‘Overwhelmed, Excited and Motivated’’ were words used by WSU Alumni, Zisanda Poswayo, who came out reigning as the first-runner-up at the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) intervarsity entrepreneurship awards.
“I’m very grateful for the support I received from my family and the university. To see a university supporting students even outside of academics is amazing. As a graduate that became unemployed, I decided to start my own business of farming, and this opportunity has given me validation that entrepreneurship is a possible route to success. I hope other graduates are also inspired by my win,” said Poswayo.
The Master of Science (Botany) graduate recently went head to head with some of the country’s brightest business minds in the Existing Business Social Impact category.
After struggling to get employment, Poswayo started Izithwalandwe Farming business where she planted a small number of vegetables to sell to local businesses in Ngcobo. Her business later grew when she received funding for Greenhouse from National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
“When I started my business, I realized that the schools around my arear no longer had those small gardening projects. I then went around those school to restart those projects, not only to develop skills but to make sure that students in those schools have the necessary nutrition they need,” she said.
Zisanda developed a passion for farming from a young age when she saw her father, who was a teacher at a local school, starting small garden projects for students to develop their skills.
The young farmer’s father, Cebisile Poswayo, was overjoyed by his daughter’s achievement, he said, “I was very impressed when Zisanda decided to take part in farming because she grew up in an environment where I always encouraged them (his children) to engage in farming. It is an honor for me to see my child start something and growing in it, it is a greater honor to see her receive this award.”
He added, “When I was a teacher, I also told my students that our mistake in South Africa, we always want to learn how to do things from other countries, however, we are so rich in skills as Africans, hence I always emphasized the importance of farming for them and for my children.”
During the course of the EDHE intervarsity competition she was supported by the Center for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI), Office of Technology Transfer, Student Affairs office, amongst others.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs & Research, Prof Mzikayise Binza said, “I’m am very proud that the university has created an environment where students can strive, like Ms Poswayo has done. Our university has been put in a positive spotlight by this achievement as it not only celebrated in South Africa but internationally.”
By Ongezwa Sigodi