The University of Venda has learned with shock, fake news which has recently been circulating through different social media platforms stating that UNIVEN is in the process of introducing a degree in Witchcraft. The University would like to distance itself from such fake news.
The University of Venda offers programmes that are accredited by Council on Higher Education (CHE) and approved by DHET; including those that are professional degrees. UNIVEN offers programmes that are funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and registered with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
As an Institution of higher learning, we have mechanisms in place to ensure that the programmes that are offered are of high standards; and that they contribute towards the development of our country and region, as expressed in our vision.
Therefore, it is factually incorrect to allege that we are in the process of introducing such a programme. The University strongly condemns such misleading allegations. “Our Senate considers all suggested programmes to be included in our offering, and this programme has never been presented for our consideration”, emphasises the University Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni. “We are driven by our mandate as a leading university in engaged scholarship, guided by a number of ethical considerations; and one wonders the basis for such a claim”, continued Nthambeleni.
As rural-based universities, it pains us to realise that there are people who still degrade our universities and fail to understand our role in the Higher Education spectrum. Rural based Universities like UNIVEN, have made a great contribution in producing leaders in a variety of significant areas of scarce skills, and can today boast global scholars that emerged from these rural villages. UNIVEN slogan is “Creating Future Leaders” Such poorly thought perceptions should be discouraged in our society.
In our student recruitment messages, through brochures, career exhibitions, career shows, newspaper advertisements, orientation of new students programmes, school visits, radio talks, we consistently explain clearly the registered programmes offered at UNIVEN.
We reiterate our disappointment and express a serious concern to those people who are going around spreading such fake news.
We call on all the people/learners who are intending to study at UNIVEN to visit our Website (www.univen.ac.za) in order to see all the programmes that are on offer.
Issued by:
Dr Takalani Dzaga APR
Director Communications and Marketing
Private Bag X5050
Thohoyandou
0950
Tel: 015 962 8112/8670/8525
Cell: 082 745 3090 or email to takalani.dzaga@univen.ac.za
Date: 03 October 2019
