Hasandi Rannzida, a fourth-year Bachelor of Social Work student at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), has shown exceptional dedication and passion in her academic journey. Studying within the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education (FHSSE) in the Social Work Department, she has consistently demonstrated resilience in overcoming both academic challenges and personal obstacles, emerging as a promising scholar.
One of Hasandi’s most significant recent achievements was presenting a research paper at the Inaugural joint Bulawayo Polytechnic – University of Venda 2025 International Research Conference in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Co-authored with Rakgwata Phoke Alpha, her paper, titled Assessing the Impact of Higher Education Institutions on Industrial Growth and Development in Limpopo, South Africa: Education for Economic Empowerment, was presented under the theme Higher Education’s Role in Industrialisation: Quintuple Public-Private Partnership for Economic Growth.
The opportunity was a milestone in Hasandi’s academic career, and she was honoured with two prestigious awards: Best Overall Presenter and Exceptional Research Presentation Skills as an Upcoming Presenter. Reflecting on these accolades, she expressed, “These awards have further motivated me and reinforced my commitment to the field of social work and research.”
Balancing coursework with research commitments has proven to be one of Hasandi’s greatest challenges. She shared that time management has been key to overcoming this obstacle: “I adopted effective time management strategies, setting strict deadlines for both my research and academic responsibilities. My success lies in my dedication, consistency, and passion for social work. I continuously seek ways to improve, embrace learning opportunities, and approach challenges with a positive mindset.”
Hasandi also stressed that maintaining high academic standards while juggling life’s de-mands requires discipline and being well organised. She prioritises tasks, stays commit-ted to her schedule, and makes time for self-care. She attributes much of her success to a supportive network of friends and family, who help her manage stress and remain focused.
Offering words of encouragement to fellow students, Hasandi advised, “Stay organised, set clear goals, and proactively seek help when needed. Embrace your mistakes as part of the learning process and recognise the power of consistent effort. Small and consistent steps can lead to significant achievements.” She also mentioned her structured time management sys-tem, which allows her to balance academic, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Tools like digital calendars and reminders help her stay organised and ensure no task is overlooked.
As Hasandi continues her academic and professional journey, she re-mains committed to contributing meaningfully to the field of social work and re-search, striving to create a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
Hasandi Rannzida’s remarkable achievements are a testament to her dedication, resil-ience, and passion for social work and research. Her recognition as the Best Upcom-ing Presenter at the Bulawayo Polytechnic-UNIVEN first joint International Conference is not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for the University of Venda. Through her hard work and excellence, she has showcased the university’s commitment to ac-ademic and research excellence on an international stage. As she continues to grow and con-tribute to her field, Hasandi stands as an inspiration to fellow students and a true ambassa-dor of UNIVEN’s spirit of knowledge, innovation, and impact. Indeed, UNIVEN proudly upholds its motto: Creating Future Leaders—leaders who are locally relevant and globally competitive.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
