On behalf of Council and the University community, the Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha when delivering a farewell message said, they salute the outgoing Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning, Prof Jan Crafford for the role he played to ensure that the UNIVEN produces high quality graduates that will become assets and not liabilities of the country. Mr Lekgetha indicated that Prof Crafford’s name, sacrifice, loyalty, and his personality will remain ineradicable in their minds for years to come. Mr Lekgetha said “There is no doubt that because of your legacy, UNIVEN is well poised to take its next steps of success. We will cherish the time that we had together in Council”. He said this during the Farewell function which was organised by the University of Venda Council in honour of Prof Crafford who served the University diligently. The event took place on Wednesday, 29 November 2023 at Palala Boutique Game Lodge and SPA, Globlersbrug in Limpopo.
The Chairperson of Council stated that “Through your efforts and leadership, we have witnessed exponential growth in throughput and graduation rate as well as conducive learning environment and today the University of Venda is an institution of higher learning which is admired for our academic excellence. We are now ranked among the top universities.”
In an event that was attended by members of the Council, Executive and Senior Management Committee members as well as some members of administrative departments, the Deputy Chairperson of Council, Ms Ndanduleni Makhari in her well wishes, applauded Prof Crafford for the role that he played during his stay at UNIVEN and the energy that made him to work until his retirement. Ms Makhari encouraged Prof Crafford to go and rest and use the remaining years to enjoy life. She said that he will be missed by all staff and students as well as those whom he interacted with in his life of service.
In his response, Prof Crafford appreciated Council for organising him such a sweet and splendid farewell. He thanked Council for trusting in him when they appointed him as an Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal in 2018 and extending his stay with six months.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Nosisi Feza extended a warm welcome to all the members present. “We gathered here to bid farewell to our distinguished guest, Prof Jan Crafford. The University Council
organised this event to express our gratitude to him and celebrate his remarkable legacy. She wished him all the best as he is going to start a new life.”
The Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Dr Stephen Smith proposed a vote of thanks. He thanked Prof Crafford for the contributions that he made towards the development of the University. Dr Smith also thanked Prof Crafford’s family for allowing him to serve the University.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525 /8710
Date: 05 December 2023
