Launch of Economic Activation Office at VUT
By: Qhawekazi Memani – 12 July 2024
On July 19, 2024, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) will unveil the highly anticipated Economic Activation Office (EAO) in a grand launch event to be held at the VUT Desmond Tutu Great Hall.
The EAO is established to play a pivotal role within the university’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. Its primary focus is to facilitate and coordinate support, networking, and information sharing among the broader university community and external stakeholders related to entrepreneurship. This includes academic faculties, incubators, centres for entrepreneurship, technology transfer offices, student affairs, and university leadership. Mrs. Onica Matsheke will spearhead the support for student entrepreneurs within this ecosystem. The office operates under the Faculty of Management Sciences, led by Professor Mafini, the Executive Dean of the Faculty.
The launch event is fully supported by the Office of Dr. Nelana, Director of Research and Acting DVC of Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Internationalization. Attendees will include:
- All student entrepreneurs’ structures and exhibitors within the university
- Green Campus Initiative
- Campus TV
- Academics from different faculties (staff, HODs, and Deans)
- Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
- The Innovation Hub representatives
- NWU colleagues
- SEDA
- NYDA
- Representatives of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)
- Successful VUT alumni business owners
- National Edu Funding (NEF)
- Professionals Division Postgraduates
According to Mrs. Matsheke, the EAO aligns with Goal 1 of the VUT strategy: “Produce techno-entrepreneurial graduates and innovation,” which is linked to Strategic Objective 1: “Quality student experience.” It aims to provide students with a unique learning experience.
The EAO will also grant access to people and businesses around the Vaal region. For example, UHuru Tyres and Fitment Centre, a business owned by a VUT alumnus, will be promoted during the launch.
Attendees can expect a detailed explanation of the role and functions of the EAO. Students will be exposed to business opportunities offered by EDHE and private companies such as MTN, Harmony Gold, Ford, and Schneider. Information on protecting business IP and incubation opportunities will also be provided.
The guest speaker for the event is VUT alumnus Mr. Benjamin Tshefu. He holds a National Diploma in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business and Administration degree, majoring in Investment. Mr. Tshefu is a tech founder and chairman of Horizontal Gravity Group, co-founder and CEO of an Afrocentric fintech solution called Bang Capital, a member of the BRICS Business Council, and a member of ARSO in finance. He brings over five years of corporate experience spread across banking and software companies.
Contact Information
To participate in the event as an exhibitor, please contact Mr. Sipho Nkosi via email at siphonk@vut.ac.za, or call 016 950 9336. WhatsApp inquiries can be sent to 060 670 1155.