On Photo: Prof Harry Munzhedzi, Head of the Department of Public and Development Administration
In his welcome remarks, Prof Harry Munzhedzi, Head of the Department of Public and Devel-opment Administration welcomed students for the remarkable opportunity as postgraduate stu-dents in Public and Development Administration. “You are part of a select group receiving this rare privilege—funding that no other department in the faculty has secured.” He asserted students that the bursary is designed to support their Honours and Masters studies and comes with an essential responsibility of completing their programme within one year. Prof Munzhedzi also as-sured students that their supervisors are there to guide them and provide the necessary support.
“Make use of their support, stay on track, and honour this investment in your edu-cation. I urge you to seize this chance, complete your studies on time, and pave the way for future students to benefit as well.” said Prof Munzhedzi as he concluded.
On Photo: Ms Sibongile Maqungo, Learning Programmes Specialist
Learning Programmes Specialist from PSETA, Ms Sibongile Maqungo’s presentation out-lined what the Memorandum of Agreement between PSETA and the University of Venda en-tails, providing bursary funding of R1.5 million for 25 students for a 12-month period. Ms Ma-qungo emphasised that unspent funds would be reallocated, and students must complete their studies within the allocated timeframe. She expressed that “the funding is structured in tranches based on academic progress, with payments made directly to the university.” She also expressed that PSETA is committed to developing a skilled and innovative public sector work-force and stressed the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in financial aid dis-tribution. She said students must not receive multiple government funding and must adhere to university and PSETA requirements to maintain the funding and ensure programme success.
There was a response from both Honours and Masters students regarding the programme, in-dicating their engagement and interest in the initiative. Students expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, emphasising how worthwhile it is, especially given the high cost of university education, acknowledged the importance of education and pledged to meet the expectations set for them. They further promised to be accountable, dedicated, and receptive to their work. “We also commit to working hard and supporting one another to ensure that no one is left behind.”
On Photo: Dr Ephraim Mahole, Lecturer
A response by a Departmental representative, Dr Ephraim Mahole, a Lecturer encouraged students to seize the funding opportunity with discipline and effective time management, committing to completing their research within the set timeframe. Dr Mahole also empha-sised self-motivation, as he reminded students that education is a powerful tool for change.
This partnership underscores the vital role of education in driving socio-economic trans-formation. By equipping postgraduate students with the financial means to pursue ad-vanced studies, UNIVEN and PSETA are ensuring that the public sector benefits from high-ly skilled graduates who are well-prepared to address pressing developmental challenges.
The bursary will not only alleviate the financial burden on students but also empower them to focus on their studies and research, contributing to knowledge production and policy development within the public sector. The University of Venda remains committed to producing graduates who are locally relevant and globally competitive.This partnership with PSETA is yet another step towards fulfilling that mission,
ensuring that postgraduate students have the necessary resourcesto excel and contribute meaningfully to the development of South Africa.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
