Bloemfontein – The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) Chapter has built a visible, growing community in just twelve months, with more than 100 women students across the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses actively investing time in themselves and one another.
Speaking at the first anniversary celebrations, CUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Dube stated that this kind of momentum indicates SWEEP is not a social club, but an enabling system that aims to deliver graduates who can create value rather than merely seeking it.
“You’ve strengthened our ecosystem links through collaborations with our Technology Transfer Office and Innovation Unit, as well as strategic partners, which has in turn created pathways from idea to prototype to market. This has changed the campus narrative, proving that we’re producing graduates who are founders, problem-solvers, and responsible leaders,” said Professor Dube.
Transformative Student Experiences
Three women students shared their experiences after joining SWEEP, highlighting the programme’s impact on personal and professional development.
Retshedisitswe Moiketsi said that being part of SWEEP has been one of the most transformative and informative experiences of her life. “It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover something that I could not have aimed for.”
Phelokazi Mfengwana expressed that as she reflects on her journey with SWEEP, she is reminded of the transformative power of mentorship and support. “To be honest, I was a bit sceptical about the impact of such organisations, but through SWEEP, I discovered a platform that empowered me with knowledge and skills and instilled in me a sense of confidence and purpose.”
Building Community and Support
Maserai Moropoli said that the ‘family’ that was created through the programme made a huge impact on their lives—like the preparation for getting into the workforce, getting the right mentoring, learning how to start a business, or even how to start living life. “Many people don’t realise that SWEEP is about more than building a business; it’s also about supporting one another and drawing out each other’s best.”
National Entrepreneurship Vision
Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director of Entrepreneurship at Universities South Africa (USaF), emphasised the importance of collaborative ecosystems.
“Through our three focus areas—student entrepreneurship, academic entrepreneurship, as well as entrepreneurial universities—we want to build an ecosystem that connects ideas like the iGym with people, as well as opportunities across all 26 public universities. Right here at CUT, the vision is alive. Your integration of innovation spaces like the iGym and the FabLab stands as a model for how universities can turn strategy into tangible impact,” Dr Gumbo concluded.
The programme’s success demonstrates the potential for structured women’s empowerment initiatives to create meaningful change in higher education environments whilst fostering entrepreneurial thinking and community building.
You must be logged in to post a comment.