Inspiring an entrepreneurial mindset and inculcating a culture of entrepreneurship is widely considered to be part of the solution for addressing the high rate of unemployment amongst South Africa’s youth.

In the spirit of this conviction and buoyed by the overwhelming response to the inaugural Student Entrepreneurship Week (SEW2017), The Entrepreneurial Wayz (TEWZ), a division of WITS Commercial Enterprise and the Division of Student Affairs, is gearing up for this year’s edition.

SEW2018 takes place from 30 July to 3 August 2018, with a super charged lineup of talks, student business clinics, master classes, interactive workshops, a pitching competition, displays, a market and more. SEW2018 is part of a nationwide initiative of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to increase the focus on entrepreneurial skills and encourage the youth to explore entrepreneurship rather than relying on formal employment. Similar events will be taking place at universities across the country.

“SEW2018 aims to bring home the concept of entrepreneurship in a dynamic and unintimidating setting. We want to open students’ eyes and imaginations to the vast array of opportunities that are available to young people for starting their own businesses, and forge their own way in the economy.

“We have an inspiring lineup of speakers, including established entrepreneurs and representatives from big business. They will tackle a host of topics from funding small businesses and generating an income, to entrepreneurial skills development and nurturing a positive, entrepreneurial mindset, amongst others. We hope to see everyone who has ever dreamed of having their own business, as well as those who have yet to be persuaded, at SEW2018.

The week’s programme will leave you inspired,” says Chimene Chetty, Director of TEWZ at WITS Commercial Enterprise. What makes this years’ programme stand out is that it has major representation from young business people who relate with our university students; we have the likes of Sibu Mabena from the Duma Collective, well-known conference speaker speaking on trends and innovation we have Saint-Francis Tohlang and many more.

The theme for SEW2018 is Innovation, which is at the core of every thriving small business, and in the heart of every aspiring entrepreneur. Innovation goes beyond something new; a new method, idea or device. It is the translation of ideas into action; to create solutions to meet unarticulated needs or better solutions for addressing existing ones. Innovation can be seen in the products and services that people create. Innovation is also seen in the way in which they are delivered, and how people conduct their business.

There will be several presentations around the theme of innovation, focusing on business ideas and new trends that are making waves now; simple solutions that have been built into successful start-ups; national initiatives and agencies that support innovation.

SEW2018 workshops, talks and activities will take place in the WITS Tshimologong Precinct,  the Wits Library Lawns and the Grand Science Stadium. Sessions start from 12h00 daily, from 30 July 2018 until 3 August 2018. SEW2018 is free to attend by WITS students. However, students must register for the sessions they would like to attend. Register online at www.sew2018.co.za

For more information on the Wits Student Entrepreneurship week please contact Sindiswa Nambondia on 011 717 4174or sindiswa.nambondia@wits.ac.za.  Follow on Twitter: @CommercialWits