Unisa hosts in-person entrepreneurship training in Ekurhuleni

Unisa, in collaboration with the College of Economic and Management Sciences, the College of Law, and the Ekurhuleni Regional Office, hosted a successful one-day In-person Entrepreneurship Training session on 14 May 2025 at the Unisa Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre in Daveyton.

The primary objective of the session was to equip members of the Daveyton community and surrounding areas with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and practical skills. The training was specifically tailored to address the foundational and developmental needs of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), as well as non-profit organisations (NPOs) and aspiring young entrepreneurs.

The session was divided into two main components. The first segment focused on foundational entrepreneurship topics, including the processes for registering a business or NPO, SARS business registration, and obtaining both business and personal insurance. The second segment, concentrated on enhancing operational efficiency and productivity within manufacturing and service-based SMMEs using work study tools.

Facilitators included Kabelo De Jenga, Lecturer in Finance and Risk Management, Dr Boysana Mbonyane, Senior Lecturer in Operations Management, and Professor Barnes Sookdeo, also a Senior Lecturer in Operations Management. The content and presentation methods were thoughtfully adapted to meet the linguistic and business activity context of the participants.

The event attracted 172 attendees from various areas within the Ekurhuleni Municipality. Many participants were active SMME operators, while others were NPO representatives and young individuals seeking guidance on establishing future enterprises.

Preliminary training assessments revealed that participants gained valuable knowledge and practical insights during the session. Feedback indicated high levels of satisfaction, with many attendees expressing confidence in applying the new skills within their respective business contexts.

Prof Barnes Sookdeo addressing the attendees

“This initiative has shown Unisa’s commitment to community development by equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools necessary for sustainable growth,” said one of the facilitators. “The training bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical business application, ultimately contributing to local economic empowerment.”

This was a once-off training session, yet its impact may inspire similar future initiatives, further supporting Unisa’s role in empowering communities through education and outreach.

* By Hlawulani Mbekwa and Nontobeko Qumbisa, Communication and Marketing Interns, Gauteng Region