In a move that celebrates both tradition and innovation, Stellenbosch University's (SU) iconic Maties Shop will expand its offerings to include a unique coffee experience by opening the first Maties Coffee Hub on 1 March 2024, located inside the Matie Shop in the Neelsie. This exciting venture will enrich the vibrant campus culture and exemplifies the University's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and community engagement.
At the heart of this endeavour is a partnership with Mhlengi Ngcobo, a former Matie and esteemed local entrepreneur behind CoffeeMM in the Co-create Hub opposite the Adam Small Theatre complex of SU. Ngcobo's deep roots within the University community and his passion for coffee and business acumen make him the perfect collaborator for this venture.
CoffeeMM was founded in 2017 as a local coffee company that provides high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans and products to the Stellenbosch community and surrounds.
The partnership between CoffeeMM and Maties Coffee Hub emerged from a collaboration, transitioning from a supplier to a strategic partnership motivated by their shared values of sustainability and empowerment. By aligning with an institution deeply rooted in the Stellenbosch community, Ngcobo saw an opportunity to amplify the impact of his entrepreneurial endeavours while contributing to SU's holistic development and entrepreneurial spirit mission.
“By partnering with local businesses, we are enhancing the campus experience and catalysing economic development within the local region. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to driving positive change and creating meaningful opportunities for our students and campus community", says Hein Swanepoel, Senior Director, Suncom (a division of Innovus). Beyond serving as a campus hotspot, the Maties Coffee Hub aims to foster meaningful connections and relationships within the Stellenbosch community, bridging the gap between students, faculty, and local businesses.
In essence, this collaboration exemplifies the positive effects of commercialisation within a university setting. It underscores Stellenbosch University's role as an enabler of entrepreneurial opportunities, showcasing the potential for synergy between academia and commerce in driving economic growth and social impact.
As the Maties Coffee Hub integrates into campus life, it sends a powerful message to the SU community and the broader public. It embodies a commitment to excellence, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment—a testament to the University's enduring legacy and dedication to shaping a brighter future for future generations.
More about Innovus
Innovus is a division of Stellenbosch University responsible for technology transfer, entrepreneurial support and development, and innovation. The Technology Transfer Office manages the University's innovation and intellectual property portfolio through seeking relevant intellectual protection for the university's intellectual property portfolio, such as patenting, trademark, design, and other forms of protection. The team is also responsible for the management of the portfolio and the commercialisation of innovation through licensing and the formation of spin-out companies.
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For more information, please contact:
Gary Muizenheimer:
garym@sun.ac.za
