In a significant achievement, seven students from Sol Plaatje University (SPU) will proudly represent their institution at the coveted ENACTUSZA World Cup National Round on 19 July 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The team comprises of President Ms Lethabo Mmuiemang, Project Manager and Acting Deputy President Mr Thato Saul, Treasurer Ms Ntombazana Phethuka, Secretary Ms Oratamang van Neck, Marketing and Communication Officer Mr Kabelo Steenkamp, and members Ms Emihle Sopazi and Mr Sello Louw will vie for the chance to represent South Africa at the ENACTUS World Cup Finals in the Netherlands this October. The team is led by Faculty Advisor Mr Chad Lucas; and supported by Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship Development And Research (CEDAR) Prof Ricardo Peters, Head of School for EMS Prof Pierre Joubert, and Dean of Student Affairs Ms Nicole Morris.
The students are developing a water filtration system, christened Aqua Solutions South Africa (ASSA), to address the pressing water cleanliness issues faced in Kimberley, Northern Cape, and across South Africa. The enterprise aims to offer affordable solutions for safe drinking water, focusing on some of the most marginalised communities.
Remarkably, SPU has become the first university in South Africa to reach the National Stage of the ENACTUS World Cup within less than a year of joining ENACTUSZA. This breakthrough follows the signing of an MOU between SPU and ENACTUSZA in 2022, which saw SPU become part of the competing university teams in ENACTUSZA’s initiative. ENACTUS focuses on utilising business and entrepreneurial skills to create positive social and environmental impacts, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As Team SPU heads to this prestigious competition, we send them all our support and well-wishes. Their innovative contribution is not just a triumph for SPU, but for all South Africans looking towards a future with cleaner, safer drinking water.
