On Tuesday, 26 March 2019, the University of Venda (Univen) Directorate of Research and Innovation held the 5th University of Venda Research Indaba Day. This progressive Indaba day was held at Porche-Villa Hotel under the theme: ‘Promoting Research and Innovation to its Pole Position’.
Prof Jan Ernst Crafford, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic when opening the Indaba
During the opening and welcome of the Research Indaba Day, Prof Jan Crafford, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic highlighted that the 5th Research Indaba Day takes place during unprecedented times in the institutions of higher learning. He indicated that universities are facing funding challenges due to the impact brought by free higher education. Prof Crafford further highlighted that the number of research outputs in Masters and PhD graduates have been in the rise in the past ten years at Univen. He encouraged postgraduate students and researchers to be driven by passion and success despite the challenges that they are faced with. Prof Crafford concluded his talk by encouraging researchers to publish their research articles because this will help to position the University where it belongs.
Senior Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse, Director of Research and Innovation
Director of Research and Innovation, Senior Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse told the audience that challenges are there not to discourage them. He further told them to take challenges as a motivation to work even harder. “Strive to be better researchers. Remember that the future of this country relies on you to come up with solutions to challenges that the country is going through”. Senior Prof Ekosse continued to encourage researchers, postgraduate students and research promoters to go all out and attract sponsors and funders. He assured them that he will continue to attract more funders. “Publish your research articles to position Univen among the top ten universities in the country in terms of research outputs,” said Senior Prof Ekosse.
Ms. Makole Magoro and Mr. Smart Maqubela, guests from the Directorate of Research and Innovation, University of Pretoria
As Guest Facilitators, Ms. Makole Magoro and Mr. Smart Maqubela both from the Directorate of Research and Innovation at the University of Pretoria, (UP), spoke about research capacity development. Ms. Magoro encouraged researchers to always strive for success. She further encouraged the audience to go out to seek for funding for their research projects. Ms. Magoro explained the way the University of Pretoria Research Office operates and told the audience that UP has enough funding but there are students who still attract sponsorships to fund their research projects.
A panel discussing about the challenges that are being faced by the postgraduate students at Univen during Indaba
Students shared their experiences and challenges that they come across as postgraduates and researchers. A panel discussion was set to come up with the possible solutions to challenges being faced by Univen research community.
Dr Ramathuba reading the resolutions arrived at during the Indaba
Dr Sinah Sekhula proposed a vote of thanks
Group photo of attendees of the 5th University of Venda Research Indaba Day in 2019
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 09 April 2019
