The University of the Free State has claimed two of only 10 spots nationally in the prestigious Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship programme, which identifies and supports South Africa’s most promising young entrepreneurs. Each year, 11 leading institutions compete for the opportunity, making this a remarkable achievement for the university and its students.

Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences second-year students Ethan Jarvis (Wood), who is completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree specialising in Finance, and Oyena Mtswetene, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Accounting degree, have been chosen for the highly competitive programme. Their selection recognises not only their academic ability but also the businesses and innovative ideas they are already developing while studying at UFS.

Building while studying

For Jarvis, entrepreneurship takes the form of a mobile barbering service that operates around campus. His entry into the industry was shaped by both passion and circumstance. After leaving university in March 2024 due to funding challenges, he used the time to train professionally in Kathu in the Northern Cape before returning to the UFS with practical experience and a clearer sense of direction.

“I do not see my mistakes as failure; rather as lessons,” he says. “With all that I have learnt over the past few years I finally feel settled.”

His business is rooted in more than appearance. “Being a barber is more than just cutting hair,” Jarvis explains. “It is a means of providing one’s clients with confidence and creating a space where they can share their stories.”

Living in House Armentum residence allowed him to grow an initial client base, while exposure to the fellowship opportunity during a lecture and support from the UFS Business Incubator strengthened his application journey.

Mtswetene’s entrepreneurial focus centres on education. She is developing a year-long programme for recent matriculants that concentrates on entrepreneurial skills such as collaboration, bookkeeping, and risk-taking, supported by virtual reality assessments. Upon completion of the programme, students would receive a certificate and funding to launch their own start-up.

“My business idea aims to change education and allow it to evolve into something suited to this age,” she says. “It empowers young people to think innovatively and contribute to reducing unemployment in South Africa.”

One of the main challenges she has encountered is the practical implementation of advanced technologies, particularly virtual reality. She has responded by seeking advice and continuing to research how similar technologies are being used globally.

When the fellowship confirmation email arrived, the moment felt significant for both students.

“To say I am honoured would be an understatement,” Jarvis says. “Being selected feels like redemption.”

Mtswetene adds, “I was confused and a bit shocked. I could not believe that the email was addressed to me.”

Chipo Matambo, Manager of the UFS Business Incubator, described the achievement as significant not only for the students, but for the broader entrepreneurial culture on campus.

“Having two UFS students selected for the prestigious Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship, where only 10 fellowships are awarded across 11 partner universities, is both a proud moment and a powerful reflection of the growing strength of the UFS student entrepreneurship ecosystem,” she says.

This is the second year that UFS has participated in the programme, and each year students have performed strongly through the rigorous national selection process.

Matambo explains that the Incubator focuses on developing both skill and mindset. “We intentionally cultivate core entrepreneurial traits such as a growth mindset, problem-solving, resilience, calculated risk-taking, action orientation, and value creation.”