The University of Venda Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni hosted a highly successful special gathering with university prominent alumni to showcase recent achievements and strengthen connections under the theme “The Strategic role of alumni in positioning UNIVEN as a centre for Creating future leaders” Through the reflections made, it was apparent that the breathtaking accomplishments shared by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, triggered the attention of the alumni to consider taking their rightful positions in the advancement of the University of Venda.
On photo: Some of the Alumni pose for a photo with the University Executive Management
This exclusive event sponsored by Old Mutual, took place on Friday, 27 September 2024 in Old Mutual Hall, Sandton, Johannesburg. Over 200 alumni attended the gathering that fostered networking opportunities, creating a platform for the university to engage with successful graduates. Alumni shared inspiring stories, offered valuable advice, and demonstrated the impact of their university education on their careers. The evening showcased the strong bond between the university and its graduates, highlighting a sense of community and pride. As former students reflected on their academic journey and professional accomplishments, the event reinforced the importance of education and mentorship in shaping successful careers. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia as attendees reminisced about their time at the university and shared their professional journeys.
The event was a resounding success, attracting notable alumni from a diverse range of industries, including but not limited to entrepreneurs, Chief Executive Officers, Directors General, Legal Prac-titioners, MEC’s and parliamentarians. Their presence underscored the university’s reputation for producing graduates who are locally relevant and globally competitive and excel in their respective fields.
Keynote speaker Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, gave a comprehensive presentation about the University Strategic direction. He expressed his profound gratitude to all the alumni for making time out of their tight schedules. Professor Nth-ambeleni also appreciated the role played by the Executive Committee of Convocation under the leadership of the President, Sylvester Motadi who was also in attendance.
Talking about new UNIVEN strategic trajectory, Vision 2040, he shared that the University of Venda is on an ambitious strategic journey to become an entrepreneurial university underpinned by stu-dent-cantered, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Professor Nthambeleni highlighted several UNIVEN Academic Projects and pointed out that UNIV-EN top the list amongst the Comprehensive universities in South Africa with the highest enrolment numbers in science and mathematics.
In terms of university successes, he shared several achievements in the fields of research, com-munity engagement, teaching, and learning. As guided by UNIVEN 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, he presented that the university would remain an institution that puts high on its agenda, Engaged Scholarship as an attribute that surpasses our individual and personal interest, rather focused on the service of humanity.
He also shared some of notable achievements such as Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting/CTA that received full accreditation from SAICA and the Council on Higher Education; establishment of UNVEN Law School, Business Advisory Centre in Makhado Crossing Mall, UNIVEN acquired a piece of land in Makhado Local Municipality with the plans to establish a University of Venda sat-ellite campus in Makhado, Louis Trichardt; launch of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation (UCFERI); Creation of two research niche areas; Establishment of the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI); Launch and Operationalisation of the Advancement Unit; Implementa-tion of funding initiatives to assist both postgraduate and selected undergraduate students, and many more.
Professor Nthambeleni further shared the University rankings by Times Higher Education. Fur-thermore, he highlighted Infrastructure Development asserting current infrastructure projects and planned infrastructure projects.
He concluded his speech by emphasising that the strategic involvement of UNIVEN alumni is indis-pensable for fostering an environment that nurtures and empowers future leaders. In addition, he said “Your contributions, in myriad forms, are not only beneficial but imperative for the continued growth and success of our institution. It is through a strong, supportive, and engaged alumni net-work that we will assert the University of Venda as an unrivalled centre for cultivating future lead-ers. Let us forge ahead confidently, leveraging our collective strengths, knowledge, and networks to achieve this noble objective.”
The evening featured inspiring speeches that highlighted the University’s role in shaping the ca-reers of its alumni. The speakers emphasised the value of the education they received and how it prepared them for the challenges of the real world. Old Mutual was represented by its Regional General Manager, Ms Thenjiwe Ramorotho (pictured on the right above) who shared programmes and services available at Old Mutual.
In addition to the speeches, CEO of Price Water Coopers, Ms Shirley Machaba (pictured above on the left picture) talked on behalf of Alumni. The event provided ample opportunities for network-ing. Alumni reconnected with former classmates and professors as well as building relationships with each other and with the university.
Old Mutual Client Director, Mr Gumani Tshikovhi (pictured on the right) in welcoming the guests thanked UNIVEN for choosing Old Mutual to host its notable alumni event.
The President of Convocation, Mr Sylvester Motadi (on the left photo above) in his remarks, en-couraged all the alumni present to support their alma mater’s strategic goals and objectives. He made a call that they should be active alumni and provide all kind of support to the growth and development of the University.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Corporate Services, Dr Robert Martin (pictured on the right above) high-lighted the purpose of the engagement session as being to showcase recent achievements and strengthen connections with the University alumni. He further expressed that alumni are important to the continued development of their alma mater, and it is evident that a carefully cultivated alum-ni relationship can bring many long-term benefits, including industry knowledge and networks.
The event featured alumni of different generations since the university’s inception. This was con-sidered an opportune moment for exploring areas of possible collaborations, including internship opportunities for the university graduates. The alumni made it explicit that one of the most obvious ways that they can plough back to their alma mater and empower graduates is through in-kind donations. This entails a situation where alumni donate their time and expertise.
It was apparent through the engagement that the event succeeded in rekindling bonds with the university notable alumni.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies, Professor Nosisi Feza took the opportunity to share the prestigious World Heritage Irrigation Structures Award in South Africa that was received by Professor Sylvester Mpandeli. The award was handed over at International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage’s 75th International Executive Council meeting held in Syd-ney, Australia on 1-7 September 2024. This is the first time that a South African irrigation structure has received the award since its inception in 2012.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication.
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
