This vital platform for learning, engagement and collaboration highlights how student-led projects and enterprises drive progress through entrepreneurial action.

The University of the Western Cape emerged as this year's National Champions, impressing with their two innovative digital solutions – marking the first time digital service solutions have won the competition.

Ford South Africa will once again be part of this by sponsoring the Enactus National Champions to represent the country at the Enactus World Cup, which takes place in October this year in Astana, Kazakhstan. This prestigious event will bring together 33 Enactus National Champions from around the world to compete for the ultimate accolade of being named the Enactus World Champions.

Along with the announcement of the overall winning team at the Enactus National Exposition, three new teams were selected for the current cycle of the Enactus Ford College Community Challenge (Ford C3) – a signature educational programme of Ford Philanthropy (formerly the Ford Motor Company Fund). Enactus Ford C3 fosters innovative solutions among university students to address critical community needs while empowering individuals and promoting social mobility.

While all three teams will receive grants from Ford Philanthropy to implement their student-led projects, the University of Zululand earned the top prize, and a representative from the winning university will be joining the Enactus National Champions at the 2024 World Cup event in Kazakhstan – also sponsored by Ford South Africa.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring these students to attend the World Cup in Kazakhstan. Based on the outstanding projects presented at the Exposition, we are confident that they will represent us admirably on the global stage, showcasing their creativity and commitment to building sustainable communities,” said Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company, Africa.

The team of the University of the Western Cape’s innovative digital solutions brought new ideas and concepts to the Enactus competition this year. The team’s Webmax initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap for young individuals and empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

They also developed LenoKids, an EdTech start-up focused on improving literacy levels among children aged five to 13. Using a gamified WhatsApp chatbot, LenoKids offers personalised learning experiences that adapt to each child's level of understanding, making education engaging and accessible.

The new group of finalists for Cycle 11 of the Enactus Ford College Community Challenge presented projects that will have a positive impact on communities.

“Feedback gathered during the Ford C3 virtual final round of selections clearly demonstrated the remarkable passion and commitment these young students have for making a difference in their communities,” Neale says.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring a representative from this year’s top Ford C3 team to accompany the National Champions attending the Enactus World Cup later this year. Engaging and interacting with students from around the world and sharing ideas for community empowerment will further inspire their creativity and help create a better, more sustainable world.”

The University of Zululand was declared the Enactus Ford C3 winner for its project, AL Winery. This initiative addresses food waste by transforming overripe bananas into a valuable and sustainable non-alcoholic beverage product.