Representation from UNIVEN Executive Management, SRC and Standard Bank displaying some of the donated sanitary towels
On Wednesday, 07 June 2023, Standard Bank donated 7000 packets of sanitary towels to the University of Venda (UNIVEN). The handing over of these sanitary towels took place at the University’s Research and Conference Centre. These sanitary towels will be shared amongst needy female students through the Office of the Student Representative Council (SRC).
Attendees of the handing over ceremony
Director Marketing, Branding and Communication – Dr Takalani Dzaga
In his welcome remarks, Director Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga said UNIVEN is grateful to be receiving such a valuable donation from Standard Bank. He told Standard Bank officials that the University does not take this donation lightly especially because what has been donated intends to restore the dignity of female students. Dr Dzaga mentioned that all beneficiaries of what has been donated are young females, “so, the donation has come at the right time when the country is celebrating Youth month.” Dr Dzaga further mentioned that this donation is in line with the University’s Strategic Objective 1: to enhance student well-being and success. He said he wishes that all other stakeholders could see what Standard Bank has done for the University and do the same. “We need stakeholders such as Standard Bank in order to achieve our Strategic Objectives.”
The University Registrar – Adv Edward Lambani
The University Registrar, Adv Edward Lambani thanked Standard Bank for what they have done for students. The issue of access to sanitary towels is something that we should always be thinking about because somewhere as we speak there is someone who is in need of these towels. “They are extremely important. We thank Standard Bank for intervening in the area that no stakeholder wanted to go into.” The University Registrar also thanked the SRC for seeing a need to seek assistance on behalf of fellow students. “You are indeed true definitions of what leaders are.”
Head of Personal Banking at Standard Bank – Mr Andries Ndlovu
Head of Personal Banking at Standard Bank, Mr Andries Ndlovu said Standard Bank regards all citizens as their stakeholders but institutions of higher learning such as UNIVEN are their key stakeholders because they value education, and Standard Bank believes in empowering the youth. He highlighted that their partnership with UNIVEN is not only about money but anything that could assist the University to progress and succeed in creating future leaders. “We are donating because we saw a need to do so. We want to build our society starting with the leaders of tomorrow. These students are the future generation and without education, our country is not going anywhere,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu continued to highlight that the promotion of education is particularly important and Standard Bank wants to make sure that they participate in all activities without worrying about anything. “We are investing in them because they are the future of this country.”
He appreciated the partnership that Standard Bank has with UNIVEN because through UNIVEN, standard bank is able to contribute towards building the future of this country. “This is not a once-off donation, we will still come back to donate other things such as soccer and volleyball kit, both home and away. We also commit that we will organise a workshop where students and staff members will be taught financial literacy and wellness.”
SRC President – Mr Gudani Tshamano
In his response, the SRC President, Mr Gudani Tshamano said the SRC welcomes the donation on behalf of students. Mr Tshamano said when the Office of the SRC asked for this donation, unlike other businesses, Standard Bank swiftly responded. “We thank Standard Bank for not taking a long time to respond to us and for what they have done for our students.” This shows us that Standard Bank cares about communities. The SRC President explained that they had a lot of students coming to them asking for donations because they do not have money to buy these valuables. He suggested that the government should start to provide sanitary towels for all females.
Student Governance Administrative Officer – Mr Andisani Mathelemusa
In his vote of thanks, Student Governance Administrative Officer, Mr Andisani Mathelemusa said they are happy that this is not a once-off donation but something that is still ongoing. He thanked the Standard Bank for this donation.
