By Phiwa Sikhondze
Fresh from the Enactus World Cup held in Astana, Kazakhstan, Eswatini’s Enactus team has returned energized and motivated, with plans to upscale youth-led entrepreneurial projects aimed at benefiting both the community and the country.
Representing Eswatini as this year’s Enactus National Champions, the Luyengo team engaged in a variety of activities at the World Cup. Among the highlights was the Ambassador Training, attended by four of the five team members, where they were selected to share the event’s highlights on social media.
The students also took part in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) excursions, which focused on Kazakhstan’s contributions to sustainability, innovation, and education. These excursions provided valuable learning and networking opportunities, allowing students from different countries to connect over shared goals.
The Eswatini delegation was joined by Enactus Eswatini Board Chairperson and Nedbank Managing Director, Fikile Nkosi, who participated in business forums and networking sessions designed for board members and business leaders. Nkosi also served as a judge for the competition’s Top 16 and Top 4 rounds.
A cultural fair opened the official proceedings of the World Cup, where each country displayed aspects of its heritage, traditions, and environmental practices. Eswatini’s booth, which featured traditional regalia and live performances of Swati dances, attracted significant attention. The delegation’s vibrant display offered visitors a glimpse into the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, and many international guests even tried their hand at learning some of the traditional dance moves.
On the second day, students from 29 countries presented their innovative solutions to global challenges. Eswatini’s Luyengo team competed in League 6, presenting after teams from the UK & Ireland, and Nigeria. Though they did not advance to the Top 16, the team received a commendation for their dedication to creating positive change in their community.
The team CEO, Wiseman Masika, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Horticulture student, reflected on the experience.
“We may not have won a trophy, but we’ve gained so much more. We’ve made new connections, learned new skills, and returned to Eswatini with renewed motivation to continue our work. The journey doesn’t end here—it’s only just beginning,” he said.
He added that observing the Top 16 and Top 4 competitions gave the team a chance to see firsthand the creative and impactful solutions being implemented by teams worldwide.
The competition concluded with Tunis Business School from Tunisia emerging as the overall winner, outshining Mohammad V University from Morocco, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology from Germany, and Konkuk University from South Korea. An awards ceremony and a closing impact celebration followed, marking the end of the 2024 Enactus World Cup.
Princess Fakudze, Interim Country Leader for Enactus Eswatini, praised the potential of Swati youth, noting that with the right support, they can achieve as much as their global peers.
“Our youth in Eswatini have immense potential for innovation and developing solutions to social issues. They just need the right opportunities and platforms to showcase their talents. Enactus provides these opportunities at both the national and global level helping students unlock their potential and benchmark their progress as changemakers,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude for the support received from various stakeholders, including judges, the Board of Directors, sponsors, partners, media, tertiary institutions, and faculty advisors.
“Most importantly, we are grateful to the students who dedicate their time and creativity to drive entrepreneurial action for the benefit of all,” she said.