The University has taken a giant step towards encouraging more students to take up entrepreneurship as a must for their future survival and job creation. On 7 May 2024, the University launched the MUT BRICS Student Commission. The launch was attended by students from all faculties, a fact that was appreciated by Ntombifuthi Mthembu, Entrepreneurship Coordinator and a Lecturer in the Department of Human Resources. The President of the Commission, Lindokuhle Zulu, said the BRICS Student Commission is a global initiative that aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students across the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Zulu, the Deputy President of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) and a Marketing Postgraduate student said the Commission provides a platform for students to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, share best practices, and leverage the collective strengths of the BRICS economies.
Zulu said the vision of the BRICS Student Commission “is to empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, by creating a dynamic network of student communities across the BRICS countries. The commission seeks to inspire students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, embrace international cooperation, and develop skills that are crucial for success in the global marketplace”.
According to Zulu, the mission of the Commission is to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and best practices among students from MUT; and promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development of future-ready skills among the student community. The Commission also aims to establish collaborative projects and research initiatives that leverage the diverse expertise and resources available within the BRICS network, and to provide access to mentorship, funding, and other support mechanisms to help students turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality.
In his presentation to MUT students during the launch of the Commission, Simphiwe Goniwe, a graduate of the University and an entrepreneur, explained what BRICS is, and how the MUT students who aspire to have businesses could benefit from first knowing what BRICS is – mainly an economic block that seeks to create development opportunities for its members – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. According to Goniwe, BRICS promotes economic growth by “encouraging innovation through entrepreneurship and international cooperation, through a plethora of opportunities”.
Officer bearers in the Commission are: Deputy President, Romeo Sewapa; Spokesperson, Lulama Dlamini; Secretary General, Bonakele Mthethwa; Deputy Secretary General, Simlindile Cele; Financial Officer, Mandisa Mnyende;
Peace and Human Rights Officer, Fezile Masikane; Marketing Officer, Nomfundo Jele.