UFH’s upcoming Bachelor of Entrepreneurship Degree - a welcomed response to unemployment crisis
A pivotal response to the escalating unemployment crisis is to emerge through a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BoE) degree set to be introduced at the University of Fort Hare (UFH).
This groundbreaking programme aims to empower the next generation of business leaders by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge to foster economic growth and create sustainable enterprises.
The Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BoE) degree has been meticulously crafted to address the alarming unemployment rates affecting South Africa and the broader African continent.
Dr Juliet Townes, Head of the Business Management Department in the Faculty of Management and Commerce, elaborated on the significance of the new degree, emphasizing how it aligns with UFH’s vision and mission.
“UFH’s vision is to be a distinctive African university advancing excellence and innovation. The Bachelor of Entrepreneurship is designed to enhance social enterprise and integrate practical learning within the curriculum. This programme is a key component of our commitment to providing quality education and innovative research while addressing the socio-economic challenges in our communities,” said Dr Townes.
Research highlights entrepreneurship as a crucial solution to unemployment, particularly among youth. The new programme will provide students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for launching and managing successful businesses.
Explaining the qualification’s rationale, Dr Townes said: “With high global unemployment, especially among Africa’s youth, entrepreneurship is a national priority. Our curriculum is designed to nurture entrepreneurial mindsets and skills that are critical for developing sustainable businesses and driving economic growth.”
The degree programme is currently undergoing the final round of approval by the Council of Higher Education (CHE).
The BoE curriculum incorporates practical and theoretical components that will equip students with comprehensive business acumen. From developing leadership and marketing skills to mastering finance and operational management, the programme aims to build well-rounded entrepreneurs capable of creating and sustaining new ventures.
Students will engage in innovative strategies, conduct market research, and receive hands-on experience through UFH’s Centre for Entrepreneurship.
The structure of the degree spans three years, each progressively deepening students' understanding of entrepreneurship.
The first year introduces foundational concepts, the second year expands into specific business functions, and the third year focuses on advanced entrepreneurial strategies, ethics, and practical application. This approach ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also proficient at navigating the complexities of the business world.
Dr Townes also highlighted the qualification’s potential impact: “Graduates of this degree will be equipped to start and grow their businesses, contributing to job creation and economic development. We aim to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs who will drive innovation and address the pressing unemployment challenges facing our nation.”
The qualification is also designed with flexibility in mind, offering opportunities for horizontal articulation with other BCom degrees and potential future vertical articulation into Honours and Master’s programmes. This ensures that students have pathways to further their education and enhance their career prospects.
As South Africa and Africa continue to grapple with unemployment, this qualification seeks to empower students to become the entrepreneurs and employers of tomorrow.