Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, emerging as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurship at the 2024 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Awards. With an exceptional haul of four prestigious awards, SMU solidified its reputation as a leader in cultivating entrepreneurial talent and innovation in the South African higher education sector.
SMU crowned Entrepreneurial University of the Year at 2024 EDHE Awards
These accolades highlight SMU’s unwavering commitment to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers students and staff to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions, significantly contributing to South Africa’s economic development.
At the forefront of these achievements, SMU was named “Entrepreneurial University of the Year”, a prestigious institutional honour. Additionally, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Research), was celebrated as EDHE DVC of the Year, recognising her pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation within the university. These accomplishments align seamlessly with SMU’s strategic objectives to cultivate a robust technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The university’s approach is anchored by several key initiatives: the Technology Transfer Office, which facilitates the identification, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property; the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubators, which supports business incubation, nurturing potential entrepreneurs, hosting new venture competitions, and fostering mentor networks and industry collaborations; and SMU Enterprise and Innovation Centre which bridges the gap between academic innovation and community-focused solutions.
Professor Mapaseka Seheri, Director for Research and Innovation, emphasised that these initiatives collectively enhance SMU’s ability to address societal challenges while driving economic transformation and growth.
Adding to the celebration, student entrepreneur Emmanuel Mukisa Kiyonga received dual honours as Best Research-Based Business and Overall Student Entrepreneur of the Year. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of SMU’s efforts to integrate entrepreneurial learning into its academic framework. Under the mentorship of Dr Bwalya Witika and Dr Madan Poka, Kiyonga has developed innovative, research-driven solutions with significant societal and economic impact.
Further highlighting the university’s collective excellence, Naledi Mathole, Coordinator for the EDHE Programme, Student Women Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), and Economic Activation Office (EAO), earned special recognition for her instrumental role in advancing entrepreneurship at SMU. This historic victory cements SMU’s position as a trailblazer in entrepreneurial education and inspires its community to continue driving innovation and economic growth on a national scale. “This year’s awards represent a historic moment for SMU,” remarks an overjoyed Mathole. “Each award reflects the collaborative dedication of our students, staff, and leadership to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic responsiveness.”
Matsha-Erasmus emphasised the broader significance of the achievement. “This accomplishment is about more than trophies—it’s about creating opportunities for our students to make meaningful contributions to society and the economy.” The EDHE Awards recognise and celebrate the entrepreneurial talents of students from South Africa’s 26 public universities, offering a platform to showcase ideas and ventures to investors, mentors, and industry leaders.
The announcement of SMU’s resounding success sparked celebrations across the campus. Students, staff, and alumni expressed immense pride in the university’s strides in entrepreneurship development.
“The energy was incredible; it felt like a victory for everyone,” says Mathole. “This achievement shows that SMU is truly stepping up as an innovation and entrepreneurship development leader.” She adds: “We stood among giants, yet we proved that our innovation, passion, and dedication to entrepreneurship could compete at the highest levels.”
SMU’s success at the EDHE Awards is underpinned by its comprehensive entrepreneurship initiatives, which foster innovation and prepare students to excel in the business world:
- The Centre for Entrepreneurship, which organises flagship programs such as the Hult Prize, Wadhwani Programme, and Mashauri Programme.
- The Economic Activation Office (EAO) is an epicentre connecting entrepreneurship-related entities and activities, including coordinating EDHE initiatives.
- ENACTUS SMU and competitive events like the Tshwane Innovation Challenge and hackathons.
- Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which won the SARIMA Regional Excellence Award 2024 for Organisational Growth in Innovation Management. This regional award recognises administrative support put in place for the identification and protection of intellectual property and commercialisation efforts
These programmes provide students with opportunities to address real-world challenges, develop entrepreneurial skills, and turn their ideas into impactful ventures.
As a health sciences university, SMU faced the challenge of integrating entrepreneurship into its institutional identity. However, this focus has become a unique strength, enabling SMU to carve a distinctive niche in South Africa’s higher education sector.
“Our focus is on equipping students with tools to be problem solvers and economic contributors,” says Mathole. “Entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses; it’s about cultivating innovation, resilience, and creativity in all aspects of life.”
Leadership has played a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges. Initiatives like the Economic Activation Office, the integration of entrepreneurship into curricula, and the creation of Communities of Practice (CoPs) have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at SMU.
Looking ahead, SMU plans to expand its entrepreneurial initiatives, forge stronger partnerships with industry and academia, and deepen its commitment to fostering innovation.
“This recognition is just the beginning. We aim to remain at the forefront of entrepreneurship development in higher education,” explains Mathole.
The 2024 EDHE Awards mark a transformative chapter in SMU’s journey. With entrepreneurship and innovation now integral to its identity, the university is poised to lead South Africa’s higher education sector into an era of economic growth and social impact.
*By Tumelo Moila
