The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is in an ambitious strategic journey to move towards fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The esteemed University Senior Management Committee came together under one roof to plan for UNIVEN’s groundbreaking initiative 15-Year Strategy Development Workshop which is set to shape the institution’s future trajectory. This comprehensive workshop was organised under the theme: ‘40-year UNIVEN dream: moving towards a new strategy trajectory underpinned by local and global needs.’ The two-day workshop took place at The Park Hotel, Mokopane from 19-20 September 2024.
With a rich legacy of academic excellence and a commitment to pushing boundaries, UNIVEN is gearing up for this landmark process that promises to be a milestone in the history of higher education. This inclusive workshop brought together thought leaders, from diverse fields to chart a course for the university’s journey over the next 15 years.
When speaking about this vision, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni underscored the significance of this workshop in driving strategic planning for the institution. “As we stand at the cusp of a new era in academia, it is imperative for us to align our vision with the evolving needs of our students and the broader community. The 15-Year Senior Management Strategic Planning Workshop served as a platform for ideation, collaboration, and innovation that would shape our long-term future endeavours and solidify our position as a leader in education and research.”
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal touched on various strategic aspects, including the trajectory of University Mission, Higher Education Imperatives, Dynamics of South African Higher – Education Sector, South Africa Medium Term Expenditure Framework. He also explained what is meant by a long-term strategy, where he highlighted that it is a comprehensive framework for the institution/organisation or business that defines an institution’s vision, goals and direction over an extended period, typically ten years or more, while providing a roadmap of how the institution intends to achieve its mission while adapting to its internal and external factors, such as trends, competition and changes in the economic outlook.
By amalgamating insights from internal stakeholders and external experts, the university aims to foster a culture of excellence, adaptability, and forward-thinking that would propel it to new heights of success. Furthermore, Professor Nthambeleni shared ten (10) Key and Emerging Technologies that should be considered as the University is gearing up to this long-term strategy.
As he was providing guidelines on the breakaway sessions, Director Strategy and Risk, Dr Mutshin-yalo Ratombo mentioned that this 15-Year UNIVEN Strategy Development workshop would lay the foundation for cultivating a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures creativity, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through interactive four commissions that were developed, par-ticipants had the opportunity to contribute and share their expertise and perspectives towards shaping a vibrant and future-ready academic environment. The commissions feedback session was characterised by insightful reflections.
As UNIVEN embarks on this transformative journey, Dr Ratombo invited all stakeholders to join hands in paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive, and innovative future that transcends boundaries and redefines educational paradigms.
In closing a resounding successful workshop, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to members of the SMC for their participation in discussions and valuable con-tributions that were quite insightful.
Professor Nthambeleni stated that both in their reports and deliberations they have underscored the critical need for forward thinking, collaborative approaches to address complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
He showed that “the success of the workshop is measured by the preparation that goes in it. Lis-tening to the reports and exchange of ideas, it is evident that all of us have come prepared for the robust discussions. By fostering our integrated, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Biodiversity Plan, strengthening partnerships and remaining adaptable we are well positioned to navigate the uncer-tainties of the future.”
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal pointed out that our long-term strategy and commitment to sustainability, resilience and long-term value creation will not only benefit our university but also contribute to the broader societal and global goals.
Professor Nthambeleni highlighted the key messages that came through this workshop and the most pressing one is to ensure that every staff member is engaged on the new university long term plan that the University is developing.
He further encouraged SMC members to be the champions of the change we want to see and drive our university and stakeholders towards a brighter future.
Professor Nthambeleni thanked the four commissions and the chairpersons who are Professor Barwa Kanyane, Professor Vhonani Netshandama, Ms Beauty Mutheiwana and Professor Joseph Francis for leading the discussions in their respective commissions. In the same vein, he thanked the scribes and commissions presenters, Prof Kanyane, Prof Veldman, Prof Mulaudzi and Mr Ndou who did a splendid job.
He also appreciated the Director Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga, for efficient management of the programme and thorough management of discussions throughout.
Professor Nthambeleni commended his office, Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo and Ms Esther Munano, for the overall planning and making sure that this SMC 15-Year Strategy Development Workshop was a success.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication.
University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
