(AGENPARL) – Thu 23 October 2025 PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 October 2025
Women studentpreneurs celebrate tremendous achievements at CUT SWEEP Chapter’s 1st anniversary
In just twelve months, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) Chapter has built a visible, growing community. More than a hundred women students across the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses are actively investing time in themselves and in one another.
Speaking at the 1st anniversary celebrations, CUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pamela Dube stated that this is the kind of momentum indicates that SWEEP is not a social club, but an enabling system that aims to deliver graduates who can create value, and are not merely seeking it.
“You’ve strengthened our ecosystem links through collaborations with our Technology Transfer Office and Innovation Unit, as well as strategic partners, which has in turn, created pathways from idea to prototype to market. This has changed the campus narrative, proving that we’re producing graduates, who are founders, problem-solvers, and responsible leaders,” said Dube.
Three women students shared their experiences after joining SWEEP. Retshedisitswe Moiketsi says “Being part of Sweep has been one of the most transformative, and informative experiences of my life. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover something that I could not have aimed for.”
Phelokazi Mfengwana expresses that “As I reflect on my journey with SWEEP, I am reminded of the transformative power of mentorship and support. To be honest, I was a bit sceptical about the impact of such organisations, but through SWEEP, I discovered a platform that empowered me with knowledge and skills and instilled in me a sense of confidence and purpose.”
Maserai Moropoli shares that “The ‘family’ we create here makes a huge impact on our lives. Like the preparation for getting into the workforce, getting the right mentoring, learning how to start a business, or even how to start living life! Many people don’t realise that SWEEP is about more than building a business, it’s also about supporting one another and drawing out each other’s best.”
Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director of the Entrepreneurship at Universities South Africa (USaF) added that ecosystems thrive because of collaborative individuals. Through our three focus areas, which is student entrepreneurship, academic entrepreneurship as well as entrepreneurial universities, we want to build an ecosystem that connects ideas like the iGym with people, as well as opportunities across all 26 public universities. Right here at CUT, the vision is alive. Your integration of innovation spaces like the iGym and the FabLab stands as a model for how universities can turn strategy into tangible impact,” concluded Dr Gumbo.
Caption: CUT SWEEP Chapter award recipients from left: Jo-Anne Lekgetho, Kabelo Makhetha, Retshedisitswe Moiketsi, Dimakatso Serakwana, Bhunganekazi Wandi Radebe, Phelokazi Mfengwana, Nkawana Pontsho and Maserai Rose Moropoli.
More 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, i.e., world-class 3D printing technology through medical product development.
For more information about CUT visit http://www.cut.ac.za
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