The spirit of academic camaraderie and continental collaboration came alive on Monday, 07 April 2025 evening as the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted an elegant dinner in honour of the visiting delegation from Kabarak University, Kenya. The dinner was held at Khoroni Hotel in Thohoyandou, the event provided a perfect blend of cultural exchange, intellectual dialogue, and networking.
Guests were welcomed into an evening filled with vibrant music, heartfelt speeches, and warm hospitality which is a true reflection of UNIVEN and Southern African grace and unity. Proceedings began with a captivating musical ambience, setting the tone for a night that celebrated not only academic excellence but also the deepening of ties between South Africa and Kenya.
Prof Pfarelo Matshidze
Prof Pfarelo Matshidze speaking on behalf of Prof Sebi Lekalakala-Mokgele warmly welcomed the guests during the dinner between the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and Karabak University in Kenya. She emphasised the significance of this collaboration in strengthening both institutions’ local, regional, and international visibility through joint academic programmes, research, and student and faculty exchanges.
Also highlighting the role of universities in innovation and societal development, she noted that the partnership continues to open new opportunities for global engagement, foster inclusive growth, and enhance Africa’s presence on the world stage.
Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, UNIVEN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Followed by key remarks from UNIVEN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, who highlighted the significance of such bilateral engagements in fostering global education partnerships. Prof Nthambeleni expressed great pride in the collaboration with Kabarak University, highlighting the significance of African-led partnerships that prioritise mutual growth and academic excellence.
He reflected on the productive engagements held earlier, emphasising that the partnership originally rooted in music, musicology, and culture has the potential to expand across various disciplines. He also stressed the importance of involving staff, researchers, students, and administrators in this collaboration.
Looking ahead, Prof Nthambeleni shared excitement about the forthcoming establishment of the African Musicology Institute (AMI), which will serve as a landmark initiative showcasing what African institutions can achieve through unity and shared vision.
Prof Henry Kiplangat, Kabarak University’s Vice-Chancellor
A standout moment came when Kabarak University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Henry Kiplangat, took to the podium to share insights from their institution and express appreciation for the partner-ship. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University of Venda for their warm hospitali-ty, reflecting on the value of their growing partnership since 2022. He emphasised the signifi-cance of continued collaboration between the two institutions which initially focused on music and media and outlined a shared commitment to expanding the scope to include law, health sciences, business, agriculture, and administrative staff. Professor Kiplangat underscored the importance of cross-pollinating ideas, promoting intra-African collaboration, and leveraging each university’s strengths to address the continent’s challenges through innovation and unity.
The audience were entertained by moving musical items from Dr Thulani Zulu and Dr Meisie Madzivhandila, which underscored the shared values and aspirations between the two universities.
Prof Rendani Tshifhumulo, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Arts and Social Sciences
Prof Rendani Tshifhumulo offered a sincere vote of thanks, and expressed deep ap-preciation to Kabarak University’s delegation, particularly Vice-Chancellor Prof Hen-ry Kiplangat, for their active collaboration. She highlighted the Department of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Venda pride in being part of a dynamic and fruit-ful partnership, noting ongoing joint publications, academic supervision, and the antic-ipated launch of the African Musicology Institute. Emphasising that the MoU is a “living being,” she acknowledged the support of various university directorates and colleagues, celebrating the spirit of unity and scholarly exchange that defines the partnership.
Paving the way for the final musical item by Prof Geoff Mapaya, the evening concluded with a delightful session of dinner and networking, where academics and administrators alike engaged in enriching conversations and explored avenues for future collaboration.
With the flags of South Africa and Kenya standing proudly side by side, the dinner sym-bolised more than just institutional cooperation of the two institutions, but it was a cel-ebration of African unity, excellence, and shared purpose with these collaborations.
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Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
