On 03 February 2025, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni introduced the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr Botwe Kraziya to the departments under his division. This important moment follows a significant structural shift at the university with the recent retirement of Dr Robert Martin, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Corporate Services, in December 2024. In response, the University of Venda Council reconfigured the DVC role, replacing it with the COO position. This new role encompasses oversight of key departments such as Human Resources, ICT, Facilities Management, Protection Services, and Marketing, Branding, and Communication.
On photo: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni when introducing the Chief Operating Officer
Mr Kraziya’s appointment comes after an extensive evaluation process. An assessment panel, rec-ommended him for the COO position, effective 01 January 2025.
A New Role for a New Era
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal explained the reasoning behind this reconfiguration, emphasising that the COO position would provide essential operational support for the university’s core functions—teaching and learning, research, and community engagement. This strategic shift, the Vice-Chancellor expressed, was designed to streamline operations and ensure the university’s continued success and growth in the face of new challenges and opportunities.
Highlighting the critical role that departments such as Human Resources, Information and Communication Technology and Facilities Management play, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that a university’s success hinges on its ability to foster an environment that empowers both students and staff to achieve academic excellence. He urged all staff members to see their daily responsibilities as integral to the broader mission of delivering high-quality education, research, and community engagement. Drawing a powerful analogy to the dedication of two women at NASA in the 1960s, who understood the larger purpose of their work in helping to land astronauts on the moon, the Vice-Chancellor reminded staff that every contribution, no matter how small, is vital to the university’s mission.
On photo: The newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Mr Botwe Kraziya addressing some of the senior members of his Division
Building a Vision for Collaboration and Success
As Mr Kraziya steps into his new role, his vision is rooted in fostering collaboration, building strong relationships, and driving continuous improvement. During his presentation to the departments he will oversee, Mr. Kraziya outlined the approach he plans to take as Chief Operating Officer. His focus is on aligning the university’s operations with its academic goals, ensuring that each department operates as part of a cohesive, integrated system.
The COO, who previously served as the university’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), shared his deep appreciation for the complexity of higher education. “The science of higher education is very com-plicated,” Mr. Kraziya remarked, recognizing the multifaceted nature of university operations and the need for departments to work in harmony. His approach to leadership, he explained, is ground-ed in his commitment to understanding the intricacies of each department’s role in the larger eco-system of the university. “I have to learn those skills. I have to understand how all of those different areas of the university come together,” he said.
Fostering Strong Relationships and Teamwork
Central to Mr Kraziya’s philosophy is the belief that no success is achieved alone. He emphasised the importance of teamwork and the role of building strong, genuine relationships with colleagues. “To be able to run and be able to make it a success, really relies on you choosing the right team,” he noted. Reflecting on his success in the CFO role, he attributed much of his effectiveness to the relationships he built with colleagues across the university.
Mr Kraziya explained that building relationships is not about attending social events or “network-ing” for the sake of it. Rather, it is about forging meaningful connections with those who can make a tangible difference in one’s work. “It’s about having conversations with people who can make a positive difference in the job that you do,” he explained. He is committed to collaborating with col-leagues who will help turn ideas into actionable results.
A Commitment to Thought Leadership and Continuous Improvement
As a leader, Mr. Kraziya places a high value on thought leadership and continuously evaluating how processes can be improved. Reflecting on his own academic journey, he noted how his early experiences shaped his approach to leadership, particularly his desire to challenge the status quo. “I remember when I started my master’s degree, I was one of these people… we should go and do this right,” he shared. This mindset influences his leadership style, which is focused on constant im-provement, whether through better resource management or addressing leadership challenges. Mr Kraziya stressed that his commitment to improvement is not just about introducing innova-tive ideas, but also about refining and strengthening existing processes. His goal is to create an environment where the university continually evaluates and enhances its operations, striving for excellence in every area.
A Deep Commitment to Excellence and Accountability
For Mr Kraziya, excellence is not just a goal but a guiding principle. “I think about what I do a lot, and I take what I do very seriously,” he said. His meticulous approach ensures that no detail is over-looked in the pursuit of positive outcomes. While he acknowledges that his high standards may sometimes be perceived as “extra,” he believes that every decision must be intentional,
aimed at driving the university toward greater success.
He also welcomes feedback, recognizing that his thoroughness may already have been experienced by colleagues. However, he remains confident that his dedication to high standards will lead to positive, long-term results for the university.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Operational Excellence and Innovation
Looking to the future, Mr Kraziya has outlined a clear strategy for the university’s operational framework, with an emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Key priorities include improving the student experience, driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of in-novation, and enhancing communication both within the university and with external stakeholders. He also highlighted several areas in which he plans to focus his efforts, including improving Human Resources processes, enhancing facilities and maintenance operations, and driving the develop-ment of a more functional website to better represent the university. Moreover, Mr Kraziya intends to streamline recruitment processes and strengthen leadership and team alignment within Hu-man Resorces.With a focus on upskilling teams, driving innovation, and implementing effective project manage-ment, Mr. Kraziya aims to elevate the university’s public image, foster stronger relationships with alumni, and encourage greater participation in academic conferences and awards.
A Leader Poised to Drive Positive Change
As Mr Kraziya embarks on his leadership journey as COO, his focus on collaboration, leadership, and operational excellence provides a strong foundation for the university’s continued success. His dedication to creating positive change, building relationships, and driving continuous improvement will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring that the university achieves its mission of producing globally relevant and competitive graduates. With a shared commitment to excellence, the univer-sity community is poised to thrive under the COO’s leadership, fostering a successful educational environment for students, staff, and stakeholders alike.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
