Sherwood Books Managing Director Mr Mohammad Gangat donating books.
The Centre which was recently launched by the School as part of the
action research programme creates a link between academia and the
business world as mentors from eThekwini Municipality’s Business Support
Unit and the Durban Chamber of Business and Industry will be based at
the School to provide them with information and business support.
Through the Centre, students will also have access to tutors from the
Regional and Local Economic Development Initiative and access to
management, leadership and entrepreneurship books which are valuable for
their studies.
SHAPE founder Ms Thea van der Westhuizen encouraged students to take
advantage of this opportunity which brings industry experience to
support them.
‘Everybody is welcome to visit the Centre and benefit from its formal
friendship with the Municipality and Chamber. This is the first time
that we will have the Municipality and the Durban Chamber based at UKZN
once a week to mentor and support young entrepreneurs. This creates a
link between theoretical knowledge and practical application to the
business world. This initiative encourages like hearted people who share
the same vision for enhancing regional and local economic development
as entrepreneurs in our province.
During the opening of the Centre both academics and local businesses
donated books to the Centre's library to provide a platform for learners
to be creatively stimulated.
Book donations were received from the School's lecturers and SHAPE
wants to especially thank Dr Ziska Fields who donated 5 books, Sherwood
Books who donated 18 books and the Chamber’s Dr Stanley Hardman who
donated over 20 books.
Sherwood Books Managing Director and UKZN Alumnus Mr Mohammad Gangat
said that they want to be part of the student’s development and success.
‘Our decision to provide students with material that will benefit
them was really a simple decision for us as a company. We are also very
encouraged by our youth who attended the SHAPE seminar, they showed such
enthusiasm, intelligence and motivation. It all speaks well for the
future of South African business,’ he said.