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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!
Prof. Jonathan Jansen to receive lifetime achievement award
2012-03-23
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Prof. Jonathan Jansen
23 March 2012
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The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce the nomination of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Africa. The nomination by Education Africa is for his work, vision and achievements in higher education.
The past awardees are Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Sir Bob Geldof, Sir Richard Branson and David Dinkins, former mayor of New York City.
Education Africa is a non-profit organisation which assists disadvantaged South Africans to obtain a quality, relevant education. Prof. Jansen will receive the award during a Gala Awards dinner in New York, USA, in October this year.
Following on his successful book "We need to talk", Prof. Jansen also recently released a new book entitled "Letters to my children: Tweets to make you think".
The royalties of "We need to talk", to the value of R100 000 will be handed over to the No Student Hungry Campaign of the UFS during a Dinner Launch of the campaign in Bloemfontein tonight.
Prof. Jansen also recently received the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International for “tangible and significant assistance for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
Media Release
23 March 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za