05/09/2026
SWGC STUDENT SHINES AT ALLAN GRAY ENTREPRENEURSHIP INTER-COLLEGE COMPETITION!
South West Gauteng TVET College is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Alexa Mashaba, a Civil Engineering student from Molapo Campus, who won recognition in the Trade Business category at the Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Inter-College Competition. The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kempton Park on 5 September2026.
Alexa’s Journey:
Alexa’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2025, when she entered the Inter-College Competition. She impressed judges at the regional level, securing second place. Although only first-place winners advanced to nationals that year, Alexa’s determination and innovation kept her motivated. In 2026, she returned stronger, advancing through the college, regional, and finally the national stages, where she earned her accolade.
Her pitch emphasized the shortage of plumbers in local communities, particularly in Magalies, where the demand for reliable contractors to provide plumbing services and infrastructure is urgent. Currently, these services are outsourced, leaving communities to grapple with limited resources, poor compliance with professional standards, and restricted capacity to scale. As a result, opportunities flow out of the community while capable local businesses and talented individuals struggle to grow.
She designed mobile showers manufactured from recycled construction materials, offering sustainable solutions for remote work zones. This innovation not only demonstrated her technical expertise but also her deep commitment to solving real community problems.
About the Competition:
The Allan Gray Entrepreneurship Inter-College Competition is one of South Africa’s leading platforms for nurturing entrepreneurial talent among TVET college students.
It progresses from internal college rounds to regional contests, culminating in the national finals.
Categories include Business Idea, Tech Business, Trade Business, and General Business.
Winners receive cash prizes, mentorship, and business support, empowering them to grow their ventures and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Why It Matters?
Alexa’s success demonstrates the power of innovation within TVET colleges. Her project reflects the values of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community impact, aligning with SWGC’s mission to produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating opportunities for others.
She is also running her company, Mason Mashaba Pty Ltd - Plumbing and Civils.
SWGC congratulates Alexa Mashaba for her resilience, creativity, and leadership. Her achievement is a testament to the talent nurtured at our college and an inspiration to fellow students to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.