“VUT third-year retail business students joined the Africa by Bus initiative in Zimbabwe, exploring heritage sites, universities, and industries while gaining insights into culture, entrepreneurship, and leadership.”
08 September 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Supplied.
3 minutes read time.
From 29 August to 3 September 2025, a group of third-year Retail Business students from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) embarked on an enriching journey to Zimbabwe, led by Ms Bhekiwe Simelane, lecturer in Marketing and Sports Management. The initiative formed part of the Africa by Bus programme, a cross-border learning experience designed to immerse students in Africa’s history, culture, and economic potential.
What began as a long road trip soon became a mobile classroom, where students exchanged ideas, shared aspirations, and built lasting connections. History, heritage, and innovation came alive, transforming what could have been a sightseeing excursion into a profound educational experience.
The journey traced the continent’s past with visits to Mapungubwe and the Great Zimbabwe ruins, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For many students, standing on these historic grounds brought the stories of Africa into sharper focus. Student Karabo Tsoeu reflected on how Mapungubwe connected Africa to trade routes stretching to India and China: “I had learned about Mapungubwe in high school, but nothing compared to standing there in person. The stories, the artefacts, and the views made history come alive before my eyes.” At Great Zimbabwe, students marvelled at the architectural ingenuity of one of Africa’s most remarkable stone structures, discovering lessons in resilience, leadership, and cultural pride woven into its towering walls and hill complex.
The group also explored Zimbabwe’s present through visits to the Women’s University of Africa, National Foods Ltd., Nestlé, and the new Parliament building in Harare. These encounters exposed students to governance, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and women’s empowerment in action. As Chairperson of VUT’s Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), Ms Tsoeu found particular inspiration at the Women’s University of Africa: “It was empowering to see their commitment to ensuring that motherhood does not limit education. Women were leading boldly in academia and STEM, and that encouraged me to continue pushing boundaries.”
Students were also struck by the entrepreneurial drive underpinning Zimbabwe’s economy, from street vendors to large-scale manufacturers. At National Foods, they learned how local production and employee shareholding contribute to building sustainable business models. Mr Bonginkosi Lamula highlighted how these experiences expanded his economic understanding: “This trip allowed me to understand Zimbabwe’s economic challenges and opportunities, while also fostering meaningful connections with Zimbabwean students and professionals.”
Beyond formal visits, cultural immersion was a vital part of the journey. Students explored vibrant markets, interacted with local communities, and compared Harare’s modern energy with the traditions of flea markets and rural life. For Mr Sibusiso Lukhele, these exchanges offered invaluable lessons: “Interacting with local students and entrepreneurs fostered empathy, cultural competence, and global citizenship. It was a lesson in resilience and adaptation.”
Ms Simelane emphasised that the trip was designed to connect students to both Africa’s heritage and its future potential: “The Africa by Bus initiative gave our students more than knowledge; it gave them identity, leadership skills, and a vision of their role in shaping Africa’s future.”
The Zimbabwe journey left students empowered not only as future retail and business professionals but also as leaders determined to contribute to Africa’s growth. As Ms Tsoeu concluded: “This was more than a bus ride. It was a journey into the past, a glimpse into the present, and an inspiration for the future.”