On Friday, 25 October 2024, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) welcomed the Seventh Young Chemists’ Symposium, organised by the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture. In collaboration with the South African Chemical Institute (SACI), this event brought together emerging chemists under the theme “Chemistry for a Better Tomorrow.” Held at UNIVEN’s Agric Hall, the symposium attracted participants from various esteemed institutions, including the University of Limpopo, University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of Mpumalanga, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Limited (Necsa).
On Photo: Prof Lutendo Murulana, Deputy Dean Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture
In his opening remarks, Prof Lutendo Murulana, Deputy Dean of the Faculty, underscored the sig-nificance of hosting this symposium in Limpopo Province, a region celebrated for its rich biodi-versity and agricultural importance. He articulated the university’s dedication to research, en-gaged scholarship, and the pursuit of solutions to global challenges. Prof Murulana emphasised how the theme aligns with UNIVEN’s strategic goals and addresses critical Sustainable Devel-opment Goals (SDGs), encouraging collaboration among participants and with the university.
On Photo: Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director General of Socio-Economic Innovation and Partnerships at the Department of Science and Innovation
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director General of Socio-Eco-nomic Innovation and Partnerships at the Department of Science and Innovation. Dr Muofhe ex-plored the pivotal role of chemistry in everyday life, illustrating its impact on sustaining life, driving economic growth, and addressing global challenges. He discussed the influence of chemistry across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and energy, while cautioning about potential en-vironmental consequences stemming from its misuse. Dr Muofhe stressed the need for innovative thinking among young scientists and urged them to envision future careers that may not yet exist, reinforcing the idea that science is crucial for economic advancement and global problem-solving.
On Photo: Mr Herman Machiba, Service Manager and Sales personnel at Shimadzu
Mr Herman Machiba, a Service Manager and Sales Personnel at Shimadzu, shared in-sights about his company’s collaboration with the University of Johannes-burg to establish an innovation centre and provide valuable training opportunities.
The symposium featured a diverse array of presentations from honours, master’s, and PhD students representing universities within the SACI North Section. This platform allowed emerging scholars to showcase their research findings, engage in meaningful discussions, and foster collaboration within the scientific community. The vibrant contributions highlighted the innovative research being conduct-ed across the region, showcasing the importance of nurturing young talent in the field of chemistry.
The Young Chemists’ Symposium (YCS) provided a valuable opportunity for postgrad-uate students to connect with their peers, present their research, and engage in fruit-ful discussions with experienced researchers from various institutions. This gath-ering not only celebrated current achievements but also aimed to inspire the next generation of chemists to tackle pressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
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Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
