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talhah patelia

Student Entrepreneur of the Year, Wits Student Leadership Awards

Won the category at the 2026 Wits Student Leadership Awards, after nominating myself with a portfolio on GotchaEducation, NavigoTransport and the Wits HPC results.

The Student Leadership Awards are Wits's awards for what students do outside the lecture hall: co-curricular and extra-curricular activity, entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, and service to the Wits community and beyond. Student Entrepreneur of the Year is one of the categories.

I nominated myself in that category in 2026. Nominations closed on 30 September and needed a CV, a motivation letter and testimonial letters. I also sent a portfolio of evidence covering GotchaEducation, NavigoTransport and the Wits HPC results.

I won the category at the ceremony on 23 October 2026. Jared Swart, who coached the AFRETEC SEED team with me, received a Student Leadership Award at the same ceremony.

With the Student Entrepreneur of the Year certificate and trophy, 23 October 2026. Talhah Patelia is on the right. Jared Swart, on the left, also received a Student Leadership Award.

With the Student Entrepreneur of the Year certificate and trophy, 23 October 2026. Talhah Patelia is on the right. Jared Swart, on the left, also received a Student Leadership Award.

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