The Office of the CFO welcomes Dr Phillia Vukea, who joined the University of Venda (UNIVEN) on 01January 2024 as Director of the newly formed Grants Management office.
UNIVEN receives 9% of its revenue through various grants from the public and private sectors. These grants are granted to achieve specific outcomes which are delivered as projects. The grantors have various spending and reporting requirements. The purpose of this office is to monitor and coordinate all grant activities at Univen centrally to achieve successful implementation of grant-funded projects. This office will also advise the university community on the optimal use of grant funds.
Dr Vukea has extensive knowledge of the legislative and policy framework of the South African higher education sector, including funding higher education institutions. She has held several key positions at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), including as Director of Governance Support, Deputy Director of Institutional Support and Sector Liaison, Acting Director of Institutional Support and Sector Liaison, and a Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her extensive experience in governance, institutional support, and academia reflects her multifaceted skill set and deep understanding of the higher education landscape.
Dr Vukea is a distinguished professional and member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). She earned her BSc and BCs Honours in Genetics and obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of KwaZulu Natal, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and research.
UNIVEN’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Botwe Kraziya, congratulates Dr Vukea on her appointment and has pledged his support to ensure the success of this office. He further urges
the University community to support Dr Vukea in her new role as Director of Grants Management.
The University Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, said, “Dr Vukea’s extraordinary abilities and skills will benefit the entire University as well as our Grants Management team. It gives me great pleasure to greet her at the University of Venda. We do not doubt that she will succeed, produce outcomes, and make us all proud.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda,
Tel: 015 962 8525 /8710
Date: 24 January 2024
