The University of Venda Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, officially received a Title Deed and access keys to the UNIVEN Gauteng Office, ERF 181, 56 Florence Street, Colbyn, Pretoria. The office handover ceremony occurred on Friday, 13 December 2024, in Pretoria. The office will start operating from 6 January 2025. This will make it possible for UNIVEN to have local representation in Gauteng.
NRF’s South African Environmental Observation Network Group Executive Corporate Services, Mr Kedirang Oagile (left) officially handing over the keys and the Title Deed to Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (right)
The office is strategically located and easily accessible. It is worth reiterating that the primary purpose of this office is to strengthen the University of Venda’s physical presence in Gauteng and reinforce the relationship with strategic stakeholders, particularly current and potential sponsors, and donors, with the ultimate aim of strengthening the University of Venda’s third-stream income.
An agreement to purchase a property belonging to the National Research Foundation (NRF) was concluded after extensive negotiation. This aligns with UNIVEN strategic objective 15, which is to strengthen the University’s local, regional, and international profile and visibility. When receiving the keys and Title Deed, the University Vice-Chancellor and Principal expressed his excitement about the significant development of acquiring a property in a prime area to strengthen the Uni-versity’s physical presence in Gauteng.
The UNIVEN Advancement Unit will operate from this property for the purpose of ensuring sustain-able third-stream income. Since the University activities are also conducted in Gauteng and for the University to be near a variety of stakeholders and particularly potential sponsors and donors, it was considered necessary to purchase this property in Gauteng. Apart from the Advancement Unit team, the property will make provision for office space for the University Executive Management and other staff members to operate from the premises when they are in Gauteng. This includes hosting local and international visitors. Provisions will be made for boardrooms used for meetings, including council meetings. This office will certainly enable UNIVEN to tap into other geographic markets, hence increasing institutional brand visibility and awareness in strategic areas.
During the office handover ceremony, NRF’s South African Environmental Observation Network Group Executive Corporate Services, Mr Kedirang Oagile remarked that the sale of this building was not a donation, it was purchased, and this symbolises the long-lasting relationship between NRF and the University of Venda. He indicated that there is nothing to declare as the building is in good condition and can be occupied anytime.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (on the right, holding the tittle deed) said the University has for a long time been looking for the office space in Gauteng. The reason why we need the office space in Gauteng is because the university is growing, and it also attract people from international organisations. This office space will be used to welcome our international part-ners as well.
Furthermore, there are lot of movements of UNIVEN staff members, especially University Execu-tive Management between UNIVEN and the Department of Higher Education and Training. This becomes challenging when we travel from Thohoyandou to Gauteng every now and then to attend long meetings.” Adding to that, Prof Nthambeleni said NRF, CSIR and HSRC are some of the organ-isations that are based in Gauteng that we often have many meetings with. So, we considered it necessary to purchase this office space to minimise these movements between Thohoyandou and Gauteng.
When speaking as the Project Manager, the UNIVEN Director Marketing, Branding and Communi-cation, Dr Takalani Dzaga said the process of purchasing this building started in 2022 and it was not an easy process, but he however indicated that he is excited that both parties were eventually able to find each other. He further thanked the University management for the full support during this process of purchasing this building.
Mr Benny Molefe (on the left photo above), said they had to be careful when selling this public state property because failure to do so, could compromise the images of both UNIVEN and NRF. Mr Molefe further expressed that they had to comply with all standards and regulations.
“We had to be transparent from the beginning until the sale was finalised,” he said.
Dr Marry-Jane Bopape Managing Director from NRF’s South African Environmental Observation Network (on the right photo above) gave a vote of thanks and spoke about future collaborations between NRF’s South African Environmental Observation Network and UNIVEN.
A group photo of attendees of the official handing over ceremony
Some of the pictures taken outside the building
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
