University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student Chwayita Momoza has been selected to represent South Africa at the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa (MEPA) Student Entrepreneurship Competition, where she will compete alongside some of the region’s most promising young entrepreneurs.
The competition, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 27 to 28 July, will bring together more than 20 student entrepreneurs from across the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa, with participants competing for a place in the global finals.
Momoza earned her place after progressing through three qualifying rounds, the university competition, the provincial stage and the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) South Africa National Competition. She is one of only two South Africans selected to compete at the MEPA event.
She described her selection as a proud milestone that recognised the dedication she has invested in building her business while pursuing her studies.
A Bachelor of Science student majoring in Computer Science and Information Technology, Momoza co-owns an online furniture business that she launched in July 2025 after identifying a gap in South Africa’s online furniture market.
She said the business was created to address common customer frustrations, including unreliable deliveries, inconsistent product quality, damaged goods and poor after-sales service.
“The skills I’ve gained through my Bachelor of Science degree have directly influenced how I manage and grow my business,” Momoza said.
“From analysing data and improving operational processes to understanding digital platforms and e-commerce, my studies have helped me think strategically and build systems that can scale.”
Originally from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, Momoza oversees the company’s strategy, branding, marketing, logistics, customer experience and business development.
Operating through a hybrid model that combines local manufacturing, international sourcing and e-commerce, the business currently employs seven people.
Despite being just a year old, the company has expanded its product range, opened its first storage warehouse, strengthened its quality control processes and generated more than R700,000 in revenue.
Momoza said the MEPA Student Entrepreneurship Competition presents an opportunity to test her business on an international stage while learning from experienced entrepreneurs.
“The competition offers an incredible opportunity to receive mentorship, gain international exposure, connect with global business leaders and continue growing both personally and professionally,” she said.
She hopes the experience will help accelerate the company’s growth while opening doors to lifelong entrepreneurial networks.
Congratulating Momoza on her achievement, UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations Dr Normah Zondo said the university was proud to see one of its students representing South Africa internationally.
“Seeing one of our students compete among the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs is a proud moment for the University. Chwayita’s journey reflects the creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit we seek to cultivate in our students, and we congratulate her on this outstanding opportunity to represent both UKZN and South Africa internationally,” Zondo said.
Momoza’s selection highlights the growing impact of student entrepreneurship in South Africa, demonstrating how innovation, technology and determination can transform a business idea into a thriving enterprise with international potential.
IOL