EDHE competition seeks student-led businesses that address pressing global challenges such as climate change, health, resource depletion, food security, environmental sustainability, and social inequality. It focuses on ventures with the potential to scale sustainably while maintaining financial viability.
Two studentpreneurs who were among seven UMPCFERI entrants at the regional competition, held in Venda, Limpopo, on 19–20 August 2025, came out with top positions. The entrepreneurs will represent the institution at the national finals to be held in November 2025.
CSK Environmental Consulting [incubated at CFERI] competed in the Existing Business: Tech category, which recognises ventures that create and apply innovative technology. The company, founded by Cyprian Sandile Khoza and Kholofelo Makhubupetsi, develops environmental solutions aligned with seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its work focuses particularly on challenges in Mpumalanga’s mining and agriculture sectors.
“This feels like receiving long-awaited results. The preparation was intense but worth every step, and the support from UMP-CFERI was invaluable,” said Makhubupetsi, who pitched on behalf of the team.
“Although our category was unexpectedly changed on the morning of the competition, I trusted the work we had put in. The experience has been both overwhelming and motivating, and I am looking forward to representing UMP at the national finals with pride.”
Left to right: Yushaa Bham from the University of Limpopo and UMP Studentpreneurs: Sinorita Chauke, Kholofelo Makhubpetsi and Cyprian Khoza.
Also advancing to the finals is PhD student Sinorita Chauke, who competed in the Commercialisation of Academic Research category, which targets Master’s and PhD entrepreneurs who turn research into commercially viable ventures.
Chauke founded RitaVita Naturals, a business built on more than five years of research experience, transforming her academic work into a product with strong market potential. The impact-focused start-up aims to commercialise iron-rich juices, jams, and wellness products from the Sala fruit, positioning itself at the intersection of food security, nutrition, and sustainable enterprise.
“Winning the academic research category and moving on to nationals validates my abilities. I appreciate UMP CFERI and my supervisor’s support and look forward to presenting RitaVita Naturals and connecting with other innovators at the finals,” she said.
EDHE provides a platform for student entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures, gain recognition, and connect with investors and business leaders. It also offers funding opportunities, media exposure, and skills development, with winners gaining greater credibility that can attract future partners and investment.
Left to right: Lerato Makgonyane (USAF), Melody Chiume, Sinorita Chauke, Kholofelo Makhubpetsi, Cyprian Khoza, Cynthia Moshaba (UMP), EDHE Judge Ms Elizabeth Masoleng, Irondina Maile and Sandile Nhuvunga (UMP).
UMP student ventures that participated in the EDHE Regionals:
- Ehlanzeni Star School: A Matric rewrite assistance programme, led by Innocent Abednizer Masilela.
- Green Active: An agritech start-up connecting unemployed youth with sustainable agriculture opportunities, led by Zoleka Mkhize.
- Get-Thru Internet Service Provider: A tech-based start-up addressing digital exclusion in rural communities, founded by Siyathandwa Mathebula.
- M and M Storage: A furniture removals and storage service founded by Asheley Malebe and Sibusiso Mntambo.
- Jele Brothers Creative Cinema (JBCC): A photography, videography, and media equipment service company led by Siyabonga Niniel Jele.
From the Northern Regional Round, only four student ventures advanced to the national finals – two of them are from UMPCFERI. The overall winner at the national competition will receive a cash prize of R100 000.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creatives. Copyright @UMP