Participants attend the launch of the University of Limpopo’s Certificate in E-Commerce Short Learning Programme, which equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the digital skills needed to compete in an economy driven by online innovation and expanding digital markets.
New short learning programme equips entrepreneurs and graduates with practical digital business skills to unlock opportunities in South Africa’s growing online economy
By Lebogang Mathaba – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
As online shopping, digital payments and technology-driven businesses continue to reshape South Africa’s economy, the University of Limpopo (UL) has launched a Certificate in E-Commerce to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals with the practical skills needed to build and manage businesses in the digital marketplace
Developed within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the programme provides practical training in digital marketing, online business models, electronic payment systems, cybersecurity, social media marketing and the development of e-commerce platforms.
Launching the programme in the Faculty of Management and Law, the Director of the School of Economics and Management, Professor Samuel Koma, said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to producing graduates and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to respond to changing economic realities.
“The Certificate in E-Commerce should be understood within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital economy. South Africa continues to experience significant growth in e-commerce, and this programme is our contribution towards developing digital skills, encouraging innovation and supporting the growth of digital commerce,” he said.
Head of the Department of Business Management, Kgahliso Maoto, said the certificate is designed to help entrepreneurs transition from traditional business models to online enterprises.
“We are trying to shift the paradigm from brick-and-mortar businesses to electronic businesses. As the University of Limpopo, we want to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical skills required to establish and grow businesses in the digital space,” she said.
Open to anyone with a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12), the two-week programme requires no previous digital experience, making it accessible to school leavers, graduates, entrepreneurs and working professionals.
During the launch, participants engaged facilitators on admission requirements, accreditation and assessment methods, while representatives from government, industry and business organisations welcomed the certificate as a timely intervention for entrepreneurs.
Final-year Bachelor of Commerce in Economics student Tshegofatso Ribisi said the programme had broadened her understanding of entrepreneurship.
“It has been an insightful experience. As an emerging businesswoman, I look forward to expanding my business beyond borders. The knowledge I gained today, together with what I will learn through this programme, gives me confidence that my business will grow,” she said.
Bachelor of Administration in Local Government student Reason Chauke said the programme will strengthened his entrepreneurial ambitions.
“The knowledge and skills I will gain through this programme will help me grow my business and create opportunities for others,” he said.
The Certificate in E-Commerce forms part of UL’s growing portfolio of short learning programmes that respond to industry needs while widening access to lifelong learning.
“We are trying to shift the paradigm from brick-and-mortar businesses to electronic businesses. As the University of Limpopo, we want to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and practical skills required to establish and grow businesses in the digital space.”
Prof Samuel Koma, Director of the School of Economics and Management, delivers the keynote address during the launch of the Certificate in E-Commerce Short Learning Programme.
Kgahliso Maoto, Head of the Department of Business Management, encourages entrepreneurs to embrace digital business opportunities during the launch of the programme.
Participants engage with facilitators during the launch of the University of Limpopo’s Certificate in E-Commerce Short Learning Programme.