Closing the 2018 Annual Lecture Series and Symposium organised by the School of Human and Social Sciences, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Senior Prof Base Khoza, on behalf of the University of Venda Executive Management Committee (EMC), commended the School for organizing such a prestigious and successful event. The DVC applauded the School for embarking on the task of hosting the annual lecture series, both to affirm African epistemologies and to stimulate improved research output.
Senior Prof Khoza told the audience that those who have been part of the University of Venda for a longer time, are proud of the strides the University has made in three pillars of South African Higher Education which are teaching and learning, research and innovation and community engagement. She mentioned that Univen is sitting at number fourteen (14) of the South African universities’ ranking in so far as research output is concerned.
She further commended the School for publishing previous lectures since the inception of the hosting of the lecture series three years ago. “Our students will rely on the wisdom embedded between the covers of these publications, as they chart their own academic way into the future”, said Senior Prof Khoza.
Also, in this closing ceremony, two books, namely ‘Sounds in South Africa’, the 2017 lecture series volume by Professor David B Coplan and the John Blacking and Contemporary African Musicology edited by Professors Geoff Mapaya and George Mugovhani were launched by the Dean of the School of Human and Social Sciences, Prof Mokgale Makgopa. “Quite interestingly, a number of chapters in the second book were written by local authors.”
Proposing the vote of thanks, Dr Masindi Sadiki indicated that it has been an enormously enjoyable time, and that the event achieved what was intended despite the busy schedule of staff and students approaching the end of year examinations. She acknowledged the newly elected SRC President Tsundzuka Hakamela and his entourage for honouring the event.
Dr Sadiki extended her appreciation to the DVC Academic, Senior Prof Khoza, Dean of the School, Prof Makgopa and most importantly the organisers as well as conveners Prof Mapaya and Dr Raselekoane for a job well done. She also thanked staff and students in the School for their participation throughout the three-day lecture series.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 06 November 2018
