Alwande Msweli
Social Enterprise & Community Impact
Nominee's Province:
Kwazulu-natal
Age:
22
Project Name/Description:
Alwande Msweli has refined the art of pivoting. In her first year as a student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she had a deep sense of foreboding that she had chosen the wrong course. The feeling of dread swamped her, and she says a severe depression set in, which she struggled to shake off. Now the 22-year-old is using that experience to ensure that other young learners are supported through similar circumstances. She did change her course and is now in her final year as a BA Political Science student and is at the helm of two fledgling businesses, which will improve the lives of her community. “A key focus of my work is two businesses currently in development. The first is an agricultural marketplace platform aimed at connecting farmers with buyers and expanding market access. It has won a national award for innovation. “The second is a student support platform designed to assist matric learners with university applications, career guidance, funding opportunities, and free counselling services,” she says. Alwande says she understands the plight of matriculants who are at the cusp of important life decisions. “I would have gained so much from being exposed to help like this. But perhaps my purpose is to help others be better informed.”
