Delegation from CETA and UNIVEN posing for a photo during the meeting held in Polokwane
In an endeavour to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of CETA funded projects worth more than R36 million, a planning session was held in Polokwane from 11 to 12 October 2017 between the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA). Participants from UNIVEN were led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati while CETA participants were led by the Chairperson of the Board Mr Raymond Cele and CETA CEO, Ms Sonja Pilusa.
In his opening statement, the Chairperson of CETA Board reiterated that they do not regret being associated with the University of Venda and that the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal demonstrates commitment of the University to CETA funded projects. “UNIVEN could become CETA’s implementing arm and help CETA to achieve its objectives. CETA has consistently been receiving clean audits. It was through this partnership that we are able to achieve a clean audit” said Mr Cele. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Prof Peter Mbati, expressed his gratitude to CETA for consistently supporting the University. “We sincerely appreciate the support that CETA continuously provide to our University and this support plays a pivotal role in transforming our University into the best that it can be” said Prof Mbati.
The planning session was primarily intended to strengthen the relationship between the University and CETA through deliberating on the previous and current projects. The session extensively deliberated on the status of current projects, sharing of best practice to improve implementation, post graduate programme, strategic plan of collaboration and identification of possible areas of collaboration. It was reiterated that CETA enjoys a very good partnership with UNIVEN. An amount of R 36 million has already been invested to the University of Venda. To date more than half of this amount has been spent.
The planning session was concluded by signing of a three year implementation plan by UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and CETA Chairperson of the Board. The implementation plan comprised seven programmes which include Infrastructure Development, Research and Development, Lecturer Development, Qualification Development, Programme Development, Learning Pathways, through discretionary grants as well as Accreditation of UIGC to offer CETA programmes. In order to ensure effective implementation of all programmes as well as achieving better results, a Joint Project Management Team comprising of CETA and UNIVEN representatives has been elevated to CETA Head Office. Both parties were grateful that they had a very fruitful engagement on how CETA and UNIVEN could continue working together in the next three years. The University of Venda Vice-Chancellor made a commitment that UNIVEN will do its best to achieve the set targets.
Issued by:
Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525
Date: 18 October 2017
