CEI Director, Abe OliverThe event was a testament to the hard work and commitment of the fellows who are poised to make a positive impact on their communities.
UWC’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) has been running the programme with ABSA's generous support since 2016. Now, the partnership involves supporting the fellows in terms of business readiness, financial tools and continued support beyond the programme.
“The programme has had a transformative impact on the fellows, not just for their businesses but also personally and within their surrounding communities. It has improved their business acumen, strategic decision-making abilities, and problem-solving skills, as evidenced by the example of one fellow resolving an HR issue that could have escalated to the CCMA,” said Abe Oliver, Director of the CEI.
“The programme has helped fellows become more proactive in marketing and sales, leading to increased visibility, exposure, and networking opportunities, as demonstrated by one fellow attending workshops and being selected as a semifinalist in a recent entrepreneurial competition.”
During the ceremony, Oliver’s speech set the tone for the event. He highlighted the importance of leadership and mentorship in fostering entrepreneurial success and reminded the audience of the vital role that support systems play in an entrepreneur's journey.
During the reflection session, fellows Pangalela Madala and Sizeka Dyantyi provided personal insights into their experiences during the programme, including stories of growth, challenges and triumphs. This offered a glimpse into the transformative power of the ABSA Fellows Leadership and Mentoring Programme.
In her address, Chantell Mohamed, ABSA programme partner, underscored the collaborative effort required to nurture entrepreneurial talent and the positive ripple effects such initiatives have on broader society. She acknowledged the collective effort behind the fellows’ success.
Bonisile Magewu, who represented ABSA, presented the certificates to the fellows in a moment that symbolised the culmination of months of hard work and dedication.
“The programme provided a solid foundation for the entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses and achieve their dreams. Collaboration and partnerships are crucial for business growth and expansion. Therefore, the platform created a sense of community and support, breaking the loneliness often experienced by entrepreneurs,” said Oliver.
The CEI aims to offer continuous support and new opportunities. For example, it has already scheduled a workshop on AI for beginners in February 2025.
