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Programmes

Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)

Wits University has over the years cemented its participation and engagement within the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programmes as a key stakeholder along with other South African institutions of higher learning. The EDHE programme connects our students to an emerging ecosystem of student entrepreneurs and sources made available by EDHE’s communities of practice (COPs). At Wits University, we believe in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within our student body through initiatives like the EDHE programme. Our EDHE activities aim to cultivate a culture of innovation and enterprise among our students.

“The EDHE Programme is people-focused. It is intended to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of students, academics and leaders.”

More about EDHE

EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition

The Entrepreneurship Intervarsity is an annual national competition designed to stimulate, identify, recognise and showcase the top student entrepreneurs at South Africa’s 26 public universities. The competition includes four categories: Existing Business – Tech, Existing Business – Social Impact, Existing Business – General, and Research-Based Business. The competition reflects Wits’ commitment to nurturing and supporting student entrepreneurs through tailored consultations, training, and mentorship in preparation for the competition.

Wits University has actively participated in the Intervarsity pitch competitions and the resilience of our student entrepreneurs built through a range of activities, has resulted in our students reaching the final stage of each year’s competition.

EDHE Student Entrepreneurship Week (SEW)

SEW is a vibrant showcase of entrepreneurial talent and ingenuity. Every year universities are tasked with designing and presenting a programme to support the objectives of SEW, i.e. equipping students for entrepreneurship as a potential career. This is especially relevant, given the growing prevalence of youth unemployment and the number of students who do not complete their tertiary education studies.

SEW is a dynamic blend of activities, including entrepreneurship masterclasses, pitch sessions, hackathons and networking. The week culminates in a bustling market day, where student entrepreneurs showcase their businesses and network with peers and industry experts. Student entrepreneurs are also provided with opportunities to network and leverage external stakeholders, who provide invaluable support and guidance, fostering an ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurial growth.

Women Entrepreneurship Leadership Symposium(WELS)

Empowerment and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our programme offerings at Wits University, the Women in Entrepreneurship and Leadership Symposium provides a platform for women to connect, learn, and be inspired by successful women in business. To optimise women’s economic participation, WELS explores a wide range of engagements facilitated through topical discussions and invaluable mentorship opportunities. WELS strives to break barriers and encourage women to excel in entrepreneurship.

AFRETEC

Afretec is a Pan-African network of 6 universities in which Wits actively participates. The E-Hub hosts the student entrepreneurship part of Afretec through the base funding grant received by Wits n an annual basis to stimulate tech-entrepreneurship. The annual workshop is hosted at Wits, bringing together several universities, including universities within the South African context that are emerging to help tech student entrepreneurs to construct and co-create hight-tech innovative solutions.

"Afretec is a pan-African network of engineering and technology-focused universities that drives Inclusive Digital Transformation in Africa."

TCS Sustainathon

TCS Sustainathon is a challenge that aims to inspire the youth to envision a sustainable future by leveraging digital technologies to solve real-world problems. It is a platform that enables our young minds to collaborate with private companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to co-create solutions to tackle sustainability challenges.

Driving the younger generation to leverage digital technologies and actively find solutions for pressing sustainability challenges. By collaborating and sharing knowledge, we can create a better future for generations to come. It is more than just a challenge—it's a movement.

“The idea behind the second TCS Sustainathon South Africa was to inspire our youth to advocate for a more sustainable world. By allowing students to tap into the power of technology, communities, and our partner ecosystem, I can confidently say that the work they have presented here today could have a real impact on South Africa’s critical water and sanitation challenges,” says TCS South Africa country manager Langa Dube.

Water and sanitation problem-solvers WIN!

Enactus

Enactus is a global non-profit organisation that has country offices which exist to inspire and promote entrepreneurship while doing good. Enactus is a network of leaders committed to using business as a catalyst for positive social and environmental impact.

Enactus works with university students, who through the formation of clubs or societies under the Enactus banner make an impact on people and the planet. Enactus, through its national and global footprint, is able to educate young people on how to use innovation and entrepreneurship to solve the world’s problems. Students learn how to think globally while acting locally.

"Young leaders everywhere use innovation and business skills to ensure that all people thrive in a sustainable world"

More about Encatus

Allan Grey Fellowship

The Allan Grey Fellowship is dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and driving prosperity throughout Africa. The vision is to cultivate a continent where its citizens are not only economically prosperous but also actively engaged in ethical societies, fostering dignity and hope. With a mission focused on combating poverty, Allan Grey invests, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs and leaders who play pivotal roles in accelerating meaningful employment opportunities while embodying the values and behaviours of ethical leadership. The actions of a single responsible and high-impact entrepreneur can transform the socioeconomic landscape of entire cities or even nations by generating sustainable, long-term job opportunities.

At the heart of the Allan Grey Fellowship lies a profound belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurial leadership. Our approach is grounded in extensive research and practical insights into entrepreneurial mindsets and behaviours, the fellowship identifies and cultivates potential high-impact leaders among the youth, taking a comprehensive and long-term approach to their development and support.

"We believe that it takes one responsible, high-impact entrepreneur to change the reality of a city, or even a country, by creating long-term, meaningful job opportunities."

More about the Allan Gray Foundation