About
Founded in 1975 in the United States, Enactus is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring students to improve the world through entrepreneurial action. We provide a platform for teams of outstanding university students to create community development projects that put people’s own ingenuity and talents at the center of improving their livelihoods.
Guided by educators and supported by business leaders, our students take the kind of entrepreneurial approach that empowers people to be a part of their own success. Our work transforms both the lives of the people we serve, and in turn, the lives of our students as they develop into more effective, values-driven leaders.
Our Mission
To engage the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to use innovation and business principles to improve the world.
Quick Facts
Enactus South Africa growth over the past 13 years is reflected in the table below.
| Program year | 07-08 | 08-09 | 09-10 | 10-11 | 11-12 | 12-13 | 13-14 | 14-15 | 15-16 | 16-17 | 17-18 | 18-19 | 19-20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled teams | 21 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 22 |
| Active teams | 21 | 26 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 22 |
| Competing teams | 18 | 26 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Active students | 966 | 1062 | 1587 | 1602 | 2166 | 2404 | 2868 | 3325 | 2839 | 2590 | 2201 | 1868 | 1549 |
| Faculty advisors | 36 | 44 | 44 | 51 | 55 | 54 | 53 | 47 | 40 | 50 | 57 | 57 | 48 |
| Number of projects | 91 | 125 | 161 | 126 | 162 | 168 | 94 | 112 | 74 | 62 | 56 | 28 | 28 |
| Direct impact | 18,877 | 21,484 | 20,283 | 16,831 | 16,872 | 6,614 | 12,203 | 6,211 | 6,920 | 14,059 | 2,051 | 6 712 | 5765 |
| Team project hours | 47,553 | 117,395 | 154,019 | 119,762 | 147,041 | 201,634 | 207,976 | 319,629 | 331,599 | 390,212 | 621,752 | 247,651 | 87,407 |
Our Story
Today, Enactus South Africa operates as an affiliate of Enactus Worldwide and is one of 36 countries around the world that comprises Enactus’ premier business and higher education network.
Enactus South Africa NPC is a national initiative launched in 2001 as a registered section 21 entity, by Students In Free Enterprise, Inc. (now Enactus).
Its first presence in South Africa was at the University of the Free State (UFS) as a result of the efforts of Johan van der Westhuyzen, then a UFS student.
The National program was launched in March 2002 with 10 universities and a 5 man founding board of directors.
The organization has since expanded to 27 institutions of higher learning as registered participants in all provinces of South Africa (excl. the Northern Cape).
Enactus South Africa has reached its full market share (excluding UNISA), with a continual but steady growth in team membership.
Participating students form teams on their university campus and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need as aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the annual Enactus South Africa National Competition, teams are provided with a platform to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges. The Enactus South Africa National Champion team advances to the prestigious annual Enactus World Cup.