Key Takeaways From the 2023 EDHE Lekgotla and Studentpreneurs Indaba at VUT
Key Takeaways From the 2023 EDHE Lekgotla and Studentpreneurs Indaba at VUT. The 2023 EDHE Lekgotla and Studentpreneurs Indaba, held under the theme “Social Innovation for Societal Impact,” recently convened a special meeting of university entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways From the 2023 EDHE Lekgotla and Studentpreneurs Indaba at VUT
This gathering, hosted at the University of Western Cape (UWC), brought together representatives from significant sector stakeholders, including Universities South Africa and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Evolving Landscape of Entrepreneurship
During this three-day event, the spotlight was cast on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship development within the academic realm. Ms. Ndumi Lufele, the Director for Stakeholder Relations at VUT, emphasized how this event facilitated a collective pursuit of knowledge and exploration of emerging trends. However, it also shed light on the challenges faced by universities in fostering entrepreneurial spirit.
Infusing Entrepreneurship into Education
One key takeaway for VUT was the importance of infusing entrepreneurship into the very core of education. The goal is to equip students not only with the ability to dream but also with the practical skills to bring those dreams to life. Ms.
Lufele noted that VUT embraced this concept, recognizing that the journey towards entrepreneurship is a collective endeavor that requires support and camaraderie.
Activation Officers and VUT’s Commitment
During the discussions, an important revelation surfaced – the existence of Activation Officers in other institutions, individuals responsible for coordinating entrepreneurship initiatives on campuses.
Ms. Lufele revealed that VUT was inspired by this discovery and has resolved to assemble a similar team of catalysts. These Activation Officers will work to breathe life into the aspirations of studentpreneurs at VUT, providing them with guidance and resources.
Transformation of Entrepreneurship Education
Dr. Speech Nelana, the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) for Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Internationalisation (RICI) at VUT, who attended the event, expressed how the EDHE Lekgotla serves as a catalyst for the transformation of Entrepreneurship Education.
He highlighted the notion of Economic Activation Offices (EAO), which has illuminated the path for ten universities. VUT, Dr. Nelana stated, is poised and ready to establish its own EAO in the near future, demonstrating the institution’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit.
In summary, the 2023 EDHE Lekgotla and Studentpreneurs Indaba provided VUT with valuable insights and opportunities to enhance its support for student entrepreneurs. The event emphasized the importance of integrating entrepreneurship into education and inspired VUT to create an Activation Officer team to further empower its studentpreneurs.
Additionally, the commitment to establishing an Economic Activation Office underscores VUT’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within its community.
