“The country’s fiscus is currently constrained and the funding that is available is not sufficient for all the sectors because of the competing needs. In this regard, as Univen alumni imbued with skills and qualifications which are locally relevant, we need to improve humanity and help augment student funding in our institution. You can give freely as an expression of love to mankind by donating for either specific or non-tagged purposes. Working together with the local industry, you can play a major role in funding University research that will grow the economy of our country”. This was said by the Minister of Transport and Univen alumnus, Honourable Joe Maswanganyi on Saturday, 24 June 2017 in his keynote address at the re-launch of Polokwane Alumni Chapter at Miami Lodge, Polokwane.
Minister Honourable Joe Maswanganyi encourages Univen Alumni to take their institution to greater heights.
“Many alumni are company owners and some hold higher positions in government, well- poised to enhance revenue for the struggling students and a rural institution,” he said. He went on to tell them that these positions should further help towards partnerships with the University in terms of funding research, infrastructural development, student bursaries and other priorities.
He concluded by encouraging alumni members to capitalize on the good
relationships the institution has with all its stakeholders, taking it to greater heights.
Be prepared to work hard without material or personal benefits, says the Newly Elected Chairperson of Polokwane Alumni Chapter, Mr Collins Thagalu Thovhakale .
“When you see me being elected to lead this Alumni Chapter, it is not by default, it is through sacrifice and hard work. I remain ready, passionate and dedicated towards alumni matters,” said the newly elected Chairperson of Polokwane Alumni Chapter, Mr Collins Thagalu Thovhakale.
He further told his fellow team members and all other alumni to be prepared to work hard without any expectation of material or personal benefits. “Be willing to serve with pride, dedication and passion,” he concluded.
The outgoing Chairperson, Mr Makonde Mutshinya (right) giving the highlights of the Chapter while the Secretary of the Chapter holds the microphone for him.
As the University of Venda alumni members, we should remain solid and focused as our institution is there to build the dreams of upcoming generations. It is an institution that will assure a brighter future for our children and our country,” said Mr Makonde Mutshinya, former SRC President and the outgoing Chairperson of Polokwane Alumni Chapter, giving highlights of the Chapter. He took a swipe at the youths who take politics as a career and tenders as employment instead of taking education as their key to a brighter future.
Prof Edward Nesamvuni giving overview of the institutional achievements and challenges.
The University Registrar, Professor Edward Nesamvuni presented on the ministerial targets of enrolment, pass rate, research output, growth in NRF rated researchers, qualifications of academic staff members, transformation plan, student funding as well as business process re-engineering.
The University has steadily and in accordance with ministerial targets grown in its enrolment from 115 in 1982 to 15 000 in 2017 and the University wishes to take 3 660 fist-time entering undergraduate students by 2019. The student pass rate at undergraduate level is at 83% with a decline in dropout rate.
The NRF rated researchers have increased between 2009 and 2016 to twentythree and research publications have also increased placing Univen at number fifteen in South Africa.
While we commend sponsors such as parents, alumni, NSFAS, departmental and private sector bursaries and government subsidies, about 20% of students are without funding.
He concluded by encouraging the alumni to go back and further their studies to postgraduate level at Univen to help the institution to publish more articles and be recognized internationally.
Mr Evans Selomo welcoming the audience to the event.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr Evans Selomo, former SRC President and currently the Premier of Limpopo representative to Univen Council told the audience to always remind themselves that they will always remain Univen alumni members and in turn must help the institution until it achieves its intended goals.
L-R: Salome Makgoka when acknowledging the guests and Tlakala Nkadimeng proposing a
vote of thanks
The newly elected Polokwane Alumni Chapter Committee poses for a photo.
The newly elected Polokwane Alumni Chapter Committee posing for a photo with Honourable Minister Joe Maswanganyi.
Outgoing Polokwane Alumni Chapter Committee
President of Convocation, Mr Levy Ndou introducing the keynote speaker, Honourable Joe Maswanganyi.
Mr Khathutshelo Razwiedani when conducting the elections
Some of Univen Alumni members during the election process.
Issued by:
Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525
Date: 30 June 2017
