Battle of the Campuses Takes Student Entrepreneurship to New Heights

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Student Entrepreneurship portfolio hosted the second annual Battle of the Campuses Competition, in which talented student entrepreneurs from the University’s five campuses went head-to-head to present their most promising business ideas, innovations and entrepreneurial spirit.

The competition aligns directly with UKZN’s Strategic Plan, which emphasises excellence in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the student experience.

By showcasing student entrepreneurial ventures, the competition provides a platform to cultivate and celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship – while also addressing critical issues such as youth unemployment and sustainable development.

From hundreds of applications, 33 finalists were selected to pitch their ventures before a diverse panel of judges drawn from banking, government, retail, technology, research, consulting and social enterprises.

Prizes worth a total of R310 000 were awarded to winners.

The competition was supported by strategic partners: Standard Bank, Accenture, African Leadership Academy, Asante Solutions, the Department of Small Business Development, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Spar Group, eThekwini Municipality, Moses Kotane Research Institute, and Momentum who sponsored R15 000 for the Best Business Plan Award.

The contestants competed in four categories: the Start-up Cultivator, which offers budding entrepreneurs a platform to pitch business concepts in the idea phase; the Early Starters, a pioneering category for first-year students; the Innovation Challenge, where students presented ground-breaking technological ideas; and the Start-up Booster, aimed at experienced student entrepreneurs already operating their businesses.

In his welcome address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Ernest Khalema, underscored the University’s commitment to ensuring that campuses are not merely spaces for learning, but also environments that foster personal growth, exploration and innovation.

He added how entrepreneurship plays a critical role in job creation, driving innovation, contributing to economic growth and supporting community development. Khalema said, “We are encouraged to see our students being active participants in ventures that seek to address real socio-economic challenges confronting our communities.”

Ms Izanokusa Mdluli, who won the Start-up Cultivator category and walked away with R25 000 impressed the judges with her drone e-commerce delivery service, QuickDrop, which aims to eliminate logistical challenges by delivering within 30 minutes. Mdluli captivated both judges and audience members with her well-researched and eloquent presentation, also earning an additional R10 000 for the Best Oral Presentation while proudly representing the Westville campus.

Mr Sesandile Mchunu the founder of Zulu Archives – a streetwear brand that captures the rich history of the Zulu nation through premium printed T-shirts – said the brand aimed to create a legacy that could be shared for generations. Having scooped first prize in the Early Starters category, winning R25 000, this first-year student from the Howard College campus won judges over with his quiet demeanour and charismatic charm.

Walking away with R35 000 the Innovation Challenge winner, Ms Priyanka Jugdeo who is based on the Westville campus, sparked the judge’s curiosity with her digital application, EyeStories. The app uses a mobile interface to track children’s eye movements while incorporating dynamic South African stories to conduct optometric assessments. Jugdeo said she was inspired to create the platform in response to the millions of children in South Africa who require such assessments but are unable to access them due to various socioeconomic barriers.

Ms Khethelo Sibisi, based on the Howard College campus and owner of Botani’ker – a natural haircare solution – won the Start-up Booster category earning herself a whooping R50 000. Her company uses Ayurvedic herbs to create organic products that promote hair health and growth. No stranger to UKZN’s entrepreneurial stage, having secured funding during Global Entrepreneurship Week in 2023, Sibisi said she plans to use her winnings to reopen her salon and educate clients on holistic haircare practices.

Mr Khutšo Ramontja Student Entrepreneurship Manager, lauded the University’s ENSPIRE Programme for developing a calibre of students capable of turning ideas into impact. “Our student entrepreneurs are proof that the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers and job creators is already here – and the competition shines a light on their brilliance.”

First runners up, included Mr Pikolomzi Qaba for his invention, SafeHeat Solutions; Mr Sizwe Sithole for his mobile recruitment application, Blue Collars; Mr Keenan Nagan for SafeStep, an assistive device for the visually impaired; and Ms Nonjabulo Magwaza for her perfume, car and home diffuser brand, Risellinaires.

The second runners up were namely Ms Zekhethelo Gwala who developed MyPanic – a mechanical whistle for victims of gender-based violence; Mr Siphilaenkosini Simelane for The DOER, a digital platform that verifies township artisans; Mr Emmanuel Gwanzura for his fuel-efficient engine innovation; and Ms Nonkululeko Zulu for her Golden Threads crochet business.

Other winners included: Best Business Plan, awarded to Ms Alwande Msweli and Ms Ziningi Mathonsi; Achiever’s Choice Award, presented to Mr Keenan Nagan; the “Uplifting the UKZN Brand to New Heights” Award, given to 2024 Anzisha winner, Mr Cebolenkosi Gcabashe – the first South African to receive this international accolade; and the Entrepreneurial Campus of the Year Award, which was awarded to the Westville campus.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Anil Chuturgoon, congratulated the winners and thanked the judges and mentors for their time, guidance, and belief in the potential of these young minds. He said, “Your expertise and encouragement have been vital in nurturing and refining these ideas, helping turn visions into viable ventures.”

Chuturgoon also thanked the organising committee and sponsors, for their dedication and support, which made the competition possible.

“The Battle of the Campuses Competition, has built a community that empowers students to realise their ambitions and create sustainable impact,” he said.

“Let us remember that the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives beyond this event. Use the connections you’ve made, the feedback received, and the lessons learned to fuel your next steps. Seek collaboration, remain adaptable, and always prioritise purpose alongside profit.”

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Yola Ndzabe