The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Student Women Economic Empowerment (SWEEP) Chapter, led by Coordinator Dr Gail Motlhaudi-Banda and Mr Chad Lucas, accompanied by its Student Executive Committee (Ms Zanele Matole, Ms Shu-Rayda Engelbrecht, Ms Onaka Mshuqwana, Ms Neo Tapala, Ms Phethile Gonondo, Ms Abulele Qabo and Ms Ntebogeng Mabula), participated in the SWEEP National Workshop, held from 13–15 July 2026. The three-day workshop brought together SWEEP Chapters from universities across South Africa to strengthen entrepreneurship education, foster collaboration, and share best practices in developing entrepreneurial mindsets among students. Hosted under the auspices of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE), Universities South Africa (USAf), with support from the British Council and TransformHER, the programme featured keynote addresses, masterclasses, Living Lab activities, academic forums, and practical skills workshops facilitated by leading academics, entrepreneurship practitioners, and industry partners. Sessions focused on entrepreneurial leadership, enterprise development, innovation, resilience, communication, financial literacy, sustainability, and value-based planning, while providing valuable networking opportunities for both coordinators and student leaders.
The workshop reaffirmed the critical role of higher education institutions in cultivating entrepreneurial graduates who are equipped to create sustainable economic opportunities within their communities. For the SPU delegation, the experience provided new insights, strengthened partnerships with peer institutions, and generated practical strategies that will be integrated into the activities of the SPU SWEEP Chapter. Participation in the national workshop reflects the University’s ongoing commitment, through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Research (CEDAR), to advancing entrepreneurship education and empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and innovation-driven economy. The SPU SWEEP Chapter looks forward to implementing the lessons learned and continuing to contribute to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem both on campus and across the Northern Cape.
