UKZN Scoops Economic Activation Office Award

UKZN Scoops Economic Activation Office Award. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in fostering entrepreneurship within the higher education landscape. Through a collaborative initiative between InQubate and the School of Management, Information Technology and Governance (SMIG), UKZN has garnered top honors in various categories of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) 2023 Awards.

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Award Recognition

Hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in collaboration with Universities South Africa (USAf) under the EDHE program, these awards acknowledge the pivotal contributions of institutions towards entrepreneurship development in higher education. As a recipient of the Economic Activation Office award, UKZN has secured participation in a Standard Bank-funded initiative, joining nine other South African Higher Education Institutions in this endeavor.

Economic Activation KwaZulu-Natal Office

Led by Professor Thea van der Westhuizen, the Academic Leader for High Impact Community Engagement and Internationalization at SMIG, alongside Khutso Ramontja from InQubate, the Economic Activation KwaZulu-Natal Office is poised to bolster UKZN’s capacity building for students and the broader community. This office aims to streamline and enhance ongoing entrepreneurship initiatives, facilitating better integration of UKZN’s programs and resources to strengthen the University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Achievements

Professor Van der Westhuizen’s leadership has been acknowledged with the prestigious EDHE Chairperson Award, recognizing her tenure as the National Chairperson of the Community of Practice in Academic Entrepreneurship for two consecutive terms. Additionally, two student entrepreneurs from UKZN were honored in the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2023 Competition’s existing business category, amidst stiff competition with 332 submissions.

Conclusion

The accolades received by UKZN underscore its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the higher education landscape. Through collaborative efforts and visionary leadership, the University continues to cultivate an environment conducive to entrepreneurial growth, both for its students and the wider community.