Student Entrepreneurs Showcase Innovative Ideas at Northern Region Intervarsity Competitions

Participants of the Northern Regional Round of the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competitions

The Directorate of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship Inclusive Innovation and Commercialisation lit up the entrepreneurial landscape as it recently hosted the two-day Northern Regional Round of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2025 at 2Ten Hotel in Sibasa. The event brought together aspiring student entrepreneurs from four powerhouse institutions, which are the University of Venda (UNIVEN), University of Limpopo (UL), University of Mpumalanga (UMP), and the University of South Africa (UNISA), for a high-stakes pitching session that celebrated innovation, sustainability, and youth-driven enterprise. With ideas ranging from natural beauty products to tech-savvy business solutions, the competition marked a vibrant showcase of the region’s entrepreneurial talent.

Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, warmly welcomed participants to the University of Venda 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Intervarsity Northern Region Competition. He expressed pride in the university’s mission to foster graduates who create jobs, drive innovation, and impact rural socio-economic transformation. He mentioned that UNIVEN has notable achievements, including establishing the University of Venda’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation. He encouraged students to use the competition as a platform for growth, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact.

When sharing a word with participants, the Director: Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation and Commercialisation (DCEEIIC), Prof Vhonani Netshandama reminded attendees and participants that it is okay to be vulnerable and that confi dence comes from taking action despite imperfections. “Confi dence is overrated; it comes to you when you are acting and doing and talking.” She also noted that anxiety only takes the better part of you if you do not agree with the notion that we are imperfect human beings in an imperfect world with imperfect systems. She urged them to focus on the lessons and experiences gained and expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda for his support as she welcomed him

Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director of Entrepreneurship at Universities South Africa (USAF), while introducing the adjudication panel, highlighted the event’s importance, noting that the 32 participating entrepreneurs represented a tiny fraction of the over 348,000 students from their respective universities, making them already special. Dr Gumbo introduced the judges and outlined the competition’s rules, stressing the value of effi cient time management and succinct, clear presentations. He also expressed gratitude to the University of Venda, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the South African Breweries (SAB) Foundation for their support. Dr Gumbo encouraged participants to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and told them that they were not only representing their universities but also the region, and that they were future job creators and captains of industry.

Ms Elizabeth Masoleng, Deputy Chairperson of the Communities of Practice (CoP) for Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators, provided feedback to student entrepreneurs after evaluating their pitches. She commended students, telling them that they have already succeeded by starting a business, regardless of the outcome. Ms Masoleng advised students to be intentional about their businesses, understand their sector, and communicate their value proposition. She noted that the judges were looking for fi nancial clarity, including sales, costs, pricing, and profi ts, and encouraged students to be transparent about their losses, as these are opportunities for growth.

The winners of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity Northern Regional competition were announced, with the following students emerging victorious in their respective categories:
Existing Business – Tech: Kholofelo Makhubupetsi, CSK Environmental Consulting from the University of Mpumalanga
Existing Business – Social Impact: Yushaa Bham, Get Growing Projects (Pty) Ltd from the University of Limpopo
Existing Business – General: Mr Tumelo Ratala, founder of Drink and Print from the University of South Africa (online)
Academic Research Commercialisation: Ms Sinorita Chauke, Rita Vita Naturals from the University of Mpumalanga

When rendering closing remarks, Dr Mlungiseleli Ganto, Commercialisation Specialist at DCEEIIC: UNIVEN expressed gratitude to the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) for choosing the University of Venda to host the Northern Regional Round, saying, “We are grateful to the EDHE for choosing UNIVEN to host the Northern Regional Round.” He highlighted the alignment between EDHE’s mandate and the UNIVEN’s Strategic Plan, particularly with student-centredness and research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He thanked the “foot soldiers” from the Directorate of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation and Commercialisation for their hard work in making the event a success and concluded by wishing attendees and participants a great time.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811