Social entrepreneurs excel in finals of Inspiring Impact Challenge
The University of Kwazulunatal (UKZN) recently hosted the Finals of the 2023 UKZN Inspiring Impact Challenge, an annual competition showcasing social impact initiatives by UKZN students, staff and alumni. These social entrepreneurs are tackling some of society’s biggest challenges.
Fourteen out of 220 entrants made the final cut of contestants, who battled it out with a lightning round of elevator pitch presentations on each of their social enterprises, all of which were aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). The finalists competed in four categories — Undergraduate Students; Postgraduate Students; Staff; and Alumni — and are experts in their various disciplines.
Implementing partner and Managing Director of enterprise development agency Kulisha Consulting, Kwazini Zulu, said the judges were blown away by the calibre of changemakers: “There was a lot of excitement in the air. The contestants were nervous, and the judges spent a considerable amount of time deliberating on the results.”
Winners were awarded prize money of up to R20 000 each as well as business mentorship opportunities, made possible by partner organisations Standard Bank, Mail & Guardian, Cloud Therapist, UKZN Student Governance and Leadership
Development (SGLD), and The Social Enterprise Academy.
Standard Bank KZN Relations Manager Mduduzi Zenda congratulated the contestants: “You were all very composed and clear and your ideas were innovative. We [the judges] feel it will go a long way in helping the community and ensuring sustainability.”
First prize winner in the Alumni category, Dr Nombuso Khumalo, was one of the most impactful entrants with her Nonprofit
Organisation (NPO), Mina Thina Children’s Foundation, which facilitates donor funding for learners at schools in the rural areas of Kwazulu-natal. Khumalo is working with the United Nations, World Food Forum and Mercedes Benz bevisioneers to expand her vision.
First prize winner in the Staff category, Debbie Mari, spoke of her vision to secure long-term funding to sustain the longevity and success of the Ukusa Arts Programme, a music education and music-making organisation that addresses three of the UN SDGS, one of which is gender equality. Mari is passionate about encouraging women to participate and excel in the music industry. One of the programme’s flagship projects is Womuzo, which provides amateur women musicians with mentorship.
The youngest winner was 20-year-old Sabelo Mkhize, who took first prize in the Undergraduate Students category for his latest endeavour, Dear Youth of South Africa (DYSA), a social enterprise dedicated to empowering the youth with skills for job creation. DYSA’S flagship projects include its Matric Rescue Campaign, Financial Education for Learners, and a Mental Health Awareness Campaign.
UKZN Executive Director: Corporate Relations Normah Zondo said: “There were so many incredible entries this year, you must all be proud of yourselves for getting to the final stage of this competition and for giving back to your communities.”
Lindelani Zuma took first-prize in the Postgraduate Student’s category and received the Most Inspiring Award. Dr Simon Taylor, Motathi Ntsoane and Dr Justin Pringle received awards in the special categories of High Impact, Most Innovative and Potential for Growth respectively.