The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) signifies a collaborative partnership aimed at foster-ing cooperation in research, development, and knowledge exchange. Through this MoU, both in-stitutions intend to leverage their respective expertise and resources to drive innovation, enhance standards, and contribute to the advancement of various fields. The MoU outlines the framework for joint projects, sharing of facilities, and capacity building initiatives that will benefit both institu-tions and the broader community. This partnership is poised to bring about meaningful advance-ments in education, research, and industrial practices. This five-year renewable MoU was signed on Tuesday, 13 August 2024 at SABS in Pretoria.
L-R: UNIVEN Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni and SABS Acting CEO, Mr
Lizo Makele
During his opening remarks, Mr Lizo Makele, the Acting CEO of SABS, expressed his deep respect for the new collaboration with the University of Venda, noting their dedication in creating future leaders through their commitment to transformation. Mr Makele thanked the UNIVEN leadership for their dedication and eagerness to collaborate with the South African Bureau of Standards.
He stated that this partnership represents the initial commitment to promoting excellence, innovation, and standards in both education and industry. He also mentioned that “today, we mark an important milestone in building a strong partnership between SABS and UNIVEN. Our goal is to align our efforts to enhance quality safety and sustainability in various sectors, and through the process, both SABS and UNIVEN united by the common feeling of planning progress and achieving excellence in our respective fields. In partnership, we can harness our collective expertise to address challenges and find new opportunities and set higher standards for future generations.”
Mr Makele explained that the two institutions will focus on collaborative research initiatives aimed at developing innovation that meets high standards of quality and safety. “Our joint efforts will contribute to creating cutting edge talents and practices that benefit various industry centres and communities,” he added.
He added that “with this MoU, we tend to implement programmes that enhance skills and knowledge among students, professionals and industries. Mr Makele committed to working together to promote the importance of standardisation and quality assurance in education and industry. He mentioned that this MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in their partnership, built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to excellence. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to a fruitful and impactful collaboration.
The University of Venda Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni led a delegation of Executive and Senior Leadership to the signing ceremony. On behalf of the University, Prof Nthambeleni expressed that this signing ceremony is a demonstration of our agility, responsiveness and determination towards creating a brighter future for our nation, hence, the gathering was to strengthen collaborations and explore opportunities for the development of our country and institutions.
Prof Nthambeleni expressed that the signing ceremony is taking place at a challenging time when our country is faced with growing numbers of unemployment, widening inequality and persistent pockets of poverty, yet Stats SA reports that the number of unemployed people in South Africa continues to increase. He shared that the University aims to produce graduates that would drive the change we wish to see in our country. In his remarks he indicated that UNIVEN is pursuing a strategic plan that would enable its graduates to thrive in the most challenging environments. The Strategic Plan 2021-2025 has set a new trajectory which has rejuvenated and positioned the University of Venda for impact and relevance.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal underscored that this strategy continues to provide the basis for efficient and effective implementation of the University’s academic project with a primary focus on enhancing students’ learning experiences, engaged scholarship (which is characterised by high-impact research output), promotion of entrepreneurial development as well as the establishment of partnerships with various strategic partners within the borders of our country, the African continent, and the world at large. He said that any great achievement, any significant milestone, any sustainable progress cannot be achieved alone. “We have placed partnerships at the centre of what we do. It is through partnerships and collaboration that we can foster greater understanding between our institutions.”
In conclusion, Prof Nthambeleni, highlighted that this collaboration will also be of great value to our technology development efforts, indicating that the University has recently launched the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) that seeks to develop green technologies to support our country’s energy mix.
He maintained that the SABS role as the local content verification body will be of strategic impor-tance in this regard.
The two CEOs remarks were followed by overview presentations from each institution where the COO of SABS, Mr Lungelo Ntobongwana and UNIVEN’s Director Strategy and Risk, Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo presented, respectively.
Mr Ntobongwana gave a brief overview of SABS highlighting that it was established in 1945 and is a leading organisation in standardisation and quality assurance in South Africa. By setting and up-holding standards, the SABS plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, ensuring consumer protection, and driving economic development in South Africa.
Dr Ratombo highlighted that UNIVEN strives to be an institution of impact in whatever they do and the programmes offered make our students impactful to the society. He also informed delegates that UNIVEN is in the process of establishing two satellite campuses where in Makhado the focus will be on Executive Business School, while in Nkuzana the focus will be in Agriculture.
The signing ceremony was facilitated by Adv Simphiwe Lubisi from (UNIVEN legal Services Depart-ment and SABS Senior Legal Advisor, Mr Maloza Mkhubela.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Nosisi Feza expressed vote of thanks on behalf of UNIVEN while SABS was represented by Ms Tami Mashau.
On photo: UNIVEN Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni (2nd from left), SABS
Acting CEO, Mr Lizo Makele (2nd from right) and UNIVEN and SABS delegates witnessing the signing
of MoU
On photo: UNIVEN and SABS delegates pose for a photo after the signing of the MoU
Issued by:
Department Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
