City welcomes 4 000 students to Africa's first Enactus World Cup
16 October 2015
Loud, proud and colourful!
That was the excitement that reverberated through the Sandton Convention Centre on Wednesday night - the opening day of the 2015 Enactus World Cup.
In true South African style, the City of Johannesburg welcomed more than 4 000 local and international university students who will, over three days, compete for international entrepreneurship honours.
The vuvuzelas rang out and pantsula dancers enthralled the audience as Mzansi sounds welcomed participants from 34 universities across the world. The students will not only compete for the top prize in business innovation, but they will also collaborate on projects and network for future innovations.
An energetic 20-minute performance by African Footprint set the tone for the evening, followed by the parade of nations and later the live draw of the 34 teams taking part in the KPMG-sponsored gathering that seeks to promote entrepreneurship among the world’s innovative youth.
Enactus chairman Kees Kruythoff kicked off the proceedings by welcoming African Union Chairwoman Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma; City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Cllr Ruby Mathang; top Enactus and KPMG officials; as well as the participants in the first Enactus World Cup in Africa.
“We're very excited to be here. This is a unique networking opportunity for young people,” Kruysthoff said.
“Through entrepreneurship, businesses can be a positive influence or force in society, especially today.”
Kruyfthoff said the current generation of students had the opportunity to end poverty and the impact on climate change.
Dlamini-Zuma, who was the guest of honour, urged the students to take charge of their future because they were “powerful beyond measure”.
“Enactus is here to unlock that power beyond borders. You are here to share innovation and ideas that will transform lives of millions of marginalised citizens. This is about the people. Ultimately all of you are winners.”
She praised the students for showing the desire to help others through their innovative projects.
“Opportunities abound in Africa. There is optimism across the continent, with Africa having seven of the world’s fastest growing economies at 5.1% a year. Grassroots self-starters bring business ideas to life. Africa leads the world in women starting businesses.
Ghanainan, Nigerian and Zambian women entrepreneurs outnumber men in start-ups. In Zambia and Nigeria, 40.7% of start-ups are by women. These figures only confirm the central role of women in growing economies. It makes economic sense to empower women and youth because no country will prosper without them,” she said.
“We need more and more companies and governments to support women’s and youth innovations.”
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Councillor Ruby Mathang said he was impressed with Enactus's vision for the youth. He also praised the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth and encouraged them to exploit opportunities available.
“Joburg has not lost its shine [as the City of Gold]. It is a destination of choice for those who want to unleash the entrepreneur in them. Yes, the City faces challenges of inequality, poverty, unemployment, energy shortage and food insecurity but Enactus is the second wave of the gold rush with a greater impact on the world.
"Enactus is thinking beyond borders to tackle the challenges we face. this is your opportunity to change the world for the better,” MMC Mathang said.