On Thursday, 06 October 2022, the University of Venda Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education held a Public Lecture by the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. This Public Lecture took place at UNIVEN Auditorium.
In her address, Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni started by congratulating UNIVEN on the 40th milestone and she wished for the University another 40 years of creating future leaders.
Minister Ntshavheni said the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is in the process of finalising the replacement of analogue networks that were introduced in South Africa in 1975 with digital transmitters. She said South Africa is leading in the migration from analogue to digital transmissions in Africa.
Digital transmission is better than analogue transmission because Digital signals convey information with less noise, distortion, and interference. Moreover, digital circuits can be reproduced easily in mass quantities at comparatively low costs.
Minister Ntshavheni during the interview on Phalaphala FM
She said the South African government decided in 2012 to assist to connect households with income of R3200 and less from analogue to digital. According to Minister Ntshavheni, there are 14 million television-watching households in South Africa and the department has already connected 1.3 million households while other households are connected by Top TV, MultiChoice and other service providers.
She encouraged those who qualify for government assistance to apply because the time to switch from analogue to digital for all is closer. Ms Ntshavheni spoke about radio and television broadcasting where she mentioned that there will be more opportunities for graduates, television stations and radio stations because they will attract national and international advertisers.
Some of the attendees listening to Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during the Public Lecture
“The fact that the world has gone digital, and the economy also went digital, there is a lot of money that people are making through online social media platforms. There is nothing you cannot do online nowadays, and you can make a lot of money as well.” She advised students to use online platforms to make money.
Prof Jan Crafford – Deputy Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning
In his opening and welcome message, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Prof Jan Crafford thanked the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education for taking the lead to bring the Minister to UNIVEN to educate staff and students on matters of digital transformation. When reflecting on the minister’s talk, Prof Jan Crafford as the Acting Vice-Chancellor said the University is already digital. He said UNIVEN is the first University to distribute tablets to all students for study purposes. This has assisted the University to migrate quickly during Covid -19 lockdown. The pass rate even increased due to digital migration or online learning. Even though we are far from industries, there are entrepreneurial activities that the University has rolled out to assist students to create jobs for themselves instead of searching for jobs after graduating.
Executive Dean of the Prof Bongani Bantwini – Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
When reflecting on the purpose of the event, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, Prof Bongani Bantwini mentioned that as part of the University’s 40th Anniversary celebration, the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education saw a need to bring the Minister to UNIVEN to educate students and staff on matters of digital migration. He said this is part of positioning the University for impact and relevance in the rural setting. Prof Bantwini concluded his talk by mentioning that this Ministerial Lecture is an opportunity for students to engage in the matter of entrepreneurship because this matter is also part of the objectives of this University.
Adv. Edward Lambani – University Registrar
The University Registrar, Advocate Edward Lambani gave a vote of thanks message.
Prof Nosisi Feza – DVC Research and Postgraduate Studies
DVC Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Nosisi Feza introduced the guest speaker.
A group photo of UNIVEN representatives and the entourage of the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in the Vice-Chancellor’s office
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 10 October 2022
