Being responsible for entrepreneurship development initiatives across all 26 public universities in South Africa is no easy task. However, University of Pretoria (UP) alumnus Dr Edwell Gumbo, Director of Entrepreneurship at Universities South Africa (USAf), says his UP academic journey has been instrumental in preparing him for this leadership role.

“I am deeply grateful for the training and opportunities my UP studies provided,” says Dr Gumbo, who obtained an MPhil and a PhD in Entrepreneurship from UP in 2019 and 2024, respectively. “The education I received was transformative, combining rigorous academic training with practical insights that prepared me for impactful leadership roles.”

He applauded his alma mater’s emphasis on research and innovation, which “allowed me to delve deeply into topics like digital entrepreneurship, pushing the boundaries of traditional learning and applying these insights directly to real-world challenges. I would highly recommend UP to anyone seeking a comprehensive education that is both challenging and relevant, as it equips graduates with critical thinking skills, industry connections, and a global perspective essential for excelling in today’s dynamic world.”

Dr Gumbo’s thesis focused on investigating ‘How Digital Innovation Hubs Influence the Entrepreneurial Activity of Start-ups’.

“With this research I wanted to explore the pivotal role digital innovation hubs play in supporting and accelerating start-up growth,” he explains. “Recognising the growing importance of digital tools and innovation ecosystems, I aimed to uncover how these hubs could effectively foster entrepreneurial activity, enabling start-ups to thrive, access resources, and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.”  

Dr Gumbo plans to leverage his newly acquired knowledge to enhance and expand entrepreneurship development across South Africa’s public universities.

“I want to lead universities in institutionalising entrepreneurship, supporting student entrepreneurship, and academics in integrating entrepreneurship into the curriculum. My goal is to foster a culture of entrepreneurship within higher education that is resilient, inclusive and responsive to evolving industry demands, ultimately contributing to South Africa’s socio-economic growth.”

Prior to joining USAf, an umbrella body that represents all public universities in South Africa, Dr Gumbo worked at Wits University's Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, where he supported start-ups, facilitated internationalisation through initiatives like the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, and led the Wits Entrepreneurship Clinic as Director. He also served as Deputy Director for Skills Development and Acting Director for Small and Medium Enterprises Development at the City of Johannesburg, where he coordinated skills and SME development across city departments and municipal entities. He then joined Optimi Group as a Divisional Managing Director.

Dr Gumbo says obtaining qualifications from UP has been transformative because of the advanced knowledge he gained. His studies equipped him with a strategic mindset and the critical skills needed for leadership in his sector.

“Both the MPhil and PhD in Entrepreneurship provided a solid grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship within the African context, helping me to deeply understand and address local challenges with a global perspective.”

As a proud UP alumnus, Dr Gumbo believes that graduates play a crucial role in the progress and development of their alma mater by acting as ambassadors, mentors and even financial supporters.

“Their experience and success reflect the quality of education and the values instilled by their institution, which can inspire current students and attract prospective ones. Alumni bring real-world insights and professional networks back to the university, which can enhance the curriculum, provide internships and create job opportunities for graduates.”

Beyond his professional work, he is deeply motivated by a desire to create lasting, positive change in society through education and entrepreneurship.

“I believe in equipping future generations with the skills and opportunities to innovate. Iam contributing to a more resilent and prosperous society,” he says. “This motivation is rooted in my own experiences and the impact that mentorship and education have had on my journey.”