Business Fair and Exhibition Encourages Entrepreneurship Among Students

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Student Entrepreneurship Unit hosted the second annual Business Fair and Exhibition on the Pietermaritzburg campus.

Held under the inspiring banner of the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), the event highlighted the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among students.

The exhibition focused on two key objectives: firstly, to encourage student entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services while inspiring their peers to explore entrepreneurship during their studies; and secondly, to provide a platform for organisations involved in small business development to share insights, opportunities, and guidance on accessing resources to grow ventures.

“The Business Fair and Exhibition is an event that showcases practical entrepreneurship. It is also about bringing organisations that support youth and women entrepreneurs closer to our student entrepreneurs,” said Student Entrepreneurship Manager, Mr Khutšo Ramontja. He added that the portfolio equips student entrepreneurs with the tools and exposure needed to engage with organisations offering entrepreneurial support.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs’s (EDTEA) Youth Economic Empowerment Directorate helped showcase a wide range of support services to assist young individuals in business.

Mandated to support profit-making businesses, the portfolio hosts various programmes which include: information dissemination in the form of expos; enterprise development providing start-up finance; skills development and training in the form of a one-year real estate learnership programme; and job creation and placement for those looking to get work experience in the form of internships.

Students were encouraged to visit the EDTEA website and social media pages for more information on available opportunities.

Standard Bank representatives interacted with students providing information on various banking services available to them and other entrepreneurs.

Student entrepreneurs who exhibited at the event included: Ms Nonjabulo Magwaza, owner of perfume suppliers Risellinaires, who said she had been inspired to open her shop after being an exhibitor at last year’s fair in order to attract a wider client base; and Mr Lonwabo Xolo, co-founder of eMed Connect, a digital platform which links users with medical professionals. Xolo said by attending the fair he had learned what intellectual property was all about and also how important it was to register his business.

Other exhibitors included: Ms Busisiwe Ncube, owner of The Baked Blessing With Betty, which offers baked treats; Mr Muhle Ndlovu, who launched Creations by Mfan’Omuhle offering specialised tailored garments; Ms Nqobile Nkomo of Afro Q Organics, a natural hair care solution; Ms S’nethemba Sithole of Art Buddies Connect, an inclusive art education platform; Ms Sandiswa Gwala of MustBeLee Aesthetics, creators of specialised wigs and providers of wig care; Ms Gugulethu Mdluli, owner of Lady G’s Closet & Candy Bar selling fashionable clothing items and sweet treats; and Ms Amanda Mhlongo, who sells Polar Ice-cream.

The event not only showcased talent and innovation but also reinforced UKZN’s commitment to equipping students with the tools, confidence, and connections to thrive beyond the classroom.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photographs: Yola Ndzabe