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03 October 2024 | Story Ansie Barnard | Photo Supplied
Amrut Foundation 2024
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! 

News Archive

Drama department presents shows to promote literature
2009-03-09

 

The Department of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of the Free State is presenting two stage plays based on prescribed works in an effort to make literature more accessible to senior school learners. Reza de Wet’s Mis, prescribed for Grade 12 learners, was presented from 2 to 6 March 2009 in the Wynand Mouton Theatre. More than 18 school groups attended the performances during the morning and the afternoon, while the evening shows were scheduled for the general public. Michelle Luwes, former drama student and local teacher, directed the play. The production will tour to Klerksdorp, and negotiations for performances in Potchefstroom are under way. Another stage play based on Die Potlooddief en die Engel by A.S. van Staden, prescribed for Grade 11 learners, will be presented from 18 to 20 March 2009 in the Scaena. Pieter Venter, a researcher on youth theatre and lecturer at the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts, directed the production. Pictured are some of the learners who watched Mis.
Photo: Emmie van Wyk

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