For most South Africans, Bangkok is just another distant capital. But for a group of determined students from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), it is about to become the
arena where they will prove that homegrown innovation can take on the world’s best.
Last month, the UMP Enactus team stunned the country by beating seasoned giants Wits, UCT and Nelson Mandela University to win the Enactus South Africa Championship in Johannesburg.
That victory didn’t just bring them a trophy; it gave them the responsibility of representing all South African students at the Enactus World Cup in Thailand from September 26 to 28.
And at the centre of this moment are the voices of the students themselves.
“The most rewarding part of leading UMP Enactus to victory has been witnessing the team’s collective effort pay off,” said team president Sibusiso Mntambo.
“Our projects respond directly to challenges our communities face, and now we get to show the world what South Africa is capable of. Representing our country is a tremendous honour and responsibility.”
The UMP team will showcase two community-driven enterprises in Bangkok.
CSK Environmental Consulting developed the Aqua Device, a real-time water quality
monitor that protects mining communities from dangerous contamination.
Ehlanzeni Star School, based in Mbombela, gives school dropouts and unsuccessful matriculants a second chance through education, digital literacy, and driver’s licence training.
For team member Omphile Makoe, who handled marketing for the Ehlanzeni Star School project, the international stage is about more than recognition.
“I am most excited about meeting people from different cultures and seeing how they approach social entrepreneurship,” she said.
“For me, Ehlanzeni Star School is about more than education. It restores dignity and gives young people hope. Taking that message to the world is humbling.”
Both projects, rooted in Mpumalanga’s realities, convinced national judges that UMP had mastered the art of using entrepreneurship for social good.
Now, the challenge is to convince a global panel of experts and peers.
“We are strengthening our presentations, adding proof of impact, and aligning with international best practice,” explained Prof Ferdinand Niyimbanira, the team’s coordinator.
“We want to show not just what we’ve achieved locally, but how our ideas can scale globally.”
He added that resilience defines UMP’s character. “Since 2017, we have come close to winning, even finishing second in 2022 and 2024.
“That perseverance built our discipline and prepared us for this moment. Now we go to Bangkok not only as UMP but as Team South Africa.”
For Mntambo, the competition is about more than bringing home a trophy. “We want to inspire communities back home to believe that challenges can be overcome.
“Our message to South Africa is simple: with collaboration and innovation, young people can transform the future.”
Makoe agreed, saying Enactus had reshaped her understanding of leadership.
“It’s about service and empathy, turning obstacles into opportunities. That lesson will stay with me long after the competition.”
Global recognition would not only put UMP on the map but also shine a light on Mpumalanga’s potential.
“It would validate our students as leaders who can compete with the brightest minds worldwide,” said Prof. Niyimbanira.
Until September 28, the team carries a new identity: Team South Africa. For a university that opened its doors only in 2014, the journey from Mbombela to Bangkok is not just history; it’s a declaration that South African students belong on the world stage.
