Innovative Ideas Initiative: GRIT breeds success

Gallery Video

GEORGE NEWS - On Thursday 15 August the Garden Route Innovation and Technology (GRIT) Hub hosted their monthly entrepreneurship event.

This women's month, the event was hosted in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University’s George-based organisations, Dialogue@Mandela and the Student Women Economic Empowerment Project (Sweep), to encourage entrepreneurship within the University.

Focused on, but not limited to women, the event created an open platform for discussions around entrepreneurship, the challenges faced by women within this space, and the collective role society plays in addressing this.

This monthly event is part of the Innovative Ideas Initiative led by the GRIT Hub, which aims to spark entrepreneurship and innovation among students.

SWEEP Society executives:
From left to right: Nelisiwe Sishange, Michell Kekana, Thembeka Xaba

The stellar line-up of speakers included young entrepreneur Nelisiwe Sishange, chairperson of Sweep in George; Amanda Moni, a master’s degree candidate and accounting lecturer; Valine Manies, founder and CEO of FeminineGoddess; Nomzamo Entile, a key player in local tourism who blends business, heritage, and travel to craft unique experiences in the Garden Route; Nikki du Toit, influential media personality and entrepreneur of LekkerinGeorge; and Malaka Grant, award-winning podcaster and author who has co-founded international media platforms that foster open discussions on sensuality and empowerment.

Speakers from top left to right: Amanda Moni | Malaka Grant | Nikki du Toit | Nomzamo Entile| Nelisiwe Sishange | Valine Manies The speakers touched on a number of topics from navigating imposter syndrome as a woman in a male-dominated space, to the crucial importance of adaptability. The importance of starting early was a recurring theme, and in spite of ever-increasing economic pressures, the many unique opportunities available to young people today.

Dialogue@Mandela Executives
Naledi Mokgopo and Luyanda Xhamfu

A highlight of the initiative is an entrepreneurship competition, with up to R20 000 as well as a 12-week entrepreneurship course and mentorship up for grabs.

The Grit Hub provides essential workforce training, apprenticeships, tools, and mentorship opportunities to individuals, small businesses and start-ups in the Garden Route area.

With a combination of grit and determination, success is within reach.

Visit our gallery for more photos from the event.

Udy Obi - GRIT Hub Associate and Co-organiser of the event