ENACTUS-VUT WINS BIG AT THE NATIONAL EXPOSITION
By: Nontobeko Moimane – 11 August 2023
The Vaal University of Technology’s Enactus team (Enactus-VUT) proved their mettle and excelled at the recent Enactus National Exposition competition held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg.
With each team allocated a 12-minute presentation time within a league of three to four other teams, the competition aimed to showcase the year-long efforts of Enactus teams across the country. Selection to reach the national leg was based on Regional Competition performance, with the top two from each region qualifying. Enactus-VUT secured 1st place regionally. Also, each team needed a registered social enterprise operating in their community.
Enactus-VUT’s project, Fooddable, which was launched in March 2023, targets food waste reduction in Quick Service Restaurants, converting potential waste into meals for those lacking food access. Tokens, costing R20, enable people to provide meals to others in need at partnering restaurants like Glamour Magic Takeaway. Other presented projects include MiTherapySpace, aiding affordable online therapy, and Kiddo Learn, an upcoming platform for youth coding education.
After giving it their all, the Enactus-VUT has cash prizes and silverware to show for it:
- 3rd place for Enactus-VUT (presenting Fooddable) at 2023 Enactus South Africa National Exposition, winning R5000.
- 2nd place for Enactus-VUT (presenting Fooddable) in the 2023 Thematic Competition, earning R1000.
- 2nd place for MyTherapySpace in the 2022 Enactus Refocus Accelerator Challenge, sponsored by Harmony, receiving R5000.
- Kiddo Learn emerged as a finalist in the 2023 Enactus MTN Digital Innovation Challenge, securing R25000 for solution development.
- Ma-Agric reached the finals of the 2022 Enactus Refocus Accelerator Challenge sponsored by Harmony.
The team-initiated projects and businesses on 12 January 2023, prior to the beginning of the university’s academic program. The team has attributed part of their successes to Dr. Sibusiso Mchunu, the Executive Director: Student Support Services and Ms Faith Mocoancoeng, the Acting Director: Student Accommodation and Catering for their support. The team requested and received an extension to prepare for both regional and national competitions. Notably, the Enactus-VUT triumphed over respected universities like the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) and Rhodes University (RU).
Faculty advisor Ms. Onica Matsheke congratulated the team for their victory, praising them for their dedication, talent, and teamwork. Professor Chengedzai Mafini, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Management Sciences also weighed in and commended the team for their achievements, showcasing their potential and the institution’s collective capabilities.
Enactus-VUT underscores positive societal impact and entrepreneurship’s broader purpose. Leadership skills are fostered, and participation in social enterprises hones decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership. Enactus VUT encourages students to join for hands-on learning and skill development.