• Ms Chwayita Momoza has been selected to represent South Africa in an international Student Entrepreneurship Competition,
• Held in Cape Town this month, the competition brings together the top entrepreneurial minds in the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa,
• The co-owner of an online furniture business, the student looks forward to benefiting from all the competition has to offer.

UKZN student Ms Chwayita Momoza has been selected to represent South Africa at the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa (MEPA) Student Entrepreneurship Competition.

Scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 27 to 28 July, the competition will bring together more than 20 of the top student entrepreneurs from these regions to compete for a chance to advance to the global finals.

Momoza, who co-owns an online furniture business, competed in three previous rounds – the University, provincial, and the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards

(GSEA) South Africa National Competition – before advancing to the MEPA.

She said winning the national call-up and being selected as one of two South Africans to represent the country at the MEPA Student Entrepreneurship Competition were unforgettable moments that recognised the hard work, she had invested in building her furniture business while completing her studies.

Pursuing a Computer Science and Information Technology degree, Momoza says the qualification has taught her to think strategically and build systems that she can scale. “From analysing data and improving operational processes to understanding digital platforms and e-commerce, the skills I’ve gained through my Bachelor of Science degree have directly influenced how I manage and grow my business.”

Originally from Matatiele, in the Eastern Cape, Momoza, who identified a gap in South Africa’s online furniture market, said she started the business to address common customer frustrations, including unreliable delivery, inconsistent quality, damaged products, and poor after-sales service, by building a modern furniture brand that customers could trust.

Based on a hybrid business model that combines local manufacturing, international sourcing, and e-commerce, the company currently employs seven people. “We work with skilled manufacturing partners to produce quality furniture while also sourcing complementary products internationally,” said Momoza. “While I oversee the strategy, branding, marketing, operations, logistics, customer experience, and business development to ensure our customers receive quality products and exceptional service.”

Launched in July 2025, the business has been operating for just a year but has already experienced significant growth, expanding its product range, opening its first storage warehouse, strengthening its quality control processes, and generating more than R700 000 in revenue.

Momoza said she entered the MEPA Student Entrepreneurship Competition because of its reputation for bringing together some of the world’s most promising student entrepreneurs. “The competition offers an incredible opportunity to test the business on an international stage, learn from experienced entrepreneurs, receive mentorship, and grow both personally and professionally.”

With hopes of accelerating the business’s growth, Momoza looks forward to benefiting from the invaluable mentorship, international exposure, access to global business leaders, and lifelong entrepreneurial networks that the competition will offer.

Dr Normah Zondo, Executive Director of the Corporate Relations Division, congratulated Chwayita for her remarkable achievement.

“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.”