Chwaita Momoza, a student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has been selected to represent South Africa at the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa Student Entrepreneurship Competition (MEPA). At this event, she will compete against some of the region's most promising young entrepreneurs.
The competition is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from July 27 to 28. It will bring together over twenty student entrepreneurs from the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa who will compete for a spot in the global finals. Momoza passed three qualification rounds, including a university competition, a provincial stage, and the South African GSEA National Competition, to earn her place. She is one of two South Africans selected to participate in the MEPA event.
Momoza, an undergraduate student majoring in 'Computer Science and Information Technology', is co-owner of an online furniture store that she launched in July 2025 after identifying a gap in the South African online furniture market. The business was created to solve common customer problems such as unreliable delivery, inconsistent product quality, damaged goods, and poor after-sales service.
According to Momoza, the knowledge gained through her bachelor's degree has directly influenced the management and development of her company. She noted that studying data analysis, operational process improvement, digital platforms, and e-commerce helped her think strategically and create scalable systems.
Originally from Matatile in the Eastern Cape, Momoza oversees the company's strategy, branding, marketing, logistics, customer experience, and business development. Operating on a hybrid model combining local production, international sourcing, and e-commerce, the company currently employs seven staff members. Despite being only one year old, it has expanded its product range, opened its first warehouse complex, strengthened quality control processes, and achieved revenue exceeding 700,000 South African Rand.
Momoza believes that participating in the MEPA competition will provide an opportunity to test her business on the international stage and learn from experienced entrepreneurs. She expressed hope that this experience will accelerate the company's growth and open doors to long-term entrepreneurial networks. UKZN Director of Corporate Relations, Dr. Norma Zondo, congratulated Momoza on her achievement, stating that the university is proud that one of its students is representing South Africa internationally. Zondo emphasized that Chwaita's journey reflects the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that the university strives to foster in its students.
Chwayita Momoza, a student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has been selected to represent South Africa at the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa Student Entrepreneurship Competition (MEPA).
The competition is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from July 27 to 28 and will bring together over twenty leading student entrepreneurs from these regions. Participants aim for a chance to advance to the final global stage.
Momoza, who is a co-owner of an online furniture store, passed three previous stages of the competition: the university, provincial, and National GSEA South Africa competition before reaching MEPA. She noted that receiving the national invitation and being chosen as one of two South Africans to participate in MEPA were unforgettable moments, confirming her diligent work in developing her furniture business alongside her studies.
While pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, Momoza emphasized that her studies taught her strategic thinking and the creation of scalable systems. She explained that the skills acquired during her education directly influence the management and growth of her business, including data analysis, improving operational processes, understanding digital platforms, and e-commerce.
Originally from Matatile in the Eastern Cape, Momoza noticed a gap in the South African online furniture market. She founded the company to solve common customer problems such as unreliable delivery, inconsistent quality, damaged goods, and poor after-sales service, while creating a modern and reliable furniture brand.
The company operates on a hybrid model, combining local manufacturing, international sourcing, and e-commerce, and currently employs seven staff members. Momoza manages strategy, branding, marketing, operations, logistics, customer experience, and business development, ensuring quality products and exceptional customer service. The business, launched in July 2025, is only one year old but has already achieved significant growth: expanding its product range, opening its first warehouse complex, strengthening quality control processes, and earning over 700,000 Rand in revenue.
Momoza is participating in the MEPA competition due to its reputation as a platform that brings together the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. She sees the competition as an opportunity to test her business internationally, receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and grow both personally and professionally. She anticipates valuable mentorship, international exposure, and access to global business networks provided by the competition.
Dr. Norma Zondo, Executive Director of Corporate Relations, congratulated Chwayita on her achievement. She stated that the student's participation in the competition among the world's most promising young entrepreneurs is a source of pride for the University, as Chwayita's journey reflects the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit that UKZN strives to cultivate.
