West Coast College successfully hosted the Allan Gray Inspire Inter-Campus Entrepreneurship Competition on 10 June 2026, bringing together student entrepreneurs from across its campuses to showcase innovative business ideas and established enterprises.
The competition provided a platform for students to present their ventures to a panel of judges, demonstrating creativity, innovation and practical business understanding.
The event also featured a keynote address by Mr Heinrich Robertson, Head: Stakeholder Relations and Tourism at the West Coast District Municipality, who inspired students with the message that “It’s Not Business as Usual”, encouraging them to embrace innovation, resilience and forward-thinking entrepreneurship.
Winners
Innovative Business Idea:
- Gift Stemela (Atlantis Campus)
- Alfred America (Vredenburg Campus)
- Anothando Jubase (Malmesbury Campus)
General Business:
- Bianca Felix (Malmesbury Campus)
- Shane Lawrence (Vredenburg Campus)
- Cheneal Vember (Atlantis Campus)
Tech Business:
- Karabelo Frans Borokelo (Vredendal Campus)
- Khanyisa Mantshi (Malmesbury Campus)
- Sanele Mingane (Vredenburg Campus)
Trade Business:
- Simiso Biyela (Vredenburg Campus)
The top two competitors in each category will progress to the Regional Competition in Upington on 7 August 2026, where they will represent West Coast College.
West Coast College remains committed to strengthening its entrepreneurial development initiatives and will continue to support and encourage students to build on this spirit of entrepreneurship. The College is dedicated to guiding students not only towards innovative employment ideas, but also towards developing sustainable businesses that can grow into enterprises capable of creating employment opportunities for others.
According to Mr Riaan Hoffman, Deputy Principal: Partnerships, Innovation and Development at West Coast College, “Our responsibility is not only to help students develop employable skills, but also to nurture their entrepreneurial mindset so that they can build sustainable businesses that create opportunities and employment for others.”
