There was an unmistakable energy in the room on Saturday, 30 May 2026 as student entrepreneurs from across Boland College gathered for the highly anticipated Inspire Inter-Campus Entrepreneurship Competition.

From the first presentation to the final pitch of the day, the event was filled with anticipation, passion, and the kind of bold thinking that reminds us just how bright the future of entrepreneurship is.

Representing campuses from across the College, students stepped forward to pitch their ideas and existing businesses in four exciting categories: I Have a Business Idea, I Have a General Business, I Have a Tech Business, and I Have a Trade Business. While nerves were certainly present, so too was confidence, determination, and an inspiring willingness to dream big.

The day was officially opened by Ms Wendy Adams, Deputy Principal: Registration Services, who welcomed participants and encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship as a powerful pathway for innovation, self-reliance, and economic growth.

What followed was a showcase of creativity and courage as students presented ideas that ranged from innovative business concepts to practical ventures already taking shape in the real world. Each participant stood before an accomplished panel of judges, sharing not only their business concepts but also their vision, passion, and belief in what they could build.

The judging panel brought together a wealth of expertise from entrepreneurship, business development, law, youth empowerment, finance, and education. Judges included entrepreneur Anga Bonono, NYDA Business Advisor Malvonia Cupido, attorney and business owner Nonqaba Hintsho, Industrial Psychologist and programme leader Allison van der Walt, Training and Education Manager Thembeka Ndunge, and Finance Manager Nkululeko Msimango. Their thoughtful engagement and insightful feedback added tremendous value to the experience for every participant.

As the day unfolded, it became clear that this competition was about far more than selecting winners. It was about giving students the opportunity to test their ideas, build confidence, refine their thinking, and take one step closer to turning their entrepreneurial ambitions into reality.

After an impressive display of talent, the following students emerged as top performers:

I Have a Business Idea
Winner: Nicole van Turha (Paarl Campus)
Runner-up: Lusanda Nyhivane (Worcester Campus)

I Have a General Business
Winner: Primrose Dotwana (Caledon Campus)
Runner-up: Lathitha Tintelo (Stellenbosch Campus)

I Have a Trade Business
Winner: Pelokazi Luxambe (Strand Campus)

Each of these students demonstrated exceptional innovation, preparation, and entrepreneurial potential, earning their place as representatives of Boland College at the upcoming regional competition in August.

Boland College extends its sincere appreciation to ABSA for generously sponsoring all the prizes awarded during the competition. This valued partnership continues to make a meaningful contribution to recognising and encouraging student entrepreneurship, helping to empower the next generation of business leaders.

While the winners will move on to the next stage, every student who participated should be celebrated. It takes courage to stand before a panel of experts and share your vision, and every pitch delivered on the day was a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit being nurtured across Boland College.

As the competition drew to a close, one thing was certain: this was not simply the end of an event, but the beginning of exciting journeys for many of these young entrepreneurs. Boland College looks forward with great pride and anticipation to seeing what these future business leaders will accomplish next.