It was on a Saturday morning, 03 September 2022 when large numbers of the University of Venda alumni from in and around Capricorn and Waterberg districts of Limpopo province gathered at Meropa Casino Hotel, Polokwane for the launch of UNIVEN Capricorn‐Waterberg Alumni Chapter. The distinguished guests who attended the launch include the Chancellor, Adv. MojankuGumbi, the Vice Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, President of Convocation, Mr Sylvester Motadi, Deputy President of Convocation, Mr Rudzani Mushweu, University Registrar, Adv. Edward Lambani, MMC for Capricorn District Municipality, Mr Solly Mahlatji and the Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga.
The launch of the chapter aimed at creating a platform for the reconnection of long‐lost relationships and uniting all cohorts of the university alumni from the class of 1982 to the class of 2022 in the Capricorn and Waterberg districts. It was a great moment for reflection on the university’s 40 years of history and the experiences of the university alumni.
Front Row L to R: Mr Sylvester Motadi (President of Convocation), Mr Lazzy Ledwaba(Chairperson), Ms Marsia Mudau(Treasurer), Adv. Mojanku Gumbi(Chancellor) and Dr Bernard Nthambeleni(Vice‐Chancellor and Principal) Back Row L to R: Mr David Musetha, Ms Bridget Rapetsoa, Mr Andries Mantshimuli, Ms Masedikwe Machaka, Ms Portia Masekela(Secretary), Ms Mphethedi Matlatle(Deputy Secretary), Mr Dumisani Nghomani(Deputy Chairperson), Adv. Edward Lambani(University Registrar) and Dr Takalani Dzaga(Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication).
Mr Solly Mahlatji – MMC of Capricorn District Municipality
In his welcome address, on behalf of the Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality, Mr Solly Mahlatji described the launch as an important milestone for the university to spread its footprint across the Limpopo Province. He urged the university to continue to impart knowledge and skills to solve societal challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment. “Those who will be elected should promote the integrity of the institution and raise its profile,” said Mr Mahlatji.
On the Photo: Mr Sylvester Motadi – President of Convocation
The President of Convocation, Mr Sylvester Motadi who was also the programme director, delivered the President of Convocation Address. Quoting extensively from metaphysical poetry and William Blake’s “The Tiger”, he compared UNIVEN alumni who engage in criminal activities with the tiger. He made a call to all university alumni to desist from crimes such as the abuse and killing of innocent women and children.”All UNIVEN alumni from the class of 1982 to the present should put their boots on, get on to the right path of being agents of social change by contributing meaningfully to the development of our communities and the success of UNIVEN,” said President Motadi.
On Photo: Mr Rudzani Mushweu – Deputy President of Convocation
On Photo: Ms Salome Makgoka – Convocation EXCO member
“We are not a university by name but has impact and relevance”
On Photo: Dr NB Nthambeleni – Vice‐Chancellor and Principal
In delivering the State of Campus Address, the Vice‐Chancellor and Principal, Dr Nthambeleni highlighted the positive developments in the university among others accreditation of qualifications, infrastructure development, implementation of UNIVEN vision 2025, growth of academics with PhDs and accolades won by the university. “We are producing well‐rounded graduates who understand their roles in society. Our graduates occupy strategic leadership positions in both the public and private sectors in South Africa and abroad,” said Dr Nthambeleni.
“Why do you want to take alumni positions in the biggest regions of Limpopo province ?’’
On the Photo: UNIVEN Chancellor, Adv. Mojanku Gumbi
The University Chancellor, Adv. Mojanku Gumbi in her keynote address commenced by asking alumni who were interested in being elected to the Alumni Chapter positions why they should be elected and whether they would meet the expectations of the electorate. “If you want to be elected to the chairpersonship position, know the kind of society we want and the framework of education that will drive us towards that society. You need to elect leaders who will develop a programme that will develop young people,’’ said Chancellor Gumbi.
“Giving takes different forms. You need to learn from giving and philanthropic families such as Motsepe, Ibrahim and Bill gates by giving to the university. The best form of giving is financial donations which will help others as we build our country, “said Chancellor Gumbi when encouraging alumni to give.
During the discussion, question and answer session, several issues were raised namely alumni supervision of research, sharing of Online Giving link, deepening engagement of alumni and reaching out to corporates and mining companies like Ivanplats mine and Mogalakwena Platinum mine.
Mr Lazzy Ledwaba was elected to chair the leadership collective that was elected unopposed
On the Photo: Chairperson, Mr Lazzy Ledwaba
On the Photo: University Registrar, Adv. Edward Lambani
During elections which were conducted by the University Registrar and Secretary to Convocation, Adv. Edward Lambani, candidates nominated in all nine positions were duly elected. Mr Lazzy Ledwaba was elected chairperson, Mr Dumisani Nghomani as the Deputy Chairperson, Ms Portia Masekela as the Secretary, Ms Mphethedi Matlatle as the Deputy Secretary, Ms Marsia Mudau as the Treasurer and additional members are Ms Bridget Silaelo Rapetsoa, Ms Masedikwe Machaka, Mr David
Musetha and Mr Andries Mantshimuli. In his maiden speech, the newly elected chairperson, Mr Lazzy Ledwaba made an undertaking that as a collective, they understand the task ahead. “We will play a meaningful contribution to the lives of our students.”
Issued by :
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8338
Date: 09 September 2022
