Enactus CPUT shines bright at national competition

Enactus CPUT proudly represented the university at the 2026 Enactus South Africa National Expo and National Competition, recently held in Sandton, returning home with two trophies.

The delegation, consisting of six students, showcased innovative businesses with the aim of making a meaningful social and environmental impact, participated in the special competitions and networked with students from all over South Africa.

The students are: Palesa Sephadi (President), Kamogelo Ramoneta (Vice President), Abigail Mokgere (Project Director), Thabiso Dlamini (Project Leader), Thato Moutlane (Project Leader) and Siphesihle Shain Zwelinjani (Secretary).

The following CPUT Teams/Projects participated:

• The Thuma Mina Mfundi project is an educational project focused on empowering students through innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Renewa Fuels is a clean energy company that converts used cooking oil into biodiesel and encourages the circular economy and environmental sustainability. The project also showcased CPUT's innovative sustainable energy solutions in the Schneider Electric Battery Challenge.
• Ser Legendario is a social enterprise dedicated to the development of communities and entrepreneurship.
• CampusBites is an entrepreneurial initiative which aims help to solve the food problem for students by using innovative food solutions.

Thuma Mina Mfuni earned the second place in the Harmony Food and Health Security, Employability and Entrepreneurship Challenge for their innovative approach to food security, employability and entrepreneurship.

Renewa Fuels was awarded third place in the Schneider Electric Battery Innovation Challenge 2025.

During the Expo students also took part in networking events, leadership development opportunities, enterprise stands as well as cultural events.

Palesa, who is also the founder of Renewa Fuels, said the competition proved to be a testament of students' innovativeness.

“Seeing Thuma Mina Mfundi earn second place and Renewa Fuels receive third place in the Schneider Electric Battery Innovation Challenge and Harmony Food and Health Security, Employability and Entrepreneurship Challenge is a proud moment for Enactus CPUT. These achievements show what is possible when students combine innovation, entrepreneurship and a passion for solving real community challenges. We leave the National Expo inspired to grow our projects, strengthen partnerships and continue creating sustainable impact.”

Abigail said the students’ achievements reflected the University’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and community impact.

Siphesihle added: “Overall, attending the National Expo was a life-changing opportunity that enhanced my leadership skills, expanded my professional network, and inspired me to continue making a positive impact through Enactus. I return with new knowledge, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to serving Enactus CPUT with excellence”.

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za