The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a transformative STEP train-the-trainer (TTT) programme, further cementing its commitment to cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students and communities. The week-long initiative, held on the Mahikeng Campus of the NWU, brought together educators, trainers and innovation champions to deepen their expertise in entrepreneurship facilitation and expand their collective impact.

A key highlight was the participation of five delegates from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), affiliated with the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI). Led by Ms Melody Chiume, these delegates underscored the growing partnership between the NWU and the UMP in advancing entrepreneurship development.

The STEP methodology (student training for entrepreneurial promotion), developed by Germany’s Leuphana University, forms the backbone of the training. It equips young people and community members with practical business skills through experiential learning and has been globally recognised for its effectiveness in empowering emerging entrepreneurs.
Participants from both institutions engaged in hands-on facilitation techniques, peer learning and critical discussions on scaling entrepreneurship education across higher education and surrounding communities.

Martin Manmohan, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem manager at the NWU, said the collaboration represents more than a training opportunity – it is the start of a broader movement.

“The STEP TTT programme is not just about teaching entrepreneurship – it is about creating a movement of changemakers. Collaboration with institutions like the University of Mpumalanga allows us to exchange ideas, co-create solutions, and multiply our reach across the country.”

The programme also provided NWU staff – particularly from the Mahikeng Campus – with a platform for internal capacity building, blending academic insights with practical learning to develop a strong facilitator network committed to community upliftment.

Dr Johann Landsberg from the bhive Enterprise Development Centre at the NWU, a key supporter of the initiative, praised the impact and growing reach of the programme:

“STEP is a powerful programme that teaches students and community entrepreneurs how to start and successfully run their businesses. It is encouraging to see so many academics stepping forward to become STEP facilitators. Expanding this pool means we can reach more aspiring entrepreneurs and drive broader impact.”