Page 11 - DUT Showcase Report 2023

DUT-NGODINI BUNDUZ ENTREPRENEURSHIP ADVANCEMENT PROJECT
Project Team: Tabisa Mnyande tabisa@dut.ac.za | Yachal du Plessis yachald@dut.ac.za | Nkululeko Zondi nkululekoz@dut.ac.za | Simphiwe Dube Nyane Mofokeng simphiwed@dut.ac.za | Diren Govender dhireng@dut.ac.za | Mthokozisi Luthuli mthokozisil1@ dut.ac.za | Bukelwa Mbinda bukelwam@dut.ac.za | Dr Pravin Mark Maistry pravinm@dut.ac.za | Itumeleng Maome | Thulile Ndlovu thulilen1@dut.ac.za | Sanele Mtshali | Zikho Qwatekana zikhoq@ dut.ac.za | Dr Ignatious Matimati ignatiousm@dut.ac.za
The DUT-Ngodini Bunduz Entrepreneurship Advancement Project is designed to foster community development by enhancing the skills and viability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in rural and semi-rural areas, thereby reducing urban migration. This multidisciplinary initiative, involving the Departments of Applied Management, Ecotourism, Entrepreneurial Studies and Management, and Horticulture, engaged 26 SMEs and 96 postgraduate students. The project followed a phased approach: starting with a community engagement and needs analysis, progressing to the development of business proposals, and culminating in a comprehensive capacity development workshop. It embodies ENVISION2030’s principles by integrating engaged research, teaching, and learning with practical, community-focused solutions, thus promoting sustainable local entrepreneurship and student employability.
IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The project’s impact has established a lasting collaboration between the Ngodini community, our partners, and the university. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach with a focus on entrepreneurship and project-based learning, the initiative has ensured sustainable community impact through skills development. This model not only supports ongoing SME growth but also opens avenues for its implementation in both public and private sectors. Additionally, the project’s capacity-building efforts empower SMEs to thrive independently, while university staff will provide rotational leadership to further support the community’s development.
Faculty: Management Sciences
Department: Applied Management, Department of Ecotourism, Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management and Department of Horticulture
Project Leaders: Yachal du Plessis and Thulile Ndlovu Email: yachald@dut.ac.za;
Mobile: 082 267 6613