By Ncaba Ntshakala
The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Luyengo Campus was crowned the 2024 ENACTUS National Champions, securing a grand prize of E10,000.
This triumph also grants the team the honour of representing Eswatini on the global stage at the 2024 ENACTUS World Cup in Kazakhstan, where they will compete against 33 other nations this October.
The event was held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha and the national competition was said to showcase the innovative spirit of young Eswatini entrepreneurs, with 12 teams vying for the big title.
The final showdown saw four teams advance, each presenting varying solutions to pressing global challenges through the lens of social entrepreneurship.
UNESWA Luyengo Campus stole the judges’ hearts with their pioneering project, which transforms ground chicken feathers into fertilizer and animal feed.
This innovative solution not only tackles waste management but also contributes to agricultural productivity, addressing critical environmental and economic issues.
The 1st runner-up, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, walked away with E5,000 for their eco-friendly initiative that recycles plastic bags into durable floor tiles.
Their project, which emphasizes sustainability and creative problem-solving, was a standout in the competition.
The 2nd runner-up, Southern African Nazarene University (SANU) Faculty of Health Sciences, earned E2,500 for their project on producing aloe vera juice.
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Their focus on harnessing local resources to create a health-conscious product demonstrated both practicality and potential for boosting local economic development.
The championship ceremony was graced by several high-profile attendees, including the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, alongside ENACTUS Board Members, sponsors, industry leaders, senior government officials, and the ENACTUS Executive Team.
In addition to the main awards, the MTN Foundation Eswatini presented all participating teams with a total of E36,000 to support their continued efforts in social entrepreneurship.
Significant sponsorships from Nedbank and the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) also contributed to the success of the event.
Other notable awards included the Most Improved Team, which went to Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, and the Alumni of the Year award, received by Ngwane Teachers College.
The Good Shepherd Catholic College of Health Sciences was recognized as the Nedbank Institution of the Year, and their Faculty Advisor, Bahlezi Ginindza, was honored as Faculty Advisor of the Year.
Additionally, the Nedbank Start-Up of the Year was awarded to Lusanda Nxumalo of Khaloured Stitches from Ngwane College, and Mcebisi Motsa of Good Shepherd was named CEO of the Year.
