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25 August 2025 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Nocwaka Sinxadi
Prof Phillipe Burger
Prof Philippe Burger, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), addressing entrepreneurs attending the Financial Inclusion Symposium.

The Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), in partnership with ABSA and the UFS Business Incubator, recently hosted a financial inclusion symposium at the University of the Free State (UFS). The event, which marked the final day of YAEI’s Youth Entrepreneurship Tour, brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and key stakeholders to share knowledge and inspire future business leaders.  

Held on 15 August 2025, the symposium welcomed Risuna Maluleke, CEO of YAEI; Modise Sehularo, Director of Enterprise Development at the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) in the Free State; Prof Phillippe Burger, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the UFS; representatives from ABSA; and entrepreneurs from across the province.  

 

Insights from experts

Opening the programme, Prof Burger emphasised the importance of platforms that nurture entrepreneurial growth. “South Africa is a country rich in diversity, with people full of ideas,” he said. “Opportunities such as these lay the foundation for young people to build their futures while sharing experiences and perspectives.” 

Prof Burger also highlighted the significance of different forms of entrepreneurship - from side hustles to family-run businesses – in shaping South Africa’s economic landscape.

Sehularo expanded on the role of DESTEA, stressing the department’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for youth-owned enterprises. 

“Our aim is to cultivate a thriving economic ecosystem of youth-led businesses that contribute to economic growth and community development in the Free State and beyond,” he explained. He also outlined the department’s support structures for emerging business owners. 

 

Expanding entrepreneurial knowledge 

In addition to expert addresses, entrepreneurs attended a masterclass on entrepreneurial resourcing and formalisation presented by Zakhithi Shange, Enterprise Development Specialist at ABSA. 

The programme further featured a panel discussion titled Investment readiness: building sustainable and scalable ventures. Moderated by Khensani Mnyambi, Executive: Enterprise Solutions at YAEI, the panel included Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean: Research, Engagement and Internationalisation at the UFS; Richard Molefe, National Chairperson of the Black Management Forum Student Chapter; and other thought leaders.  

Discussions covered practical strategies for becoming investor-ready, as well as common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when seeking funding. Molefe stressed the importance of leadership, remarking: 

“Without management and leadership, you will overstretch yourself and ultimately run your business into the ground.”  

Shange cautioned entrepreneurs against relying too heavily on accountants: 

“When everything is left to your accountant, you risk losing touch with your company’s financials. This becomes a major challenge when applying for funding, as you cannot confidently respond to a banker’s questions.” 

 

Recognising rising talent 

The symposium concluded with the announcement of the Free State’s top ten finalists in the 2025 Youth Innovation Challenge, held at the Central University of Technology (CUT) on 14 August 2025. Participants in the challenge pitched innovative ideas aimed at addressing Africa’s pressing challenges. 

Among the finalists was UFS student and Internsphere co-founder, Sphesihle Ncokwana, who is currently receiving business coaching from the UFS Business Incubator. Ncokwana described making the top ten as “surreal”, attributing the achievement to the collective effort of his partners. Fellow co-founder, Sinothando Mkhize, added: 

“This is a big milestone for our business, and we are really excited about the journey ahead.” 

The top ten finalists will represent the Free State at the Youth Entrepreneurship Week in Johannesburg on 20 November 2025, where they will compete alongside 90 entrepreneurs from across South Africa in the national finals. 

News Archive

Soetdoring/Kagiso pair-up wins 2015 Stagedoor
2015-03-03

With a new format and residences mixing it up, the 2015 Stagedoor proved to be a success yet again, leaving Soetdoring and Kagiso with the spoils of victory.

Stagedoor (the annual first-year residence stage and serenade competition) saw a change of format this year where residences were combined to perform in a few number of outdoor venues for rotations.

Prior to this, Residence CoRC Cultures expressed much concern regarding the co-operation that might (or might not) be achieved with working with other residences. These were all early stage fears. However, as their preparations progressed there seemed to be a glint of light at the end of many groups’ tunnels.

Seven diverse and combined groups made it through to final, namely;

• Vishuis and Tswelopele,
• Karee and Armentum,
• Sonnedou and NJ van der Merwe,
• Soetdoring and Kagiso,
• Roosmaryn and Vergeert-My-Nie,
• Villa Bravado and Madelief, and
• and Veritas and Marjolein.

The finals proved that the efforts and sleepless nights of RC Cultures, first-years, composers, and other behind-the-scenes contributors can really make any situation work.

As always, the crowd was blown away by the musical and vocal talent of first-years, as some compositions gave the audience goose bumps, leaving them asking for more. All in all, the evening created a frenzy, causing residences to interact whereas they would have never done so before.

According to the Student Affairs’ Arts and Culture office, the aim behind the new format was to break the barriers between residences. Arts and Culture were also pleased as to with how the RCs worked around accommodating their partners and ensuring maximum co-operation, despite some challenges.

As the night neared its closeclosing, residences were chanting their names and showing their pride in their first years’ performances.

2015 Stagedoor final results:

1. Soetdoring and Kagiso
2. Roosmaryn and Vergeet-My-Nie
3. Vishuis and Tswelopele

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