Celebrating TVET Student Entrepreneurship

Allan Gray Makers Inter-College Regional Competition

The Allan Gray Makers Inter-College Entrepreneurship Competition is a vital initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent among students in South Africa’s 50 TVET colleges. Supported by the Allan Gray Foundation and Future Managers, this competition provides a unique platform for students to present their business ideas and showcase their entrepreneurial abilities. It fosters innovative thinking and encourages the development of sustainable solutions to real-world challenges, promoting entrepreneurship among young South Africans.

At False Bay TVET College, we recognize the importance of entrepreneurship competitions in cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and proactive attitude among our students. These events provide an invaluable opportunity for participants to pitch their business concepts or existing ventures to judges and peers alike.

These competitions act as a springboard for aspiring entrepreneurs, allowing them to present their ideas, compete for startup funding, and transform their initiatives into successful businesses.

The AG Makers TVET Annual Entrepreneurship Competition transcends being a mere contest; it exemplifies action-oriented entrepreneurship. Nafeesa Dinie, the CfERI Manager at False Bay TVET College, emphasizes, “By inspiring students to transition from job seekers to job creators, this competition fosters the development of an entrepreneurial mindset and aids in transforming viable concepts into sustainable businesses.”

Through a well-structured series of learning activities, participants are guided through various stages of entrepreneurship, promoting innovation and driving a nationwide movement of future business leaders.

This year’s Regional Rounds took place at Northern Cape Urban TVET College on August 23, 2024, featuring an engaging event hosted by Mr. Dumisani Favour Lutweyi, Assistant Director of Student Support Services at the college.

The competition attracted several dignitaries who came to motivate and encourage the students, including Mr. Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training; Mr. Sam Zungu, Deputy Director General responsible for TVET Colleges; Mr. Brian Madaleni, Acting Regional Manager for the DHET (Northern and Western Cape Region); Mr. Brian Phike, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Northlink College; Ms. Nokulunga Sofoyiya, Acting Director for TVET Support; Mr. Lungisa Mbulawa, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of West Coast TVET College; and Mr. Linda Dhladhla, Programme Manager at the Allan Gray Foundation.

Participants hailed from eight TVET colleges: False Bay TVET College, Northern Cape Urban TVET College, Northern Cape Rural TVET College, Boland TVET College, West Coast TVET College, South Cape TVET College, Northlink TVET College, and the College of Cape Town TVET.

Students from diverse backgrounds presented their innovative business concepts to a panel of judges. The winners of the Regional Rounds will progress to the National Finals in Gauteng on September 7, 2024.

The competition coincided with TVET Month activities, creating an exciting atmosphere and contributing to a successful celebration of TVET women and the regional entrepreneurship rounds.

Notable participants included Mr. Rashaad Sambaba and Mr. Sethu Klaas from False Bay TVET College, who excelled in their respective categories. Rashaad’s business, “Everything Stationery,” offers affordable, sustainable stationery solutions with flexible payment options for underserved communities, emphasizing accessibility and social impact, which earned him high praise from the judges. Sethu’s venture, “Driven by Nature,” combines eco-friendly technology with innovative design to tackle global challenges through nature-inspired solutions, securing his spot in the National Finals.

Additionally, Ms. Buhle Ndudula received a runner-up R5,000 voucher for her impactful business idea aimed at enhancing community transportation. Her recognition highlights the rich entrepreneurial talent emerging from False Bay TVET College.

We extend our gratitude to Nedbank for their voucher contribution and to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) in the Western Cape Government for their generous support, which facilitated the students’ trip to Kimberley for this significant event.

The Allan Gray Makers initiative, part of the broader Allan Gray Orbis Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training, continues to foster entrepreneurial talent within the TVET college sector through education, mentorship, and practical experience.

The student entrepreneurship competition is a crucial element of this initiative, challenging students to devise solutions to the challenges faced by their communities and pitch innovative business ideas to address youth unemployment.

False Bay TVET College takes immense pride in its students’ accomplishments and eagerly anticipates Rashaad and Sethu’s participation in the National Finals. The college is confident that its entrepreneurial spirit will continue to inspire others, as TVET colleges remain a beacon of hope, equipping young South Africans with the skills and opportunities needed to shape their futures through entrepreneurship.