UKZN Student Earns Spot to Represent South Africa at Regional Entrepreneurship Competition
UKZN Student Earns Spot to Represent South Africa at Regional Entrepreneurship Competition. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student Chwayita Momoza has been selected to represent South Africa at the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa (MEPA) Student Entrepreneurship Competition, where she will compete alongside leading student innovators from across the region.
The regional competition will take place in Cape Town from 27 to 28 July 2026 and is expected to bring together more than 20 student entrepreneurs competing for a place in the global finals.
Momoza is one of only two South Africans selected to participate after progressing through the university, provincial and national stages of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
She is the co-owner of an online furniture business established in July 2025. According to the information provided, the business has expanded its product offering, opened its first storage warehouse, employed seven people and generated more than R700,000 in revenue during its first year of operation.
Originally from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, Momoza launched the venture to address challenges experienced by online shoppers, including delivery reliability, product quality and after-sales service. The business operates using a hybrid model that combines local manufacturing partners with international sourcing.
Momoza is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Information Technology at UKZN. She said the knowledge gained through her studies has contributed to the way she manages and develops the business, particularly in areas such as data analysis, operational processes and e-commerce.
She added that the upcoming competition will provide an opportunity to evaluate her business strategies, learn from experienced entrepreneurs and benefit from mentorship while gaining exposure to international standards.
By competing in the MEPA finals, Momoza hopes to access international mentorship, connect with business leaders and explore opportunities that could support the long-term growth of the company.
UKZN Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, Dr Normah Zondo, congratulated Momoza on her achievement, saying her selection reflects the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit the university seeks to develop among its students.
