VUT Science Park celebrates Mandela Day with young entrepreneurs
VUT Science Park celebrates Mandela Day with young entrepreneurs
People from the community enquiring about offered services at VUT and VUT Science Park.
Selina Rapulane
On 18 July, what did you do to make the world a better place?
The Vaal University of Technology Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park (VUT SGSTP) visted Rekaofela Youth Development Centre in Sebokeng Zone 13 as part of celebrating Tata Madiba’s vision of a better future. The gesture was motivated by the existing partnership between the Centre and VUT SGSTP. The Centre has been assisting the VUT SGSTP with the identification of students who qualifies to enrol for the VUT-Sasol Entrepreneurship Programme facilitated by the VUT SGSTP over the number of years.
The VUT-Sasol Entrepreneurship Programme provides young, aspiring entrepreneurs with exceptional support and training (academic and practical) in making their dreams a reality. The programme is aimed at assisting individuals who have a passion to start and grow a business as well as advance and enhance their entrepreneurship skills, to learn about entrepreneurship and start new ventures. The Rekaofela Centre has made it possible for VUT Science Park to tell a good story every year regarding the success of the programme and its contribution to the community.
The day was inspired by one of Tata Mandela’s famous quotes: “It all seems impossible until it is done”. It was filled with information sharing for the youth and how they can make a significant contribution to their community’s wealth and welfare.
Mr Zacharia Moalahi: HOD FABLAB kicked off the programme with a presentations on Idea2Product (I2P) lab and FABLAB programmes, followed by Mr Bongani Ncube from Sky Vintage on electronic waste. He taught the community about responsible ways to dispose of waste, as the effects can lead to adverse human health effects and environmental pollution.
Ms Sylvia Rathebe: VUT/Sasol Entrepreneurship Programme Coordinator, took the opportunity to inform the community about the VUT/Sasol Entrepreneurship Programme and Mr Thebe Moagi from Ekasi Lab also shared information on entrepreneurial workshops.
To motivate the youth further to make use of the opportunities presented to them, Mr Lebohang Nyandeni: VUT/Sasol Programme Alumnus shared his experience in the programme and how he has benefitted from it. “The youth of today is the future of tomorrow. As information is key and power, the youth needs to empower themselves with programmes that will benefit them and their community,” he said.
The event was also attended by representatives from Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Tshepo 1million. At the end of the programme, people were given an opportunity to socialise and attend the exhibition area where VUT Science Park and Tshepo 1million exhibited. VUT Science Park showcased 3D printing information and all the information that is required for a student to enrol at VUT.
Closing remarks were given by Ms Thabile Quqani: Programme Facilitator from Rekaofela Youth Development Centre. She expressed their appreciation for the visit and the support they enjoy through the VUT SGSTP.