DUT launches entrepreneurial centre

DURBAN University of Technology launched a Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (CSE) last week.

The centre will help people in developing innovative social enterprises that will add value to both local and rural communities in order to address social challenges such as unemployment and inequality.

The launch was attended by Hon Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Small Business Development (DSBD) and other dignitaries included members of the national and provincial government, industry and communities.

The CSE was initiated in July 2015 through a partnership involving the DSBD. The centre is located under the Engagements Portfolio in the DUT Vice-Chancellor’s office. The centre aims to develop social entrepreneurship within the community through mentorship and other innovative strategies and develop social entrepreneurship at the university through the development of learning strategies, partnerships and mentorship.

Since the initiation of the CSE in July this year, the two main areas of development have been enterprises in the footwear and leather sector and the clothing manufacturing sector. Working with the Department of Trade and Industry (Footwear and Leather Directorate), three hubs are being created, namely, Labora Shoes in Shallcross, Durban, Dick Whittington Shoes in Pietermaritzburg and Umfolozi TVET College in Richards Bay.

Through these three hubs, informal small businesses will be supported to and mentored to create employment in the communities and expand the sector. Within the clothing manufacturing sector, a partnership has been established with First Black Rand, a cluster of SMMEs and co-operatives to develop training and clothing manufacturing enterprises in townships and rural areas.

The centre has begun engaging with Enactus, a student voluntary body at DUT, to provide support and mentorship for students at the university who want to start their own enterprises. The centre will be accessible to staff, students and external stakeholders.