6 South African Students Head to Thailand Innovation Camp

Six student entrepreneurs from Durban University of Technology just boarded a plane to Thailand with one mission: turn their startup dreams into solutions that can change the world. From January 30 to February 9, they'll join 90 young innovators at the Suranaree University of Technology Global Entrepreneurship Camp to learn how great ideas become thriving businesses.

The six students bring impressive ventures to the table. Siyethemba Ngema runs Isithenjwa Holdings, while Olwethu Mncwabe leads Reigh Technology and Mpilwenhle Malinga tackles waste management through Think Waste Africa. Phindi Thokozani Buthelezi transforms agricultural waste with Myco-Feeds, Ndumiso Mngomezulu develops tech solutions through Lubelo Tech, and Mpumelelo Gwala creates sustainable packaging at Creative Wrap SA.

This year's camp theme focuses on sustainable and resilient communities, tackling health, climate change, and environmental protection head-on. The program aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, giving these young founders a framework to create businesses that profit while solving real problems.

Nontokozo Ngcobo, who manages DUT's entrepreneurship center, sees this trip as essential training for the next generation of job creators. "These student entrepreneurs will absorb knowledge they'll use to make meaningful impacts in their communities," she explained. The university wants graduates who don't just seek employment but create it for others.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond these six students. When they return home, they'll bring global connections, fresh perspectives, and proven strategies back to their communities. Each business they grow creates jobs, solves local problems, and proves that African innovation can compete on the world stage.

South Africa faces high youth unemployment, making entrepreneurship education critically important. By connecting students with international networks now, DUT ensures they have resources most young founders never access. These relationships often become partnerships, investments, and collaborations that transform local startups into regional success stories.

The camp teaches more than business plans and pitch decks. Students learn to pivot when markets shift, collaborate across cultures, and understand that solving neighborhood problems sometimes requires global insights. They're building the adaptability that separates struggling startups from sustainable companies.

Programs like this prove universities can be launchpads, not just classrooms. The students stopped over in Hong Kong on their journey, already expanding their worldview before the camp even began.

These six young founders are showing their peers that building a better world and building a profitable business aren't opposite goals.