Student Women Economic Empowerment Project and BRICS Student Commission Launched at UKZN

Student Women Economic Empowerment Project and BRICS Student Commission Launched at UKZN. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently celebrated the launch of two pioneering initiatives aimed at empowering its student body and fostering socio-economic progress.

The BRICS Student Commission (BRICS SC) and the Student Women Economic Empowerment Project (SWEEP) Chapter were unveiled in a ceremony dedicated to fostering global entrepreneurship and gender equality.

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UKZN Keynote Address by Honourable Nomusa Dube-Ncube

Honourable Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the esteemed Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, delivered a poignant keynote address emphasizing the importance of dedicated effort and commitment in achieving aspirations. She lauded the launch of the BRICS SC and SWEEP Chapter as groundbreaking endeavors, expressing optimism for their contributions to the upliftment of the province.

UKZN Promoting Youth Empowerment

Acknowledging the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future, Premier Dube-Ncube highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among young people. She affirmed the significance of initiatives like the BRICS SC and SWEEP Chapter in providing opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment.

UKZN Significance of International Collaboration

Professor Busi Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences at UKZN, underscored the university commitment to internationalization, citing the inauguration of the BRICS SC as a significant stride. The collaboration with BRICS nations reflects UKZN dedication to fostering global partnerships for academic and socio-economic advancement.

UKZN Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship

Ms. Zana Boshoff, Project Manager of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education at Universities South Africa, provided insight into the SWEEP initiative’s origins and objectives. She emphasized the importance of empowering female students through entrepreneurship, citing the chapter’s role in organizing events and workshops to promote economic independence and combat gender-based violence.

UKZN Student Voices and Entrepreneurial Endeavors

The event featured student leaders from the BRICS SC and SWEEP Chapter who highlighted the transformative potential of these initiatives. Mr. Lungile Radebe and Ms. Nobuhle Mzobe underscored the opportunities for global engagement and women’s empowerment, respectively, offered by these platforms.

UKZN Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, student entrepreneurs showcased their ventures, with Ms. Khethelo Sibisi emerging as the winner. The event also featured insights from successful podcaster Mr. Penuel Mlotshwa, who shared entrepreneurial tips and facilitated a panel discussion on funding opportunities with industry experts.

Conclusion

In closing Mr. Khutšo Ramontja, Student Entrepreneurship Manager at UKZN InQubate, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support in promoting youth empowerment and innovation.

The launch of the BRICS SC and SWEEP Chapter marks a significant milestone in UKZN’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and gender equality among its student community.