From 29-30 September 2021, the University of Venda’s Institute for Rural Development will host a citizen-centred rural development workshop seeking to connect the University with the Madonsi, Manenzhe, Masia, Njhakanjhaka, Sinthumule and Tshivhase Traditional Authorities. It is envisaged that this will lay the foundation for building viable partnerships for improved livelihoods of grassroots communities. A standard Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will be signed with all Traditional Councils will be co-developed. Furthermore, an operational plan for the MoU in each Traditional Authority will be developed. During the workshop, the process of building a shared understanding of relevance, engaged scholarship and positive societal impact, including how all this can be realised through active involvement of children, youth, adults and community leaders in the six Traditional Authorities, will be initiated.
Date : 29-30 September 2021
Venue : Muofhe Graceland Lodge
Time : 09:00 am
Participants in this workshop will include representatives of Civic Associations, women and youth from each of the six Traditional Authorities with their Chief (Hosi/Thovhele) leading the delegation, staff and postgraduate students from the Institute for Rural Development, two staff members from each UNIVEN Faculty, Directors and Executive Deans.
Although the workshop will involve six Traditional Authorities only, it provides a framework for how others can work with a university as equal partners. This workshop is a unique milestone in rural development practice for the following reasons:
- a) It is the first time that delegations of Traditional Authorities and university campus community will come together to negotiate, reimagine and interrogate issues as equal partners and co-design a rural development agenda that will be co-implemented;
- b) The University of Venda is simply showing its commitment to the practice of engaged scholarship in line with its vision, viz. “A university leading in engaged scholarship”. For the IRD, the workshop is ample proof to society of practicing its slogan, “Taking the university to its rightful owners”.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 28 September 2021
