On Tuesday, 13 February 2024 the Limpopo Provincial Office delegation led by the PPSA Senior Investigator, Mr Bernard Mahloko brought the services of the Public Protector to the University of Venda community by conducting outreach and sharing information on services offered by the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA). The session took place at the UNIVEN Research Conference Centre.
The session was attended by members of the Senior Management and Student Representative leadership of the University of Venda. The main aim of the visit was to check the state of readiness of the 2024 Academic year, most importantly challenges faced by students when it comes to registration and NSFAS funding so that things can go smoothly. The Office of the PPSA in Limpopo was on a mission more on a proactive effort to try and mitigate and offer a hand of assistance where it can be possible from their side to some of the challenges faced by the institutions from management and student perspective. Mr Mahloko appealed to all the participants to feel free and contribute to the discussions as their visit is not to investigate anyone. This is an initiative that the Office of the Public Protector is carrying throughout the country, and they are represented in all the provinces.
Meanwhile the University would like to create a platform where learning takes place in a conducive environment.
The delegation received management input from the Director Revenue and Financial Aid, Ms Tshildzi Ramulondi who shared pressing issues that are impacting negatively to the service delivery of the University such as student debt.
Students through the Minister of Finance, Bursaries and Projects, Mr Mulalo Makhaya also made their inputs that are heavily hindering students’ progress, NSFAS in particular. He showed that majority of the students at UNIVEN are coming from poor families, and they cannot afford even a meal for that matter.
As a way forward, Mr Mahloko acknowledged the issues raised by the management and students and that they are taking those issues seriously, hence the issues will further be presented to the Public Protector, Adv Kholeka Gcaleka.
The outgoing University Registrar, Adv Edward Lambani in his welcome remarks highlighted the importance of the Public Protector’s Office and that it is one of the chapter 9 institutions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.
When rendering vote of thanks, the University Registrar applauded the Office of the Public protector for their attempt to lay a helping hand to students.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525/8710
Date: 16 February 2024
