A spirit of generosity and community upliftment filled the University of Venda’s Disability Building as Nedbank extended a helping hand to the Thoho Ya Nzie Social Welfare Project through a heartfelt donation ceremony.
The event was facilitated by the Advancement Unit and attended by the university staff members, Student Representative Council (SRC), and Nedbank executives, was a celebration of corporate social responsibility in action. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and hope for a brighter future for the students who would be handed over their parcels, which were made possible and secured by the Advancement Unit.
Dr Gloria Dama, Student Counsellor
Opening the proceedings, Dr Gloria Dama set the tone with a warm welcome to key university officials, including the Director of Marketing, Branding, and Communica-tion, Director of the Centre for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning, Head of Stu-dent Housing. She also acknowledged the presence of the SRC President and Secre-tary General, Student Counselling Unit, and representatives from Nedbank. Dr Dama encouraged participants of this exclusive event to raise their hands for recognition, fostering an interactive atmosphere. She concluded by appreciating everyone for their role in the event.
Mr Vusi Mokoena, the SRC President, who extended his heartfelt gratitude to Nedbank for their continued support to the student community. “Your generosity and commitment mean a great deal to us, and we deeply appreciate your efforts in making a tangible impact on stu-dents’ lives.’’ said Mokoena. He expressed that he sincerely hopes that this is not the end but rather the beginning of an ongoing partnership. He said leadership is about creating mean-ingful change, and true impact is measured by the ability to assist those in need and Ned-bank, in collaboration with the university, is doing exactly that, making a real difference. “On behalf of the SRC, we acknowledge and appreciate your contributions.” Concluded Mokoena.
Dr Takalani Dzaga, Director of Marketing, Branding, and Communication
Dr Takalani Dzaga, Director of Marketing, Branding, and Communication, expressed that the university deeply values its long-standing partnership with Nedbank, which has significantly con-tributed to student success and community impact over the years. Your continued support, including last year’s R6.6 million contribution and ongoing initiatives, is instrumental in advanc-ing our mission. He expressed that the university is developing a strategic plan and recognis-es the vital role of partners like Nedbank in fostering research, leadership, and opportunities for the students. “We extend our sincere gratitude for your generosity and look forward to fur-ther collaboration in creating meaningful change.” said Dr Dzaga as he concluded his remarks.
Prof Lindiwe Mulaudzi, Director of Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning (CHETL)
Adding to the chorus of gratitude, Prof Lindiwe Mulaudzi, Director of Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning (CHETL), reinforced and said she sin-cerely appreciated Nedbank’s continued support in enhancing student success.
Their contribution to the Thoho Ya Nzie. She expressed that the project would help ad-dress food insecurity, a key challenge affecting student well-being. CHETL remains com-mitted to providing mentorship, e-learning resources, and counselling, and we rec-ognise the importance of partnerships like this in making a lasting impact. She thanked Nedbank for their generosity and commitment to students’ future at UNIVEN.
Ms Tenda Madzena, Nedbank Limpopo-North Business Banking Area Client Manager
Nedbank representative Ms Tenda Madzena delivered a heartfelt message reaffirming Net-bank’s commitment to supporting students, particularly through the Thoho Ya Nzie Project, and emphasised the importance of long-term partnerships with the University of Venda.
She highlighted the personal connection Nedbank shares with the univer-sity and the need to address student challenges, including food insecurity.
She assured that Nedbank will continue expanding its sponsorships, involving more divisions and stakeholders. Ms Madzena also stressed the importance of sustainability, urging a shift from short-term donations to lasting solutions. In closing, she encouraged stronger collab-oration between Nedbank and the university to enhance student success and leadership.
Ms Tshilidzi Ramulondi, Director Revenue and Financial Aid
Ms Tshilidzi Ramulondi, Director Revenue and Financial Aid, thanked Nedbank for its contin-ued support, emphasising the university’s financial challenges, particularly for over 3,000 un-funded students, including late NSFAS applicants. She highlighted the urgent need for food and accommodation assistance, urging Nedbank to stay committed to student well-being. She concluded by appreciating the bank’s role in providing hope and relief to struggling students.
The highlight of the day was the official handing over of donations by Ms Boitumelo Nkoa-na, Mr Madimetja Ledwaba, and Ms Sarita Botha. The moment was met with beam-ing smiles and heartfelt appreciation from the Thoho Ya Nzie Social Welfare Project repre-sentatives, who shared stories of how these contributions would directly transform lives.
Dr Refilwe Pila-Nemutandani, Student Counsellor
As the event ended, Dr Refilwe Pila-Nemutandani delivered a vote of thanks, ex-pressing sincere appreciation to all stakeholders involved. In a fitting conclu-sion, this inspired and left everyone inspired, reminded that acts of kindness, big or small, hold the power to shape a better tomorrow, especially at UNIVEN.
Through this initiative, Nedbank has not only reaffirmed its commitment to so-cial impact but has also strengthened its bond with the University of Venda and the broader community. The Thoho Ya Nzie Social Welfare Project now stands bet-ter equipped to continue its mission of uplifting lives, proving that when business-es and communities join forces, real change happens, as we see with this initiative.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
