Page 32 - CSERI Annual Review eBook

DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
small businesses to enroll in the incubation programme and wish to acknowledge the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship for its efforts in ensuring the success of my business.”
Mr. Mpendulo Nzimande, director of Coastal Cluster remarked, “Last year in 2021, when I first joined the incubator, I was having trouble with practically everything and had no idea where to begin. But today, I can proudly say that my company, Coastal Cluster, is doing extremely well. I’ve learned a lot about marketing, business systems, and all the other business- related topics. Thank you CSE.”
SBenz Construction’s CEO, Mrs. Karen Esbend said, “I don’t even know where to start, but all I can say is that being a part of the CSE incubation has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for my business,”
Innobiz Manager, Ms. Nontokozo Ngcobo, also addressed the SMMEs. She said it’s exciting to hear about the entrepreneurs’ experiences and that this could only signify one thing: that DUT is heading in the right direction to achieve its DUT
ENVISION 2030. She requested that the entrepreneurs who had been awarded certificates serve as mentors for new SMMEs, especially young entrepreneurs.
The SMMEs that received certificates of completion collectively created 62 permanent jobs, sustained 101 jobs, and generated a total turnover of R19,965,191 within a period of 12 months.
Snelisiwe Hlongwane, marketing and communications officer for the Innobiz Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, offered the vote of thanks. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the group of 2021 for choosing the Centre, as well as to the partners and stakeholders who worked with the Centre to expand and develop these businesses. “Congratulations once again, this is just the beginning of anything you desire in your business.”
Pictured: DUT’s Innobiz Centre Manager, Ms. Nontokozo Ngcobo, Dr. Poppet Pillay, Mr. Solomon Nyamurima, Thobani Banda, Snelisiwe Hlongwane and the 2021 Incubation cohort.
30 CENTRE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENUESHIP RAPID INCUBATOR