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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

Life style for resilience
2009-02-02

Wellness presentation: Life style for resilience

The Wellness Committee invites you to attend the Life style for resilience programme from 2 to 5 February 2009.

Yesterday is history, embrace today! Choose life!

Presented on Monday, 2 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Dr Pieré Nel, a psychologist from Bloemfontein. The presentation will take place in English. The outcomes of the programme are: Encouragement to let go of the disappointments and hurts of 2008, to look at yourself in a fresh way, to believe in yourself and to act.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle for physical energy
Presented on Tuesday, 3 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Dr Sorita Viljoen, a medical doctor. The presentation will be in Afrikaans. The outcomes of the programme are: Health issues that are important for a healthy lifestyle, elements that influence energy balance and factors that influence fullness.

Eat healthier; put a spring back into your step!
Presented on Wednesday 4 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Ms Elmine du Toit, a dietician. The presentation will be in English. The outcomes of the programme are: Putting dietary guidelines for healthy eating into practice when shopping for groceries and making healthier food choices for every meal.

The resilience in bodily activity
Presented on Thursday, 5 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Ms Berna de Kock, biokineticist. The presentation will be in Afrikaans. The outcomes of the programme are: How physical activity enhances resilience and practical tips to be more active.

  • Please confirm your attendance with Ms Arina Otto before or on 29 January 2009 at x3325 or gesal@ufs.ac.za .
     

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