31 March 2025 | Story: Tayron Mhlongo| Photo: VUT.
2 minutes read time.
On 27 March 2025, the Student Life and Governance (SLG) division at Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted an engaging Studentpreneurship training session under the theme, “Training Entrepreneurs on How to Present Their Business Idea.” This initiative aimed to empower students with essential knowledge to successfully manage businesses while pursuing their academic goals.
Key university departments supported the session, including the Centre for Academic Development (CAD), Technology Transfer Office (TTO),Innovation Hub(Kasi lab) and E-Skills department, ensuring a collaborative and impactful experience. Adding further inspiration, successful student-run businesses such as VUT Midbuddy, Hult Prize Campus, and Enactus VUT showcased their achievements, proving that balancing career aspirations with entrepreneurial ventures is achievable.
This dynamic training equipped attendees with practical skills and encouraged an environment of possibility and innovation, highlighting the SLG’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets among its students.
The Director of Student Life and Governance, Mr Musa Mpanza, stressed the significance of students navigating their personal and professional journeys by drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. He stated, “Life is not about the quest for power or anything else; life is a quest for meaning.” This profound statement motivated aspiring entrepreneurs who have discovered a deeper purpose. Despite facing adversities and challenges, Mr Mpanza highlighted that those who have identified a meaningful mission can leverage their entrepreneurial skills to solve pressing problems and make a lasting impact.
The day’s session inspired students to embrace a mindset of inquiry as the foundation of learning. Speakers underscored the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) knowledge, empowering students to safeguard their ideas. Furthermore, attendees received guidance on securing funding for their ventures and strategies for successful commercialisation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Such initiatives are essential for students to understand that, beyond pursuing their respective qualifications, they also have the potential to become entrepreneurs. Departments like Student Life and Governance are always keen to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn ideas into viable businesses so they can explore new paths and contribute to innovation and economic growth.
