By: Zethu Gweva
An international non-governmental organization called Enactus is on a mission to empower people and improve their standard of living.
According to the Enactus University of Fort Hare President Pateka Sodiza, Enactus University of Fort Hare was launched in 2007 as Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Fort Hare following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
She added that from the 18th September 2007, SIFE International changed the name of the organization to Enactus. ENACTUS UFH is a branch of Enactus South Africa that operates under a Board of Directors.
“The international organization brings together students, academics and business leaders who are committed to using the power by faculty advisors and business experts. Participating students form teams on their campuses to create and implement community projects that empower people to improve their quality of life and standard of living, “said Sodiza.
The Enactus UFH has over 100 active members from both Alice and East London campuses.
Enactus Project Officer Aphiwe Maliwa drives to transform both the lives of the people it serves and in turn, the lives of students as they develop into more effective, values-driven leaders.
“Enactus exists in higher institutions of learning and Fort Hare University is one of those institutions,” said Maliwa.
Talking about her own experience with Enactus, Sodiza said being part of Enactus has broadened her perspective on life in so many ways, it has allowed me to be a leader while learning about business.
“Enactus has equipped me with different skills since the projects that are done specialize in different career fields. This organization has instilled leadership skills, communication skills, professionalism, networking, and many more,” said Sodiza.
When asked by BCM News how Enactus is different from other NGOs, Sodiza told that Enactus is about developing entrepreneurial and enterprising skills of students in a way that benefits their future career and community.
“Students from all subjects can take part and together they form their University teams which they run themselves to develop projects that are sustainable and have economic benefits for others. Projects that are aimed at improving the quality of life and standard of living of a target group by empowering them, “she said.
Sodiza added that Enactus South Africa hosts a National Business & Entrepreneurship Competition that showcases the entrepreneurial action the Enactus students took to change the lives of their communities.
“Corporate Business Leaders act as judges to review the team’s final reports and presentations on the community outreach projects the teams implemented and the impact they have achieved through the Enactus judging criterion and scoring process. Based on this, they choose the Enactus South Africa National Champion who then represents the country at the annual Enactus World Cup,” she said.