(AGENPARL) – mer 16 agosto 2023 PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 August 2023
CUT students triumph at THENSA-DSI Entrepreneurship Training Programme
In a remarkable display of innovation and talent, students from the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) have emerged as the trailblazers at the THENSA-DSI 5 Day Face to Face Entrepreneurship Training Programme. This collaborative initiative, developed in partnership with Munster University of Technology in Ireland, has showcased the remarkable capabilities of our students in the field of business and entrepreneurship.
This training took place at the Premier Hotel in Cape Town, from 31 July – 04 August 2023. Aligned with the SAQA-accredited New Venture Creation Qualification at NQF Level 5, the programme aimed to equip students with the skills and strategies essential for succeeding in the dynamic world of business.
Students were exposed to cutting-edge insights through research, market analysis, and the cultivation of technical, managerial, and personal abilities. A highlight of the programme was the opportunity for students to present their business concepts to potential investors, financiers, and business experts, fostering an environment of invaluable feedback and refinement.
Six CUT students took part in the training, winning two of the three wards. Masego More clinched the “Most Financially Viable Business” award for her project, Vermi Village. While Aphiwe Sogiba and Mr. Bongani Tshabalala secured the “Most Innovative and Creative Business Idea” award for SBA Renewable Energy Technologies.
Aphiwe Sogiba and Bongani Tshabalala are poised to present their innovative business venture at the upcoming Regional Rounds of the EDHE Intervarsity Competition. “I am excited an inspired, my plan going forward is to take this business idea and turn it into a viable business as after pitching this idea investors have shown interest in it. During the THENSA training I also learnt about all aspects of a business and the importance of teamwork. I’m an engineer, so I need someone on the team to do the finances, marketing, while being supported through the CUT entrepreneurship eco-system,” said Sogiba.
“The highlight for me was how they taught us to do the elevator pitch, and that we got to use it in real life on our way back to Bloemfontein, securing future meetings with potential investors. This is also exciting as we are also learning that it’s not always about who has the best idea, but how we can collaborate with one another, ensuring further potential growth for our entrepreneurship enterprises,” added Refilwe Leeuw, who also partook in the training.
The participating students are supported by David Kareli from the Innovation & Technology Transfer Unit, working in collaboration with iGym, CILT, and the various faculties at CUT led to the discovery and nurturing of this exceptional talent pool. Kareli also serves as a coordinator for the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity Competition, further solidifying the prowess of CUT students on a broader platform.
Achievements such as this are a resounding affirmation of CUT’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow; showcasing the limitless potential that resides within our academic community.
Captions:
1. CUT students who took part in the training, from left: Front: Refilwe Leeuw, Masego More (winner of the ‘Most Financially Viable Business’ award). Back: Siphiwe Mkhwanazi, Aphiwe Sogiba, Junior Gopane and Bongani Tshabalala.
2. David Kareli, Business Development Officer: Innovation & Technology Transfer Unit, Refilwe Leeuw (participating student), Prof Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement and Aphiwe Sogiba (winner of the ‘Most Innovative and Creative Business Idea’ award).
About CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier Hotel School and leading research and innovation platforms, e.g., world-class medical product development through 3-D printing technology.
For more information about CUT, visit http://www.cut.ac.za.
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