The University of Venda, in partnership with the South African Union of Students (SAUS), successfully hosted the Student Entrepreneurship Indaba from 24 to 26 April 2026, bringing together student leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in a powerful show of collaboration and forward-thinking. Held at the University’s Senate Chambers, the Indaba positioned entrepreneurship at the center of conversations on student debt, unemployment, and inclusive economic growth.
Mr Calvin Mogale, SRC President of the University of Venda
The President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Venda, Mr Calvin Mogale, officially welcomed delegates, stakeholders, and distinguished guests to the Indaba, setting a tone of inclusivity and purpose. He expressed sincere appreciation for the opportunity to host such a prestigious national platform, highlighting its importance in advancing student entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. Emphasising the collective responsibility of young leaders, he noted that the Indaba serves as a critical space for students to engage, collaborate, and reimagine their role in driving economic growth and sustainable development. His remarks reinforced the university’s commitment to empowering students as active contributors to South Africa’s future.
Mrs Mavis Azwianewi Madzhie, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the University of Venda
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer Mrs Mavis Madzhie opened the engagements with a strong call for collective action. She highlighted the significance of the event’s theme, ‘Emphasising entrepreneurship as a vital strategy for addressing student debt, unemployment, and socio-economic transformation.’ She underscored the urgency of addressing student financial challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions, highlighting entrepreneurship as a critical pathway toward socio-economic transformation. Mrs Madzhie emphasised the importance of partnerships between universities, government, and the private sector to unlock opportunities for student-led enterprises and ensure meaningful impact.
Mr Vusi Karabo Mokoena, the Chairperson of the Entrepreneurial Committee in the South African Union of Students
Providing strategic direction from a national student leadership perspective, Mr Vusi Karabo Mokoena, Chairperson of the SAUS Entrepreneurship Subcommittee, delivered a compelling address that set the tone for the Indaba. He urged student leaders to embrace unity, inno-vation, and collaboration in confronting systemic challenges such as student debt and un-employment. Mr Mokoena highlighted that entrepreneurship must be understood not only as business creation, but as a tool for problem-solving, empowerment, and nation-building, positioning young people as architects of South Africa’s economic future.
Dr Mimmy Martha Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training in South Africa
The keynote address by Dr Mimmy Martha Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, reinforced this vision, presenting entrepreneurship as a transformative force within higher education. She challenged institutions to move beyond theory and actively cultivate entrepreneurial ecosystems that foster students as innovators and employers. Dr Gondwe further emphasised the need for practical support mechanisms, industry partnerships, and market access, culminating in a promising collaboration with Takealot aimed at creating real opportunities for student enterprises to scale and succeed.
Mr Mutshidzi Matidza, a student tuckshop owner
Adding a grassroots perspective, student entrepreneur Mr Matidza shared practical insights from his experience as a tuckshop owner. He illustrated how campus-based enterprises are becoming engines of inclusive growth, providing affordable goods, creating jobs, and support-ing fellow students. His testimony highlighted the role of student businesses in restoring dig-nity, alleviating financial strain, and fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation within university communities.
Andisani Mathelemusa, Head of Student Governance at University of Venda
Mr Andisani Mathelemusa, Head of Student Governance at the University of Venda, presented the institution’s student tuckshop model as a benchmark for success. He outlined how the initiative integrates business development, financial inclusion, and social support, equipping students with practical skills while addressing food security and economic participation. The model demonstrates how universities can create enabling environments that nurture entre-preneurship while supporting student well-being.
The Indaba programme further deepened these discussions through high-level panel sessions. A representative from the Office of the Minister of Small Business Development set the stage by addressing financing mechanisms for youth entrepreneurship, emphasising the role of stu-dent enterprises in driving social development and job creation. Subsequent panel discussions brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from NASDEV, SAASAAP, DHET, NSFAS, NYDA, and provincial government, to explore solutions for funding student enterprises, strengthening policy frameworks, and addressing funding gaps within higher education.
Deliberations also extended into commission-based breakaway sessions, where participants engaged on critical themes such as student economic participation, funding reform, enterprise development systems, and the implementation of a national student entrepreneurship frame-work. These sessions allowed for focused dialogue and practical recommendations aimed at transforming ideas into actionable strategies.
The. Student Entrepreneurship Indaba ultimately emerged as more than a dialogue platform, it became a catalyst for change. By bringing together diverse voices and aligning them around a shared vision, the event reaffirmed the power of collaboration in unlocking student potential. It highlighted that with the right support, resources, and partnerships, students can move be-yond being job seekers to becoming creators of opportunity, driving innovation and shaping a more inclusive and res.ilient South African economy.
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
