is generously funded by the University Capacity Development Programme, with additional support from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the SAB Foundation. The Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition is divided into several categories, each highlighting different aspects of entrepreneurship. The categories include:

• Category 1: New Business Ideas
• Category 2: Existing Business – Tech
• Category 3: Existing Business – Social Impact
• Category 4: Existing Business – General

In addition to these categories, the 2023 Entrepreneurship Intervarsity introduced a new dimension with the inclusion of Research-Based Businesses. This addition aligns with the broader goal of encouraging research and academic innovation commercialisation, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Oageng Mokoka, the Learning and Development Coordinator at Inhlanyelo Hub and the coordinator for Unisa's participation in the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity trials, has expressed her enthusiasm for the journey. She believes that witnessing the startup's growth has been empowering and enlightening. The experience of participating in such a prestigious competition offers invaluable insights and opportunities for young entrepreneurs. One of the most significant takeaways for Mokoka from the Intervarsity trials has been the interactions among her peers. The competition provides a unique platform for students to network, share experiences, and learn from one another. This peer-to-peer interaction fosters a sense of community and collaboration among studentpreneurs, enabling them to gain a broader perspective on entrepreneurship and potentially form valuable partnerships that can propel their ventures to greater heights.

The winners of the four categories in the internal university rounds proceed to represent their institutions in the regional rounds. This final stage of the competition will take place in November 2023. The Inhlanyelo Hub's participation in the 2023 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity trials signifies the ongoing growth and innovation in South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. The competition, which continues to evolve and expand, serves as a beacon of hope for studentpreneurs aspiring to make their mark in the business world. The encouragement and support provided by programs like EDHE are crucial in nurturing the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.

Although Unisa students will not proceed to the final round, Inhlanyelo Hub will continue to invest in their entrepreneurial journey through various interventions, including mentoring and bootcamps.

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