Promoting Student Entrepreneurship at UNIZULU

The Department of Recreation and Tourism (DRT) at the University of Zululand recently hosted an exciting Business Tourism and Entrepreneurship Exhibition in the iconic King Bhekuzulu Hall, situated in the KwaDlangezwa Campus.

It brought together innovators, industry experts, and students to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth. Its aim was to empower students enrolled in the Business Tourism and Entrepreneurship module (1RTO112) to operate small businesses.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by DRT Assistant Lecturer and programme director Mmeli Dlamini, who momentarily introduced the presenters from different stakeholders such as Amalgamated Banks of South Africa Limited (Absa), King Cetshwayo District (KCD), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA).

The purpose of the exhibition was then explained by Dr Gugulethu Nkosi, the head of DRT. She said, “As we gather today, we are not only showcasing the vibrant potential of tourism as a business but also empowering our students and entrepreneurs to envision a future where their creative ideas can transform our communities and drive a sustainable development.”

The Absa team, led by Laurisa Van Der Sandt, Area Manager – Relationship Banking, applauded DRT for creating a curriculum that encourages entrepreneurship and provides students with the skills, knowledge, and preparation needed for future business actions. The team revealed that Absa is part of a larger collaboration to ensure that students receive necessary financial and business assistance.

During its presentation, SEDA expressed an interest in collaborating with the institution to help student entrepreneurs. Succeeding the exhibition, SEDA presented its programme which focuses on providing higher education students with vital entrepreneurship knowledge and resources. There were also talks of a meeting with the DRT team to discuss potential partnerships.

SEDA also fondly noted that its project not only coincides with the University’s objective to encourage practical skills and learning, but also contributes significantly to national efforts to tackle unemployment through entrepreneurship.

As the event drew to a close, DRT Lecturer Dr Sibusiso Ntshangase acknowledged all the attendees and mentioned how important the event was to the University as a whole. “It is evident thatour initiative not only aligns with the University’s mission to foster practical skills and learning, but also contributes significantly to national efforts to tackle unemployment through entrepreneurship,” he said.

At the end of the event, students were awarded participation certificates in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

– Nomvelo Xulu

Pictures: James Thwala