Following a site visit to assess developments at the North-West University (NWU) Enterprise Hub and ongoing renovations at the NWU Business School, Dr Joe Molete, deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, concluded that the university is making progress in its efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation.
The visit, held on 30 July 2026, brought together members of the NWU Enterprises Board, university representatives and key external stakeholders involved in the development of the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress on the Enterprise Hub infrastructure currently under construction and receive an update on renovations at the NWU Business School. The developments form part of the university’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise development.
The Enterprise Hub is hosted by the NWU in partnership with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI). The initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation and contribute to inclusive economic growth in North West.
During the visit, Dr Molete highlighted the importance of developing infrastructure and support systems that can translate entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable businesses.
The Enterprise Hub is envisioned as more than just a physical space. It will provide an environment in which aspiring and established entrepreneurs can access support, knowledge, networks and resources needed to develop and grow their businesses.
“This initiative is about creating an environment in which ideas can be transformed into viable enterprises. As a university, we have a responsibility to contribute to the economic development of our province by equipping our students and communities with the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to participate meaningfully in the economy,” said Dr Molete.
The hub will not only benefit NWU students, but will also serve entrepreneurs from across the province. Through access to appropriate tools, resources, mentorship and entrepreneurial support, the initiative aims to help entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into thriving and sustainable businesses.
The partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration between higher-education institutions, the government, business-support organisations and the private sector in addressing unemployment and promoting inclusive economic participation.
The visit also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem and identify opportunities for collaboration. These include strengthening links between students, entrepreneurs, industry and the government, while creating pathways for emerging businesses to access markets, funding, skills and professional networks.
The NWU Enterprises board played an important role in the engagement, with members providing insights into the development and strategic direction of the entrepreneurship initiatives of the university.
The delegation included NWU Enterprises board chairperson Kenny Setzin, CEO Duncan Raftesath, and board members Dineo Lioma, Janine Chantson, Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, Mark Otto, Mpho Modisaesi and Steve Naudé.
Representatives from the YAEI included Linda Hasi, Gezani Maluleke and Khanyisile Metsing, while the DEDECT was represented by Carol Rasego and Simamkele Maxhegwana.
Other external stakeholders in attendance included Phineas Nkau from Taletso TVET College, Karen Landsberg from the North West Development Corporation, and Morongwa Moseki from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency.
NWU representatives included Sello Motlhabane, Dr Kezell Klinck and Martin Manmohan.
The involvement of these diverse stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger and more coordinated entrepreneurship ecosystem in the province.
The Enterprise Hub also aligns with the broader role of the NWU as a catalyst for innovation and socio-economic development. By connecting academic knowledge with practical enterprise support, the university can help create opportunities for students and entrepreneurs while contributing to the development of local economies.
For emerging entrepreneurs, access to infrastructure and support can make a significant difference in moving from an initial business concept to a sustainable enterprise. The hub is therefore expected to provide an important platform for entrepreneurship development, innovation and collaboration.
As construction and renovations progress, the NWU and its partners remain focused on ensuring that the facilities are equipped to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and support the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of the university to working with the government, industry and other strategic partners to create meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic participation.
Through the Enterprise Hub, the NWU aims to contribute to a future in which students and entrepreneurs across North West are not only prepared to enter the economy, but are also equipped and supported to create businesses, generate employment and drive inclusive economic growth.
Members of the NWU Enterprises board, the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute and other external stakeholders assess developments at the NWU Enterprise Hub.
