In line with its mandate to create opportunities for economic participation and its commitment to Unisa’s catalytic niche areas, the Inhlanyelo Hub launched its Bosadi Artisan Entrepreneurship Development Programme this month.
The first cohort of women artisans embarked on their journey towards community artisanship and creating business ventures in what is still considered a male environment.
At the official launch held at The Marine Hotel in Gqeberha, a group of 57 women signed up for the programme. The event kicked off with an orientation session, facilitated by acting CEO of the Inhlanyelo Hub, Phumelele Mokoena. In her welcoming remarks, Daya Raseela, Regional Office Coordinator for Gqeberha, urged the artisans to take charge of their entrepreneurial journey.
In support of the programme, which is being piloted in the Unisa’s Eastern Cape Region, the regional director, Motale Nkgoang, delivered a message of support, emphasising that the programme is a powerful initiative rooted in women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Citing Unisa’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Puleng LenkaBula, he said: "Bosadi is not just a niche area, but a call to action. Women's empowerment is not a destination but a continuous journey towards gender equality and social justice."
This resonated deeply with the attendees, underscoring the long road ahead in the fight for equality.
Phumelele Mokoena, the business development manager at Inhlanyelo Hub, emphasised its mission of empowering staff, students, alumni, and communities to innovate and turn their ideas into thriving businesses. He described the hub as a vibrant ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, with a customer-centric approach that emphasises solving real-world problems and iterating solutions based on continuous feedback.
Dr Tapiwa Muzata, project manager, outlined the structure of the programme, which will run over the next six months. He highlighted that the programme focuses on harnessing the existing skills of the participants and converting them into profitable businesses. Once these businesses are shaped, the artisans will receive support from mentors and business advisors to ensure their ideas develop into ventures with paying customers. Muzata encouraged participants to value their time and services, even when working with family.
The Bosadi Artisan Entrepreneurship Development Programme is funded through a grant from the University Capacity Development Programme funding structure, and Professor Luvuno Lalendle, Executive Director of Planning and Quality Assurance, underscored the institution’s commitment to women’s empowerment, pointing out that more than 250 000 of Unisa’s 350 000 students are women. This, he noted, demonstrates the university’s pivotal role in uplifting women across the country.
The event’s guest speaker, Brightness Mangolothi, Director at Higher Education Resource Services South Africa, delivered a powerful speech titled ‘We are the ones we have been waiting for’.
Her message emphasised self-reliance, ownership of one’s journey, and leadership, inspiring the artisans to trust their inner motivation and maintain hope and resilience as they navigate the challenges ahead.
One of the participants, Zikhona Maye, a 25-year-old with an N6 qualification in electrical engineering, shared her reflections on the first week of training. She runs an organic cosmetics business and was struck by the realisation that entrepreneurship is far from easy – it requires commitment and a clear purpose.
She was particularly inspired by the concept of thinking big and creating a business that leaves a lasting impact. Maye is eager to apply the research skills and customer-centric approach she has learned to grow her business.
Another participant, Romaine Horne, a 31-year-old professional chef and owner of RNH Cuisines, shared how her understanding of entrepreneurship evolved during the programme.
Initially expecting only to improve her business skills, she found herself challenged to think more broadly and embrace innovation. One transformative moment came when her original idea of supplying meals to retailers was pushed further by a suggestion to explore air fryer dishes, aligning her business with modern trends.
The programme is offered over a six-month period with a range of activities and support initiatives geared towards addressing the realities of women artisans. The first week of the Inhlanyelo Hub Bosadi Artisan Programme has set the stage for an exciting and empowering journey, pushing participants to not only dream big but also to turn those dreams into sustainable businesses that can thrive in today’s competitive market.