The University of Venda (UNIVEN) held an induction workshop that provided Council Members with a comprehensive understanding of the mission and vision as well as the overall operation of the University. The workshop which was officially opened by the Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha, focused on the roles and responsibilities carried by Council members as well as the latest strategic developments of the University. Council members play a key role in the governance of the University. It is important to note that the University, led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, is required to ensure that Council is provided with full and timely information to enable it to carry out its responsibilities. A two-day workshop took place at Protea by Marriot Ranch Resort outside Polokwane on 14 and 15 February 2024.
When setting the scene, UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni updated the Council members about the 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan, its achievements and shortcomings as well as mechanisms for addressing the identified shortcomings. Part two of his presentation reflected on the process for developing a successive strategy and important strategic thrusts. He mentioned that UNIVEN is on transformative journey focusing on becoming an Entrepreneurial University, strengthening student-centredness and leading in engaged scholarship. Prof Nthambeleni gave an overview of 2026-2030 strategy development. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal also provided an understanding about the UNIVEN Integrated Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Biodiversity Plan (UIEIBP) which is a visionary roadmap that propels UNIVEN as it redefines its role on the higher education landscape. When concluding his presentation, Prof Nthambeleni stated that there is a need to align the vision and values that anchor the UNIVEN IEIBP goals into the New Strategic Plan.” During this workshop, Prof Nthambeleni detailed a high-level overview about the establishment of Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) that was launched in December 2023.
Council members also received a presentation from the University Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi, who gave the overview of the Governance Framework of Higher Education Institutions- with reference to the King 1V and Corporate Governance. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Teaching and Learning, Prof Lekalakala-Mokgele shared the highlights of the current trends of topical issues around the Higher Education Sector. The DVC Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Nosisi Feza spoke about topical issues around Research and Innovation.
Dr Christopher Whittle’s presentation brought Council members to the world of Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) which is a critical concept and something trending. Dr Whittle is from Universum Advisory.
The Chief Financial Officer, Mr Botwe Kraziya addressed topical issues around funding in higher education and his presentation covered the critical matter centred around the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).The outgoing University Registrar, Adv Edward Lambani presented on Council member responsibilities – Higher Education Act, Institutional Statute, Code of conduct and Terms of Reference. The workshop was officially closed by the Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 21 February 2024
