19 June 2023

On the 15^th of June 2023, a group of final year Vaal University of Technology (VUT) students attended the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Youth Expo which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Led by Dr Sibusiso Mchunu, the Executive Director for Student Support Services at VUT, the students represented all four faculties at the University and a few members of ENACTUS, a student organisation that promotes social entrepreneurship.

The cost of the trip, which included a bus and meals for students, was funded by the Motsepe Foundation.

The Expo provided opportunities for students to interact with captains of industry and other young entrepreneurs who are making a difference. It also sought to bridge the gap between education that students receive and real economic opportunities. During the Expo, there were exciting presentations and exhibitions by different top companies as well as start-ups. Those companies included NASPERS, African Rainbow Minerals, MultiChoice, Microsoft and many others.

The students who attended the Expo expressed gratitude for the opportunities that were provided to them, adding that it was an eye-opening experience which expanded their network and exposed them to real job opportunities.

According to Dr Mchunu, the Expo further instilled in the students the idea that they should not just be just jobseekers, but they have a responsibility to contribute towards job creation themselves.  “In view of limited job opportunities in the world of work, there should be more emphasis on student entrepreneurship,” concluded Dr Mchunu.