By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo – 15 March 2024

The Enactus-Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Team scooped the Best Newcomer Award at the recent Enactus South Africa’s Summer Action Challenge.

The challenge has emerged as a cornerstone initiative since its inception in the 2021 program year. Geared towards encouraging Enactus Teams to maximize their summer breaks, the challenge equips teams with a detailed guide packed with actionable steps to propel impactful projects forward during the holiday period.

The Enactus-VUT Team has garnered widespread acclaim, earning them not only recognition but also a significant cash award of R1000,00 for their outstanding project, the Eggshells Project.

According to Mrs Onica Matsheke, the Enactus -VUT Team Faculty advisor this year witnessed an exceptional display of commitment from the Team towards the Summer Action Challenge. Their journey, she said, started even before the commencement of this year’s academic programme, with the team dedicating themselves to their project from 13 – 29 January 2024. “This early dedication showcased a remarkable level of initiative and dedication,” said Mrs Masheke, who also  expressed her delight in announcing and extending heartfelt congratulations to the Enactus-VUT Team for securing the prestigious  award.

She further commended Enactus South Africa for fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility among young leaders. The Summer Action Challenge, she noted, serves as a powerful catalyst for change, empowering Enactus Teams to transform their ideas into tangible solutions that address pressing societal challenges.

Mulalo Seketa, a third year Information Technology student and also the President of Enactus VUT, described the Eggshells Project as a testament to the Team’s innovative spirit and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in their community. By repurposing eggshells, the team has not only established a sustainable business model but has also made substantial contributions to environmental conservation efforts.

Seketa went on to express optimism about witnessing the continued growth and impact of the Enactus-VUT Team and other Enactus initiatives across South Africa. She emphasized that their dedication to creating positive change serves as an inspiration to all, reaffirming the belief that with determination and collaboration, a brighter and more sustainable future can be built for generations to come.

In the end, the team extended their gratitude to Seipati Mzizi and Faith Mocoancoeng from the VUT Residence Department for their generosity in accommodating the team for two weeks during the project’s preparation phase. Matsheke said their invaluable support played a pivotal role in facilitating the Enactus-VUT Team’s success, , highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives impactful initiatives like the Summer Action Challenge.