TUT ESD Programme 2026 Onboarding Marks a New Chapter for Entrepreneurial Growth

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Programme 2026 was officially launched through a dynamic onboarding event, bringing together institutional leadership, strategic partners, and a new cohort of entrepreneurs.

This year’s programme marks a significant milestone, with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) now formally integrated into the Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB). This integration forms part of the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan to strengthen its position as an entrepreneurial university, aligning academic excellence with enterprise development and real-world impact.

Opening the event, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, Director of TSB, highlighted the importance of this integration, noting that it enhances the University’s ability to deliver coordinated, high-impact entrepreneurship support. By bringing CED into TSB, the University is creating a more unified platform for enterprise development, one that connects education, research, and practical business support. This strategic alignment reinforces TUT’s commitment to not only developing knowledge, but actively enabling economic participation and sustainable business growth.

Pictured: Cllr. Dr Nasipi Moya, Cllr Eugene Modise, and Professor Hlengani Mathebula

Dr Patrick Ebewo, Director of CED, reaffirmed the Centre’s ongoing commitment within its new structure to empower entrepreneurs through structured development, access to funding, and critical business resources. He emphasised that the integration strengthens the programme’s ability to deliver long-term impact, ensuring that entrepreneurs are not only supported at entry level, but are positioned to scale, compete, and sustain their businesses. A testimonial from a previous cohort member reinforced this message, describing the programme as a life-changing experience that goes beyond funding to provide knowledge, exposure, and access to valuable networks.

In her keynote address, Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cllr Dr Nasiphi Moya, emphasised that SMMEs are central to inclusive economic growth and job creation.

She highlighted the importance of equality in the business landscape and called for greater accountability, engagement, and collaboration between entrepreneurs and government. She further encouraged participants to build strong networks, pursue opportunities across sectors, and remain committed to completing the programme.

Delivered through the integrated CED within TSB, and in partnership with the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), the ESD Programme continues to strengthen the SMME ecosystem through targeted support, capacity building, and supplier readiness. As the 2026 cohort begins its journey, the message is clear: this is more than a programme, it is a platform for building sustainable businesses, unlocking opportunity, and shaping the future of the economy. The Tshwane School for Business and Society looks forward to supporting this new cohort as they grow, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to economic development.