As part of the flagship community engagement initiative of the North-West University (NWU), the bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) at the Vanderbijlpark Campus hosted 50 members of the Vaal United Business Forum (VUBF) for a transformative lecture on entrepreneurship.

Centred around the principles of asset-based community development (ABCD), the session was both practical and empowering – designed to equip local business leaders with tools to drive growth using resources they already possess.

This session forms part of an ongoing capacity-building programme by the bhive EDC to support the VUBF in its efforts to uplift the regional business sector. The initiative is underpinned by a memorandum of understanding between the NWU and the VUBF, formalising a partnership aimed at fostering inclusive economic development in the Vaal region.

The VUBF plays a pivotal role in the local economy and is an active participant in the community entrepreneurship ecosystem of the NWU. By investing in the development of its members – including young people, women and entrepreneurs living with disabilities – the NWU demonstrates its commitment to empowering the communities in which it is embedded.

The lecture brought together a diverse mix of VUBF members, including the executive committee, the Women’s Chapter and the Youth Chapter, to share in a learning experience that was both thought-provoking and action oriented.

A follow-up community event will focus specifically on VUBF members with disabilities – reflecting the dedication of the NWU to equity and inclusion within its entrepreneurship programmes.

“This lecture is part of a structured programme led by the bhive EDC to support the VUBF as one of our key community-based partners. Through models like ABCD, we are empowering communities to grow from within,” said Martin Manmohan, entrepreneurship ecosystem project manager at the NWU.

The bhive EDC – known for its practical entrepreneurship support, business incubation and training workshops – continues to offer a platform where academia meets real-world enterprise.

The success of the lecture was best captured in the reflections of participants.

“The lecture was amazing! Though I have been doing business for years, I learned things I have never thought about. It was a real eye-opener,” said Lizette van Lingen, CEO of Org Con Global and VUBF member.

Xolisile Nxumalo from the VUBF Youth Chapter said: “What I learned today, I am definitely going to incorporate into my business.”

“The programme was very helpful and informative. We hope we will get more of these. They are an eye-opener, and the information will be useful in my business,” added Gugu Monama, another passionate VUBF entrepreneur.

“This lecture is just one part of a broader commitment by the NWU and the bhive EDC to nurture a new generation of socially conscious, self-sufficient entrepreneurs who will drive development in their own communities,” said Martin.

He added that the university is proud to walk alongside the VUBF in building a more inclusive, innovative and sustainable local economy.

Members of the Vaal United Business Forum listen attentively to a transformative lecture on entrepreneurship.