“As I walk through the corridors, I receive a number of accolades for transforming the Protection Services Department into an efficient and effective unit within the University”, these are the words by the Director of Protection Services, Mr Azwidowi Mukheli during his farewell function held on Monday, 27 May 2019 at the University’s Council Chambers. Mr Mukheli is parting ways with the University at the e nd of May 2019.
In his response Mr Mukheli thanked his colleagues within the Department for giving him support from the first day until his time of departure. Mukheli said “When I arrived here, I had no security experience in the tertiary education sector, but with your assistance I can proudly call myself a security expert in the tertiary education sector”. Mr Mukheli also expressed special thanks to his colleagues from South African Police Service (SAPS), particularly the Public Order Policing
Unit, Colonel Gloria Sikhwivhilu and Warrant Officer Alugumi Nevhungoni who played a tremendous role during his tenure at the University of Venda. “In all the occasions we had called for your support and intervention, you responded timeously and diligently”, added Mr Mukheli. He further added that stability within campus can only be achieved with the help of SAPS.
Mr Mukheli also thanked his line manager Dr Robert Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations for trusting and believing in him. He said “I have enjoyed working with you and I will always cherish your leadership style”.
When appreciating the role played by his Personal Assistant, Cindy Naledzani, Mr Mukheli said “how can I forget the way in which you have diligently managed that office. Thank you for making me look like a very organised Director even though at times I was not”.
He thanked the Senior Management Committee members for the wonderful working relationship as well as friendship that have been developed over the past four years they have worked together and known each other. He finally thanked the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni whom he worked with for only five months.
Some members of the Univen Protection Services staff pose for a photo with their outgoing Director, Mr Mukheli (middle)
When delivering the farewell message, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations, Dr Robert Martin wished Mr Mukheli all the best in his future endeavors. As he bids farewell to Mr Mukheli, Dr Martin who worked with him for 17 months, said “It is my sincere prayer that the lord be with you everywhere you go. I hope you will get an opportunity to make a mark where you are going. You are one person that every time there was unrest on campus, you would respond and handle things very quick”. He further wished him and his family well even where he is going.
Members of senior managers, Protection Services staff and representatives from SAPS pose for a photo after the event
When welcoming the audience, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford told Mr Mukheli not to stay away from the University staff for too long. He encouraged Mr Mukheli to always keep in touch because we will still learn a lot from each other.
In proposing the vote of thanks was the CEO of UIGC, Dr John Mudau. He thanked Mr Mukheli for the sterling job and the kind of leadership that he has provided to Univen Protection Services. He wished him well in his future endeavors.
Director of Communications and Marketing, Dr Takalani Dzaga who was the programme director for this farewell function.
Above: Handing over of the gift by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal to Mr Mukheli while Dr Martin looks on
Executive Management Committee (EMC) pose for a photo with Mr Azwidowi Mukheli (middle in a camouflage attire).
Mr Mukheli (middle) bidding farewell with colleagues from SAPS Colonel Sikhwivhilu (left) and Warrant Officer Nevhungoni (right).
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 28 May 2019
