Four KZN universities showcase diverse approaches to creating a provincial powerhouse for innovation and job creation

KwaZulu-Natal is emerging as a dynamic regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, with its four public universities demonstrating that collaboration, rather than competition, can drive unprecedented innovation and student success. 

At the EDHE-Absa Innovation Challenge launch event hosted from the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) on 25 June, Economic Activation Officers from MUT, the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), revealed how their distinct approaches are creating an inclusive support network for student entrepreneurs across the province.

The collective outcome is impressive: hundreds of student businesses generating millions in turnover, international recognition, and a growing reputation that is attracting national attention and investment. More importantly, these institutions are demonstrating the potential in historically disadvantaged universities to lead change when equipped with vision, resources, and a collaborative spirit.

The university’s success stories include Andile Mkhize, who ascended to the Entrepreneurship InterVarsity finals in 2024. Although he did not win the prize, his exposure led to him being identified by the SAB Foundation for their mentorship programme and subsequent R220,000 Nedbank funding, demonstrating how participation can create opportunities beyond immediate competition results.

MUT’s emphasis on alumni engagement creates a sustainable ecosystem. Their partnership with the Front of House organisation provides ongoing audio and sound engineering training, while the Champions Programme has trained 32 social entrepreneurs from various KZN districts and municipalities, including entertainer Ms Zinhle Madela, who performed at the launch.

DUT boasts a range of facilities across multiple locations: an AgriHUB for agricultural incubation producing tomatoes, green peppers, spinach, and mushrooms; a tech hub for technology-focused ventures; and multi-use innovation spaces. Their adopted schools’ programme extends impact to over 15,000 school learners across 30 schools in KZN, with successful student entrepreneurs mentoring younger learners.

The university’s international reach is particularly impressive, with incubated businesses launching operations in Cape Town, two in the United States, and one in Nigeria. Between July and August, DUT plans to visit these international ventures, demonstrating ongoing support for alumni entrepreneurs.

Notable success stories include Mr Luyanda Majozi of Enigmatic Cotton, who has become deeply involved with USAf activities and won multiple awards including runner-up at the National Presidential SMME Awards 2024, and Mr Korora Maronga of MK24ArtsStudio, who recently won the Municipality of Cape Town Award for Young Business of the Year.

UKZN’s high-level innovations include an AI-powered chatbot addressing legal complexities in African health research, a high-tech rocket developed by their aerospace division, and next-generation solar manufacturing projects. These research-led innovations provide students with exposure to cutting-edge technology while demonstrating commercial potential.

The university’s academic pipeline allows students to pursue entrepreneurship from first-year undergraduate studies, through to PhD level. “You do not need a PhD in entrepreneurship to be innovative,” Professor van der Westhuizen asserted. “If you plan your research trajectory right, you can take your business idea and develop it into an innovation where you can bring that contribution.”

UKZN’s success in competitions is notable, with Ms Ayavuya Sibisi winning the Existing Business: General category award at the 2024 EDHE InterVarsity competition. Programmes include InQubate for comprehensive student entrepreneurship support, SWEEP chapters launched at Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg campuses and partnerships formed with the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs for seven-month development programmes funded by the provincial government.

The university’s unique contribution lies in leveraging indigenous knowledge, particularly plants from northern KwaZulu-Natal. Working with the departments of Consumer Sciences and Botany, they are developing products from traditional plants and creating Zulu herbs for various health applications.

“We are using indigenous plants which are freely available to us, to generate business,” Vezi-Magigaba explained, highlighting how traditional knowledge can create modern business opportunities.

UNIZULU’s international connections include a partnership with Appalachian State University in North Carolina, funded by the United States Embassy. Six students visited America to study entrepreneurship approaches, while American partners visited UNIZULU to understand South African methods. The university also benefits from Absa’s existing support as a platinum sponsor for their Mbali International Conference.

What distinguishes KwaZulu-Natal’s approach is the evident collaboration rather than competition between universities. As Professor van der Westhuizen noted, UKZN has been “walking the winning EDHE route since 2016,” winning the DVC of the Year Award in 2021 and producing three chairpersons of various EDHE communities of practice.

This collaborative spirit manifests in shared programmes, joint initiatives, and mutual support. DUT’s Ngcobo thanked all partners and expressed eagerness to “work closer with MUT.” UNIZULU’s Vezi-Magigaba invited other universities to participate in their regional competition, noting they’ve received participants from DUT and UKZN but hoping to include MUT in future events.

The universities share best practices, with MUT’s SWEEP Friday adopting concepts from Enactus Friday events and multiple institutions participating in province-wide initiatives, such as the KZN Social Economy Development Programme.

The KZN provincial government’s role as a funding partner for several initiatives demonstrates institutional support for the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Corporate partnerships extend beyond Absa to include Nedbank’s financial literacy programmes in schools, greenhouse project funding and Standard Bank’s support for Economic Activation Officer positions.

This multi-stakeholder approach helps to stretch university resources, with DUT alone securing partnerships for their Adopt-a-School programme, reaching 30 schools across KZN.

Notwithstanding these achievements, challenges remain. UKZN’s Ms Khoza identified “a disconnect between research-led innovation and academic entrepreneurship” as a key challenge, with plans to address this through leadership development and curriculum integration in 2025.

UNIZULU’s Vezi-Magigaba noted that only three of their four faculties actively participate in entrepreneurship activities, with ongoing efforts to engage the education faculty. The Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law leads entrepreneurship curriculum integration university-wide.

KwaZulu-Natal’s emerging model of diverse institutional strengths, creates an inclusive ecosystem that addresses multiple aspects of entrepreneurship development.

More importantly, these institutions are proving that South African universities can be engines of economic transformation when supported by visionary leadership, adequate resources, and collaborative partnerships. 

Tersia Gouws is a commissioned writer for Universities South Africa.