The University of Venda (UNIVEN) proudly hosted the Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership for Academics (PGCELA) Final Assessment and Graduation on Tuesday, 03 December 2024 at the UNIVEN Research Conference Centre. The event marked a milestone in cultivating leadership and entrepreneurial prowess within the academic sphere.
On Photo: Mrs Uanda Ndou, Director: Human Resources
The session commenced with an inspiring welcome message by Mrs Uanda Ndou, Director of Human Resources at UNIVEN, welcoming attendees to celebrate the Postgraduate Certificate Programme in Entrepreneurial Leadership for academics, highlighting the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates. The event acknowledges participants’ dedication to leadership development, emphasising the importance of continuous learning to adapt to change.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership for Academics is a transformative programme designed to align with the institution’s objective of becoming an entrepreneurial university. This six-month programme is attended by university academic staff in blocks, allowing them to balance their professional duties with their studies. The programme aims to develop entrepreneurial skills, enhance leadership capabilities and promote the creation of innovative and sustainable solutions to address modern challenges. The PGCELA programme is coordinated by Human Resources Department’s Organisational Development and Training unit, spearheaded by lead facilitators Dr Robert Martin and Prof Vhonani Netshanda-ma, supported by a team of facilitators including Prof Diko Makia, Dr Shonisani Ra-mashia, Prof Jethro Zuwarimwe, Dr Mlungiselile Ganto, and Ms Shumani Nembudani.
On Photo: Prof Diko Makia, Professor Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture
This was followed by a detailed outline of the event’s purpose by Prof Diko Makia as he said that the event marks the final assessment and graduation of the postgradu-ate certificate in entrepreneurial leadership for academics, offering a platform to en-gage with participants and emphasise the personal essence of entrepreneurship. Attendees of the session witnessed a fusion of knowledge, innovation, and academic excellence.
The highlight of the day was the presentation session, where five groups showcased their groundbreaking projects. This engaging session, enriched by a question and answer with es-teemed panellists — Dr Robert Martin, Prof Jethro Zuwarimwe, Mrs Uanda Ndou and Prof Diko Makia, demonstrated the participants’ readiness to lead transformative initiatives in academia.
Group Photo of Graduates with their Postgraduate Certificate in Entrepreneurial Leadership for Academics
The event culminated in the graduation ceremony, a momentous occasion hon-ouring the participants’ dedication and transformative journey throughout the pro-gramme led by Dr Robert Martin and Mrs Uanda Ndou, celebrating the participants’ dedication and growth with the symbolic presentation of certificates, each graduate called indi-vidually to the stage to receive their accolade amid applause and cheers from their supporters.
On Photo: Dr Robert Martin, Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Corporate Services
At the end of the ceremony, attendees reflected on a journey of empowerment and innovation. Dr Robert Martin concluded the session by emphasising the course’s aim to integrate entrepreneurship into academia, fostering solution-driven academics and enhancing student employability through innovative, student-centred teaching. He urged participants to embed entrepreneurial thinking into their curricula, refine portfolios to demonstrate impact and focus on implementation in class-rooms. He closed by commending their efforts and wishing them success and personal fulfilment.
Graduates posing for a group photo with Dr Robert Martin (seated 2nd from left) and Mrs Uanda Ndou (seated 3rd from left)
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
