The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) recently participated in the 2026 Entrepreneurial Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurial Executive Leadership Workshop.

Held in Cape Town from 28-29 May, the workshop, led by Universities South Africa (USAf) in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), brought together university leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, and international experts to explore how South African universities can strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, employability and societal impact. 

The College Dean of Research, Professor Phocenah Nyatanga, was represented at the workshop by Professor Sophia Mukorera, while the University was also represented by Dr Nqobile Angel Cebile Gumede, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UKZN. Their participation ensured that both College and institutional perspectives were represented in discussions shaping the future of entrepreneurial Higher Education in South Africa.

Held under the theme ‘From Policy to Impact: Driving Implementation and Measuring Outcomes in Entrepreneurial Universities’, the workshop focused on how universities can move beyond policy commitments towards creating measurable impact through entrepreneurship, innovation, graduate employability and societal engagement. A key message emerging from the discussions was that entrepreneurial universities are not simply institutions that support start-ups, but institutions that embed innovation, entrepreneurship, employability, and societal impact across teaching, research, engagement, governance, and institutional culture. 

The workshop highlighted the growing expectation that universities should contribute directly to addressing societal challenges such as unemployment, inequality and economic development through innovation-driven solutions and stronger partnerships with industry, government, and communities. 

For CLMS, the discussions were particularly relevant given the College’s strengths in law, commerce, economics, management, leadership and public policy. The workshop reinforced the importance of integrating entrepreneurship and innovation across disciplines and positioning graduates not only as job seekers but also as job creators and contributors to social and economic transformation. 

The insights gained from the workshop will inform ongoing discussions within UKZN as the University advances its innovation and entrepreneurship agenda. CLMS intends to play an active role in these conversations and contribute to the development of initiatives that strengthen graduate employability, research impact, industry engagement and societal development. 

As UKZN continues to position itself as a leading African university, participation in national initiatives such as EDHE provides valuable opportunities to engage with emerging trends, share best practices and contribute to shaping the future of Higher Education in South Africa. 

Words: Ndabaonline

Photograph: Supplied