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03 October 2024
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Story Ansie Barnard
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Photo Supplied
From left to right: Londeka Mkhwanazi, Semither Mkhize, Salima van Schalkwyk, Slindokuhle Ndlovu, Asanda Mpinga, Mantombi Molefe, Ntombinkulu Khumalo, Mosebjadi Chauke and Thembinkosi Mkhwanazi.
The Amrut Foundation, in partnership with the University of the Free State (UFS), successfully hosted its Inaugural Innovathon at the UFS Qwaqwa Campus. This competition is designed to identify and support innovative products and services that not only generate profit but also contribute to the public good, with a strong emphasis on ethical business practices. Through this collaboration, students gain national exposure for their businesses and receive support to create sustainable social enterprises.
Five teams of student social entrepreneurs from the Qwaqwa campus were shortlisted to participate in the regional finals. Their selection was based on ventures that adhered to a social entrepreneurship model and demonstrated plans for long-term profitability and sustainability.
During the Innovathon, a panel of judges from the UFS, the Amrut Foundation, and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) selected two outstanding teams to represent the UFS at the national finals, which will take place in October. The winning ventures, Biofly-Pro and Root Rescue were each awarded R20,000 to further develop and expand their initiatives.
Hemang Desai, Executive Director of the Amrut Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: "Amrut is proud to co-host the Free State leg of the inaugural Innovation Challenge with the UFS. Supporting students with entrepreneurial ambitions that align with societal care is one of our key focus areas."
Dr Grey Magaiza, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director for the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the UFS, highlighted the importance of social entrepreneurship: “Social entrepreneurship is a collaborative effort towards creating sustainable and ethical business processes. The two winning projects embody these principles, and we look forward to their continued growth. In line with our Vision 130, social entrepreneurship can serve as a critical lever for university-community engagement.”
Congratulations to Biofly-Pro and Root Rescue on their well-deserved achievements!
Bloemfontein Campus SRC announced
2017-09-01
Asive Dlanjwa, Student Representative Council President for the
2017/2018 term addressing the crowed at the Steve Biko Building
on the Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Johan Roux
The 2017/2018 Student Representative Council (SRC) for the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State was announced yesterday, 31 August 2017.
The election process on both the Bloemfontein Campus and the Qwaqwa Campus was overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa. “My greatest responsibility is to ensure that we improve access and that we deal with all forms of exclusion,” said Asive Dlanjwa, President-elect for the 2017/2018 SRC term.
Bloemfontein Campus elective portfolios:
President: Asive Dlanjwa
Vice-President: Letlhogonolo Boikanyo
Secretary: Siphokhazi Tyida
Treasurer: Ntombi Nhlapo
Arts & Culture: Lwanda Jack
Sport: Yanelisa Nyalambisa
Transformation: Kamohelo Maphike
Student Accessibility and Support: Sibongile Mpama
Media and Marketing: Kgotatso Nonyane
First-generation students: Lorraine Chauke
Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Athenkosi Koti
Student Development and Environment: Lefa Makara
Bloemfontein Campus ex officio portfolios:
International Affairs: A Kwenda
Dialogue and Associations: Y Xatasi
Student Media: T Fray
Postgraduate Council: M Makhetha
On-campus Residences: S Dwaba
Day Residences: B McPherson
Civil and Social Responsibility: E du Toit