The School of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) launched the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Research (CEDAR) on 1 December 2022 at the SPU South Campus.
CEDAR will create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem intended to contribute positively to the Northern Cape economy by focusing on three objectives: pedagogy, entrepreneurship development and research. Through its establishment, CEDAR seeks to improve the academic experience of students and ultimately the standard of living in communities.
Speaking at the launch, Prof Pierre Joubert, Head of the School of EMS, said the centre has its work cut out to change the lives of the marginalized and that the centre is aware of the need in society reflecting on the gross unemployment and poverty statistics in the province. “Teaching can take place on the streets as social justice is a pillar of the university and we are a university embedded in the community,” said Prof Joubert. The aim of CEDAR is to blend theory and practice to create knowledge, improve understanding and challenge critical thinking in entrepreneurship and enterprise management. Prof Joubert challenged the centre to not be a self-serving entity but to conduct research that matters and that improves the life of our people.
Prof Andrew Crouch, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of SPU, delivered the keynote address where he highlighted that entrepreneurship is a driver of economic development and job creation among the youth. “This centre will ensure that skills are transferred to people to have the desire to start businesses,” said Prof Crouch. He further spoke of how this centre will work closely with the recently launched SPU Centre for Continuous Professional Development (CCPD), to equip and advance communities with concepts and knowledge about entrepreneurship and innovation through short programmes offered by the CCPD on enterprise development.
Acting Director of CEDAR, Prof Ricardo Peters, provided in-depth insight into the South African entrepreneurial ecosystem and the harsh reality of unemployment amongst the youth, and how the centre will assist in bridging the unemployment gap. He also emphasised that the overall vision for this centre is to blend practices and theories to support small businesses. A brief overview of student entrepreneurial activities and how they are aligned to the vision of CEDAR was presented by Mr Chad Lucas, Economic Activation Officer in the School of EMS.
Prof Thami Mazwai from Mtiya Dynamics appealed to CEDAR to take stock of the initiatives in the Northern Cape and stressed the importance of CEDAR to implement innovative interventions and cultivate the township and informal settlements, saying: “The launch of the centre could not have come sooner, I have no doubt CEDAR will make a contribution in this community.”
Mr Daryll Christians, Chief Director at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism delivered his message of support and affirmed their support for CEDAR: “Today we launch the tree of life, an income generator and employment opportunity for the people of the province.”
SPU has established itself as a 21st-century, engaged university that impacts socio-economic development and social justice in the region and province. This is achieved through entrepreneurship and innovation, two key pillars of SPU’s five-year strategic vision and objectives as a key stakeholder in building the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
