DUT-SA EVB ROADSHOW AIMS TO CULTIVATE AN ECOSYSTEM THAT EMPOWERS FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS

The prestigious South African Entrepreneurship Venture-Based (SAEVB) Roadshow was held on 06 March 2025.

The SAEVB is a collaborative initiative of THENSA and its member universities, in collaboration with Chemonics International and funded by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, UK International Development.

The SAEVB Roadshow is a nationwide initiative which is aimed at transforming entrepreneurial education by integrating venture-building learning and challenge-based learning methodologies.

Hosted by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI), it featured esteemed speakers, including Prof Michael Twum-Darko (EVB Manager-Cape Peninsula University of Technology – CPUT), Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni (Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, DUT) and Prof Rendani Maladzhi (HOD-Mechanical Engineering, DUT). The charismatic speakers provided invaluable insights into the Entrepreneurship Venture-Builder (EVB) programme, highlighting the collaborative spirit that is essential for DUT innovation journey.

Prof Twum-Darko’s keynotes particularly inspired participants to embrace collaborative entrepreneurial principles in their respective fields. Attendees were encouraged to apply their knowledge gained to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem at DUT and to contribute to shaping the future of entrepreneurship education in South Africa.

This event was created to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering innovation, enterprise development, and entrepreneurial thinking among students and faculty. Through strategic partnerships with universities, industries, and government agencies, SAEVB aims to cultivate and enhance an ecosystem that empowers future entrepreneurs and equips graduates with the skills necessary for the 21st century economy.

In her closing remarks, Ms Nomnikelo Lundall (Manager Interim: Intellectual Property, DUT) recognised the contributions of the moderator, Dr Farai Dziike (Commercialisation Specialist-TTI, DUT) and of the panellists for their diverse perspectives and highlighting collaborative spirit essential for entrepreneurship. Mr Solomon Nyamurima, the Director of the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI), participated in a panel discussion alongside DUT researchers, innovators and EVB mentees, highlighting the collaborative efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the DUT community.

All in all, the dynamic roadshow showcased not only sterling keynote addresses but innovative panel discussions on best practices in venture-building learning and its impact on education.

Pictured: Attendees at the SAEVB Roadshow.

Nomnikelo Nundlall/Waheeda Peters