Limpopo Provincial Government in partnership with University of Venda, University of South Africa, University of Limpopo, and Tshwane University of Technology hosted the annual Limpopo Research Forum (LRF) from the 15-16 February 2024 at the Ranch Hotel. The forum was hosted under the theme: ‘Advancing Economic Renewal through Research: Growing Limpopo Together.’
LRF was established to provide a system to facilitate and coordinate research within the province. It serves as a platform for sharing best practices among stakeholders in support of research. Its primary goal is to offer researchers in the Limpopo Province, serve as a platform to share ideas, experiences, and research trends. It aims to provide the basis and empirical evidence for the province’s future planning, policymaking, monitoring, and evaluation of service delivery improvement.
Over hundred participants, including presenters were in attendance. Oral and poster presentations from academic and research institutions as well as government departments were presented. Stakeholders displayed their research work and products in an effort to expand their horizon.
The University of Venda was well represented by the Director of Research and Innovation, Prof Jabulani Makhubele, and some members of staff in the Directorate of Research and Innovation who served in scientific and logistics committees in preparation of this gathering.
Some of the University of Venda’s academics and active researchers participated through poster and oral presentations, as well as chairing the sessions at the forum. In his opening and welcome message, Dr Thembinkosi Mabila from University of Limpopo highlighted that the 2024 LRF was also attended by researchers from Nelson Mandela University and the University of the Western Cape. He said, although participants are from various institutions, the LRF was formed for all researchers to contribute towards the development of this province and the country at large. “This is one of the biggest research forums in the country, hence we say it is no longer a provincial research forum but a national forum.” He thanked the Limpopo Provincial government for their continuous support. As the leader of Limpopo Research Forum, Dr Mabila told participants that they should all be proud of this forum because it shows that we are one irrespective of the institution from which we are coming. “Let us continue to make this forum the best research forum in the country,” said Dr Mabila.When giving remarks, the Acting Deputy Director General, Dr Martin Sehlapelo encourage participants to always make sure that the information or research findings are relevant to Limpopo Province and the country at large. “We need to go beyond sharing only within research community. We need to spread our research in the rest of the society. We need to make sure that our research is translated into an information that everyone will understand.” He said Limpopo province is in the process of establishing Limpopo Research Hub. “Let us ensure that whatever research we do is relevant to the communities we serve, and that research is translated in a manner that is user-friendly.”
As the keynote speaker, Prof Kgabo Moganedi from the University of Limpopo presented the ‘Marula fruit wine: Harmony of tradition and innovation.’ On day two of the research forum, Dr Sinah Sekhula from UNIVEN Research Office gave a recap of day one where she highlighted some of the Limpopo Provincial research and development framework key determinants. 
Mr Nthambeleni Mukwevho from Statistics South Africa (CENSUS) was the keynote speaker on day two of the 2024 Limpopo Research Forum. He told participants that the statistics that he has presented are not for Statistics South Africa but for all citizens to use. Citizens, especially researchers can access these statistics any time. In his vote of thanks message, Prof Mkhonza from Tshwane University of Technology highlighted that they have learned a lot from this 2024 Limpopo Research Forum. “This partnership has proved that we can achieve a lot when working together.”
Issued by: Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 21 February 2024
