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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!
Inauguration: Download speeches and media releases
2009-10-17
Speeches
- Verklaring van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Viserektor: Akademiese Bedryf (Afrikaans)
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- Declaration by the University of the Free State Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Academic Operations (English)
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- E Balwa ke Profesara Teuns Verschoor, Motlatsa Morektoro: Botsamaisi ba Dithuto (Sesotho)
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- Bekendstelling van Prof. Jonathan D Jansen - Regter Faan Hancke, Voorsitter van die UV-Raad (Afrikaans)
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- Introduction of Prof. Jonathan D Jansen - Judge Faan Hancke, Chairperson of the UFS Council (English)
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- Ho tsebiswa ha Profesara Jonathan D Jansen - Moahlodi Faan Hancke, Modulasetulo wa Lekgotla la Yunivesithi ya Freistata (Sesotho)
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- Inhuldigingstoespraak van die 13de Rektor en Visekanselier van die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) Vir ’n tyd soos hierdie - Prof. Jonathan D Jansen (Afrikaans)
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- Inaugural speech of the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), For such a time as this - Prof. Jonathan D Jansen (English)
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- Thuto ya Tlhomamiso ya Motlatsa Mokanseliri ebile e le Rektoro ya bo 13 ya univesithi ya Freistata. Bakeng sa nako e kang - ena Jonathan D Jansen (Sesotho)
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Media Releases
- “Ons maak nou die boek oor Reitz toe,” sê nuwe UV Rektor (Afrikaans)
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- “We are closing the book on Reitz,” says new UFS Rector (English)
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- “Re kwala buka ka Reitz” ho realo Morektoro ya motjha wa UFS (Sesotho)
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- Nuwe Rektor kondig verandering in koshuise aan (Afrikaans)
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- New UFS Rector announces changes to residences (English)
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- New UFS Rector announces changes to residences (Sesotho)
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- “Onbeskaamd elitisties,” sê nuwe UV Rektor oor visie vir Kovsies (Afrikaans)
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- “Unashamedly elitist,” says new UFS Rector of vision for Kovsies (English)
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- “Ha re itshwabele ka bokakalope” ho realo Morektoro ya motjha wa UFS Rector ka pono bakeng sa Kovsies (Sesotho)
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