By: Keaoleboga Motshabi

Students turned the campus lawn into a trading ground of ideas and innovation. The North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus Student Campus Council (SCC) hosted a Market Day near the Great Hall on 26 July 2025. The event brought together student entrepreneurs and the broader campus community through a mix of stalls, e-games and live entertainment.

Students who had applied and submitted the required documents were given space to sell their products and promote their brands. The initiative also aimed to raise funds for future SCC projects through stall rental fees.

“Market Day proved that student ideas are not small; they just need a place to grow. Let us not wait for the opportunity when we can build it from the ground up,” said Rejoice Letsoalo, the SCC Fundraising and RAG officer for 2024/2025.

Participants and attendees interacted across the different stalls, while music and digital games created an engaging atmosphere. A notable presence was Mr Sello Motlhabane from Protection Services, who joined students in dancing and enjoying the day’s programme.

“The setup allowed us to reach more people and test our business in a real environment,” said one of the student stallholders.

The SCC is planning more initiatives to support campus entrepreneurship. “We are exploring partnerships with external stakeholders for funding and training,” Letsoalo added.

There have been requests to host the Market Day more frequently, with suggestions to hold it monthly or on Fridays. The incoming SCC Fundraising and RAG officer is expected to continue the project.

The event met its objectives by promoting student entrepreneurship, fostering campus engagement and providing a practical platform for student-led business activity.

NWU students showcase entrepreneurial spirit at Market Day.