THE Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), in partnership with UKZN, hosted the 2025 Social Entrepreneurs’ Demo Day recently for a dynamic showcase of innovation, resilience, and community impact driven by KZN’s emerging social entrepreneurs.
The event marked the culmination of the KZN Social Economy Development Programme (SEDP), also known as the Champions Programme, a flagship initiative empowering entrepreneurs who are committed to solving societal challenges while building sustainable enterprises.
UKZN’s Dr Mlondi Vilakazi said this year 22 social entrepreneurs from across the province completed the programme.
Vilakazi stated that the 2025 cohort includes 13 females and nine males, with 10 participants categorised as youth, reflecting strong gender representation and growing youth participation in the province’s social economy.
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Participants represented nine districts, including uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Ilembe, eThekwini, Zululand, Ugu, Amajuba, Harry Gwala, and Uthukela.
Since its inception in 2013, Vilakazi said the SEDP has evolved into a leading collaboration between academia, government, and communities, hosted by UKZN’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L).
“The programme focuses on personal growth, enterprise development, and scaling impactful community interventions. Over the years, graduates have created employment, strengthened operational efficiencies, and expanded their reach in addressing social and economic challenges.
“A highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and trophies, recognising outstanding performance in the programme, followed by the prestigious ABSA Overall Social Entrepreneur Award, valued at R25 000, celebrating the participant who demonstrated exceptional innovation, leadership, and measurable social impact,” said Vilakazi.
Out of 22 social entrepreneurs, Highway’s Phakamani Ndlovu, the founder and director of Phakamani Empowerment, was among the top three pitch winners. He walked away with R50 000 as he banks with ABSA and the bank doubled the prize for a Champion banking with them.
Ndlovu said he is grateful to UKZN, EDTEA, and ABSA for the opportunity as he has discovered much about himself as a person and about his business.
“To ABSA, thank you for reminding me that #mystorymatters,” said a grateful Ndlovu.
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