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13 January 2025 | Story Dr Nitha Ramnath | Photo Sonia Small
Prof Brownhilder Neneh
Prof Brownhilder Neneh stands out as an inspiring force for students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

In the dynamic intersection of tradition and innovation within academia, Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean: Research, Engagement and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), stands out as an inspiring force for students and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her remarkable career trajectory – ascending rapidly through the ranks from senior lecturer to head of department, and ultimately to full professor – has been marked not only by professional accolades, but by a deep, personal impact on the lives of her students and the broader entrepreneurial community. 

Personal moments of student connection  

Reflecting on her career, Prof Neneh’s achievements are impressive. “The best moment of my career is twofold,” she explains. “Professionally, I am incredibly grateful for the success I’ve achieved in less than a decade. Being promoted to professor, launching my book this year, and being consistently recognised as one of the top-cited researchers in the world over the past two years – it’s all been surreal.” 

However, it is the personal connections with her students that leave the most lasting impression. One student shared a heartfelt message, recalling how Prof Neneh’s encouragement helped her persevere through academic challenges. “You have everything it takes to succeed,” Prof Neneh had told her, transforming her outlook on her studies. Another student credited Prof Neneh’s words of encouragement with sparking a journey of self-acceptance, reminding her that “the best is yet to come.” These experiences highlight the profound influence of mentorship and the power of positive reinforcement. 

Building entrepreneurial competencies 

Prof Neneh’s research centres on fostering entrepreneurial skills, with a particular focus on youth and women. “I wish people knew that my work is about making a real, tangible difference,” she notes. Her research addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including the complexities of work-life balance and societal pressures. By providing evidence-based strategies drawn from her extensive experience, Prof Neneh seeks to empower those navigating the intersection of family and business obligations. 

She also emphasises the obstacles facing young entrepreneurs, such as limited access to resources and a fear of failure. “These challenges can deter aspiring entrepreneurs from taking risks and pursuing their dreams,” Prof Nene says. Her approach to teaching entrepreneurship is rooted in practical, evidence based advice, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, employ ‘effectual reasoning’ in building their ventures with available resources – and commit to lifelong learning. “Training doesn’t stop at obtaining a degree. It’s about continually seeking knowledge and adapting to the market,” she asserts. 

Prof Neneh also advocates collaboration through a concept she calls ‘coopetition’ – where competition fosters cooperation, particularly in overcoming resource constraints. This mindset has been especially valuable during times of crisis, such as the recent pandemic, when industries banded together for collective growth. 

For budding entrepreneurs, Prof Neneh offers a wealth of practical advice. She stresses the importance of validating the market before launching a business, while cautioning against entering fields devoid of passion or thorough preparation. Her guiding principle? “Invest wisely and understand the needs of your target market.” 

Creating ripples of positive impact 

Looking ahead, Prof Neneh embodies resilience. “I wouldn’t change anything in my life. Every challenge has been a lesson,” she reflects. Her experiences have not only shaped her career, but also strengthened her sense of purpose. “Stay true to your values and purpose,” is the advice she follows, ensuring her life’s work continues to create ripples of positive impact. 

Prof Neneh is not only an academic; she is a champion for change, dedicated to uplifting others through her research, mentorship, and community initiatives such as ‘She Believe’, a peer support group focused on empowering women. As she continues to inspire future generations, her story serves as a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial journey is not merely about financial success – it is about transformative impact and demonstrating resilience. 

The belief that “the best is yet to come” resonates not only in Prof Neneh’s life, but also with everyone who has the privilege of learning from her.

News Archive

UFS hosts a successful New Music Indaba
2015-08-18

  

Held at the University of the Free State’s Odeion School of Music (OSM), the NewMusicSA’s New Music Indaba 2015 featured works which Clare Loveday described as “breathtaking, discreet, and perfectly balanced.”

Loveday, one of South Africa’s acclaimed music critics and was Composer-in-Residence for the annual Johannesburg International Mozart Festival, attended the Indaba from 21-26 July 2015. In a review of Saturday’s gala concert, she referred to recitals of this nature as an “essential part of the South African musical landscape, providing musicians and composers a space in which to express their world.”

Staff and students of the OSM were extensively involved in facilitating the festivities as a symbol of commitment to South Africa and international contemporary art music. The OSM Camerata under the baton of Xavier Cloete performed two works by South African composer Hendrik Hofmeyr well as a work by young Argentinian composer Diego Soifer entitled Mille Regretz .The festival featured music theory lectures, a variety of workshops, roundtable discussions ,concerts as well as an outreach programme.

Loveday described the highlight of her Indaba experience as “A delicate construction of sounds and silences that drew the listener into a focused and intense sound world,” a highlight created by the visiting German composer, Charlotte Seither’s “Far From Distance” for piano, clarinet, and cello. The concert evening culminated with Diale Mabitsela's "Friday Nights at Six," adding to the spectacular nature of the festival.

Throughout the week, classical chamber works featuring South African New Music Ensemble (SANME), the Choir of Christ Church Arcadia, and the Odeion Vocal Consort were performed and well-received. Bringing the five-day event to a conclusion was a choral mass at the Bloemfontein Anglican Cathedral, featuring an “Agnus Dei” written by George T. King.
 
Douglas Scott, Curator of the 2015 Indaba, reflected on it as a great success, saying that, “most of the participants agreed the event was a wonderful opportunity simply to hear different voices from the composition community juxtaposed with one another.”

From Scott’s perspective, the principal goal was to foster communication between artists with different visions, and to reach out to the local community.

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