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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!
International Office fares well at IEASA conference
2007-09-17
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Various accolades and recognitions were awarded to UFS staff during the recent International Educators’ Association of South Africa (IEASA) Conference in Port Elizabeth. Mr Vernon Collett, Registrar Student Academic Services at the UFS, was awarded the certificate of honour in support of IEASA’s goals, recognising his strategic and long-standing support of internationalisation in South Africa over many years. Mrs Jeanne Niemann, Senior Officer in the UFS Internationalisation Office, received the award for most outstanding international student support services individual, celebrating her unstinting support of, and assistance to, international students on the UFS Main Campus. Dr Aldo Stroebel, Head of Internationalisation at the UFS, was elected to the Executive Committee of the IEASA Council, the body responsible for the strategic and conceptual governance of the Association. Pictured here are: Ms Niemann (right), receiving her award from Ms Fazela Haniff, President of IEASA.
Photo: Supplied
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