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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!
Reopening of the Qwaqwa campus
2007-03-09
The Qwaqwa campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) will reopen as from Sunday, 11 March 2007 and only registered students will be allowed back to the campus.
Students are requested to adhere to the following arrangements:
On Sunday, 11 March 2007, only fully registered students who reside in the hostels on the campus will be expected to report from 08h00 at the Nelson Mandela Hall for re-admission.
The Departments of Finance, Student Academic Services and Accommodation Services on the campus will be available at the Nelson Mandela Hall to assist students until 16:00. Resident students must also activate their student cards in the Finance Office at the Ground Floor of the Administration Building.
Non-resident students must report for classes on Monday, 12 March 2007. These students must however verify their registration status at the Nelson Mandela Hall during intervals.
The Qwaqwa Campus was closed on Thursday, 1 March 2007 as a result of
violence during a student protest.
Media release
Issued by: Anton Fisher
Director: Strategic Communication
Cell: 072 207 8334
8 March 2007