16 April 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Supplied.
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is proud to celebrate the appointment of Karabo Tsoeu, a third-year Retail Business Management student, to two significant leadership roles. Ms Tsoeu has been appointed Chairperson of the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) at VUT. In addition, she has also been named National Co-Deputy Chairperson of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) SWEEP Portfolio under the Studentpreneur Community of Practice. These appointments recognise Ms Tsoeu’s commitment to entrepreneurship and her dedication to empowering young women in business both on campus and across the country.
Born and raised in Kutlwanong, a small township in Odendaalsrus, Free State, Ms Tsoeu’s journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Watching her mother run an informal business to provide for their family sparked something powerful within her. “I often say I was breastfed entrepreneurship,” she says with a smile. “My mum inspires me with her passion and strong personal selling skills. Even though she does not have a formal job, she makes a living through her hustle and determination.”
“My mum’s enterprising mindset shaped my path,” Ms Tsoeu said. “From selling sweets and grilled chicken feet in high school to taking bold steps during my gap years after matric, I never let setbacks define me. Instead, I kept my entrepreneurial flame burning, always trusting that the right doors would open.”
Her arrival at VUT marked a new chapter filled with opportunity. In her first year, she sold cardholders and later pivoted to selling mixed packets of vegetables. This was a simple but clever solution to a real need on campus. “I noticed a gap in the market,” she explains, “and it turned out to be exactly what students needed.”
Ms Tsoeu’s entrepreneurial journey took an inspiring turn with her leadership appointments. She was appointed VUT SWEEP Chairperson on 10 April 2024 and 14 April 2025.
Elated about the opportunity to make an impact, she shared, “Being part of EDHE SWEEP means so much to me. It is more than just a title. It is a platform for impact. It allows me to help other student women rise above challenges such as funding, confidence, and limited representation in business.”
According to Ms Tsoeu, her leadership roles are more than responsibilities. They are a calling. “SWEEP allowed me to turn my passion into purpose. Now, I am passionate about making sure other women can do the same.”
As a leader in both campus and national entrepreneurship spaces, Ms Tsoeu is driven by a clear mission. She wants to create room for women to grow, lead, and thrive in business. “My role is to encourage, guide, and uplift young women who want to explore entrepreneurship. I want them to understand that their ideas are valid and powerful.” She uses her platform to advocate for visibility, support, and opportunity. “Through this role, I am not just leading. I am creating space for more women to lead, start businesses, and believe in their potential despite obstacles.”
In addition to her SWEEP roles, Ms Tsoeu is also part of the ENACTUS team at VUT, where she serves as the Administration Executive. This role further enhances her commitment to youth-led innovation and social entrepreneurship.
Interestingly, Retail Business Management was not Ms Tsoeu’s first choice, but it soon became a source of empowerment. “I fell in love with it because it gave me the skills and knowledge I did not even know I needed.” From managing stock to applying marketing strategies and financial literacy, her academic training strengthened her ability to run small businesses professionally. “From selling sweets to renting out fridges to students, Retail Business Management taught me how to think more strategically,” she shares. “It helped me build confidence to step into bigger opportunities, such as leading SWEEP.”
Ms Tsoeu’s journey has not been without hurdles. Financial constraints meant she had to start her businesses with limited capital, often using her student allowance to fund her ideas. “I did not have the luxury of startup capital. But I started small and reinvested every cent. I turned the little I had into opportunities by being resourceful, patient, and committed.”
She also recalls how two unplanned gap years tested her emotionally. But she did not waver. “I held on to my faith, stayed determined, and eventually found my place at VUT, where everything started aligning with my purpose.”
Ms Tsoeu also expressed her gratitude to Mrs Onica Matsheke, VUT Entrepreneurship Lecturer, who believed in her potential and selected her to join the Studentpreneur Community of Practice for EDHE.
