Unisa Claims Victory at EDHE Intervarsity Competition, Showcasing Student Talent
The EDHE Intervarsity Competition, now in its sixth year, is organised by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in partnership with Universities South Africa. The competition spans from April to November 2024 and is funded by the University Capacity Development Programme, supported by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the SAB Foundation. This year’s competition focused on refining criteria for existing business categories, aiming to attract high-quality operational businesses that can secure investment and partnerships.
In her welcome address as the Acting Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences, Dr Mantepu MaseTshaba inspired the audience: “Today we witness the blossoming of young entrepreneurs who are lighting the fires of a revolution – a revolution of thought, courage and dreams manifesting into reality.”
She further encouraged the students: “The future does not belong to the timid. It belongs to those brave enough to see the impossible and turn it into reality.”
Among the winners was Katlego Reuben Mogopodi, a 26-year-old Unisa student from Rustenburg, North West. Mogopodi, who is studying electrical engineering, is the founder of Mogopodi Adventures, an adventure travel company established in 2021. His business, which offers a range of services such as customised itineraries, accommodation arrangements and adrenaline-pumping activities, secured the top spot in the general business category. Mogopodi expressed his excitement: “Winning the regional competition is amazing! It’s a testament to the value and potential of what I’ve built so far.”
His perseverance amid the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic has been crucial to the success of Mogopodi Adventures, which now employs over nine youths in Rustenburg, with plans to expand to the Eastern Cape by September 2024.
Another Unisa student, Hope Mpheto, also excelled by winning in the social impact category.
These two students will advance to the finals, which are scheduled to take place on 28 November 2024. Notably, Unisa has become the first host institution to win categories in this year’s regional rounds.
The achievements of Mogopodi and Mpheto in the EDHE Intervarsity Competition underscore the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit at Unisa and the potential of young entrepreneurs to shape the future of South Africa.