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SWEEP: Where women entrepreneurs take the lead

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The Unisa Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) Youth Day event on 20 June 2025 was more than just a date on the calendar - it was the continuation of a movement. Held under the theme Rewriting Her Story: Student Women Leading SA’s Entrepreneurial Future, the event celebrated student women entrepreneurs who are boldly shaping South Africa’s economic landscape.

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Prof Raphael Mpofu


Embodying the SWEEP spirit

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof Raphael Mpofu, Interim CEO of Inhlanyelo Hub NPC, who reminded attendees that “Inhlanyelo Hub is more than a space - it’s a mindset. He described the Hub as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, supporting students, alumni, staff and communities through structured programmes and practical tools.

Through SWEEP, women students gain access to mentorship, industry exposure, funding pathways and leadership opportunities via a student-led EXCO committee. "The risks of unemployment, financial dependency, and economic exclusion are real," Mpofu noted. "But so is the power of women determined to change their future. These student entrepreneurs are not just starting businesses - they’re starting movements." In addition, Mpofu expressed appreciation for the support from Unisa, the Department of Higher Education and Training’s University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), Standard Bank, and USAf’s Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education programme, with special thanks to Dr Edwell Gumbo and Zana Boshoff for championing entrepreneurship in higher education.

The keynote address was delivered by Masana Mtileni, a Captain in the South African Police Service (SAPS), environmental scientist, drone pilot and founder of EcoVue Monitoring Solutions. She shared her inspiring journey into drone innovation, having earned both her Remote Pilot Certification and a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) endorsement through the Advanced Drone Diva Programme. "The Drone Diva Programme ensured that my dream of joining the aviation industry became a reality," she said. Reflecting on the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, she added, "I learned that true success isn’t avoiding failure - it’s about bouncing back stronger."

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Masana Mtileni

A powerful panel discussion followed, featuring Mathapelo Nobatana, Candidate Attorney at Oosthuizen Attorneys Inc.; Hlatso Makgatho, founder of Mmutlana Environmental Consultants; Zikhona Maye, founder of Konfidence* skincare products; and Sharon Esther Qamata, a dynamic entrepreneur crafting and selling Bokashi, seedlings, and macramé flower pot holders. These student and alumni entrepreneurs embody the SWEEP spirit. Each shared personal insights on building businesses, overcoming obstacles, and staying true to their vision. Their stories, especially the journey of building a standout skincare brand, resonated deeply with the audience.

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Amogelang Marengwa

Amogelang Marengwa, Programme and Learning Coordinator at Inhlanyelo Hub, introduced the Ide8tion programme. He encouraged participants to think critically before launching a venture: "Don’t just jump into business - start by understanding the problem you’re solving and who you’re solving it for," he advised.

Closing the event, Mpofu returned with a heartfelt note of thanks and vision: "None of this impact would be possible without the generous support of Unisa, the Department of Higher Education and Training, Standard Bank, and USAf’s EDHE Programme. I thank our Board, our staff, and above all, the women entrepreneurs here today. Your determination is the heartbeat of Inhlanyelo Hub."

As Inhlanyelo Hub continues to scale initiatives like Bosadi Artisans, Bosadi Fashion Design, Deep-Tech/Deep-Science, and the Capstone Train-the-Trainer programme, one thing is clear: the future of South Africa’s innovation economy is female - and it’s rising.

For more information on Inhlanyelo Hub and its programmes, visit https://inhlanyelohub.com/en/

* By Inhlanyelo Hub with input from ChatGPT

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Publish date: 2025/07/01

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