On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted a joint farewell event for the outgoing members of the University Council and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Corporate Services, Dr Robert Martin. This prestigious occasion took place at Park Hotel in Mokopane, celebrating the contributions and leadership of these individuals.
The ceremony commenced with heartfelt remarks from the Chairperson of the University Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha, recognising the outgoing council and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) of Corporate Services, who is retiring. He thanked the Council for its service since 2020, highlighting its perseverance through challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key achievements included approving the University’s 2021-2025 strategy, restructuring, and improving financial management. He commended the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and the strides the University has made. The Chairperson also praised Dr. Robert Martin for his pivotal role in the University’s turnaround, emphasising teamwork and collaboration. He urged the University community to continue working together for progress.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, also offered his farewell address, extending his gratitude to the outgoing Council members and Dr Martin. Prof Nthambeleni praised Dr Martin, who joined the University in 2017, for his invaluable leadership and contributions to various departments, particularly Corporate Services Division. He also acknowledged the Council members for their dedication to steering the University’s strategic direction, academic excellence, and societal impact. Under their guidance, the University achieved significant milestones, including increased research outputs, high graduation rates, and successful international partnerships. The 40th anniversary celebration of the University was also cited as a testament to the institution’s progress. Despite financial constraints, Prof Nthambeleni expressed appreciation for the contri-butions of the departing leaders, concluding with heartfelt thanks and best wishes for their future endeavours.
On behalf of the University Council, Ms Ndanduleni Makhari, the Deputy Chairperson, responded with gratitude, recognising the support of UNIVEN community throughout their term. She reflected on the challenges, particularly COVID-19 pandemic, and how it tested the resilience of the Univer-sity. However, she highlighted that significant progress has been made, and the Council members, staff, and students’ collective efforts paved the way for a promising future. She emphasised her confidence in the University’s continued growth and thanked everyone who contributed to the University’s achievements.
Dr Robert Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Corporate Services, also shared his response, express-ing deep gratitude to the Council members for their support throughout his tenure. He reflected on the unique and fulfilling experience of working at UNIVEN, emphasising that this moment was not a farewell but rather an opportunity for rejuvenation and growth. Dr Martin offered words of encouragement to all stakeholders to continue striving for success and wished peace and prosper-ity for all stakeholders.
The event also featured a warm welcome from Dr Ryneth Mbhele, the Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee of the Council, who celebrated the University’s achievements and acknowledged the leadership of Mr Lekgetha. Reflecting on the progress made, Dr Mbhele shared an inspiring quote: “Every sunset brings a promise of a new dawn,” highlighting the notion that endings give rise to new beginnings. She thanked the guests, including the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council, Vice-Chancellor, Executive team, UNIVEN staff, fellow Council members, and Dr Martin, for their contributions and presence at the event.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from the University Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi. Dr Baloyi expressed that the past years had marked significant progress for the University, largely due to the unwavering support of the Council members. He reflected on the challenges faced during the early stages of the term and emphasised the crucial role of the Council in advancing the Universi-ty’s strategic goals. He mentioned that the University’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan was a key driver in repositioning UNIVEN for global impact. Dr Baloyi expressed gratitude for the leadership of Mr Lekgetha and Dr Martin, concluding with optimism for the future and a commitment to continued collaboration.
The farewell event was a fitting tribute to the leadership and contributions of the outgoing mem-bers of the University Council and Dr Robert Martin. The occasion highlighted both the challenges, and the substantial achievements made during their time in office, reinforcing a shared vision for the University’s continued growth and success.
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Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
