As part of enhancing the corporate identity of the University of Venda and promoting institutional governance, Convocation has on Saturday, 02 June 2022 launched UNIVEN Vhembe Alumni Chapter. The launch took place at the University’s Research Conference Centre under the theme ‘positioning UNIVEN Convocation for impact and relevance’.
Deputy President of Convocation – Mr Rudzani Mushweu
The Deputy President of Convocation, Mr Rudzani Mushweu stood in for Mr Sylvester Motadi and delivered an address of the President of Convocation. “The launch of this chapter is aimed at positioning Convocation for impact and relevance to its stakeholders and society. Alumni should invest their knowledge, time and energy as a way of ploughing back to their alma mater,” said Mr Mushweu.
“The University is celebrating 40 years in 2022 and it is time for us to profile our alumni who have a high impact on society. It will be the perfect way to show that UNIVEN has over the past 40 years produced graduates that are locally relevant and globally competitive,” Mushweu further said.
“We need to make an impact by raising funds for needy and indebted students. The University has produced no less than 48 000 graduates in its 40 years history and if we adopt the ‘#R40-40 months fundraising programme, it can have a huge impact on the lives of our current students and unemployed graduates.”
Virginia Moagi – Convocation EXCO
“The launch of an alumni chapter is a good opportunity to strengthen relationships between and among alumni and also opens opportunities for networking and renewing relationships. We are creating a support network in regional areas, regular social gatherings, providing support to current UNIVEN students, and raising funds for scholarships and special projects,” said Virginia Moagi, Convocation EXCO member in her welcome and purpose address.
University Registrar – Adv. Edward Lambani
The University Registrar, Adv. Edward Lambani, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, spoke about the state of the campus. In his address, Adv. Lambani praised the president and deputy president of Convocation for planting the seeds by donating R20 000 each for bursaries of needy students. He called on all alumni of the University to follow suit.
“As alumni of the University, we should contribute to the programmes of our alma mater. We should be proud of the institution that produced us because it changed us to be who we are.”
Adv. Lambani indicated that “we are gathered as alumni because we are committed and concerned about running the affairs of the University”. He cautioned members not to launch a chapter that will not add value to the University.
Mr Lavhelesani Mabade – newly elected Chairperson of the Vhembe Alumni Chapter
Mr Lavhelesani Mabade was elected Chairperson of the Vhembe Alumni Chapter. In his Inaugural speech, Mr Mabade spoke on behalf of the newly- elected committee comprising of , Ms Rinae Makhado (Deputy Chairperson), Mr Tshedza Sikhwari (Secretary), Dr Mulingoni Makhwanya (Deputy Secretary), and four additional members, Ms Mercy Raphalalani, Ms Susan Kone, Mr Phindani Mulaudzi and Mr Xihluke Chauke.
The newly elected Chairperson, Mr Mabade thanked all who participated in the process. “As the newly elected chapter, we will work tirelessly to make sure that the chapter is effective and all the graduates have a good relationship with the University”. He promised to address challenges that UNIVEN graduates are faced with. He assured the members that the chapter is not going to concentrate only on the issue of unemployment among graduates but will also look at issues of entrepreneurship.
The newly elected UNIVEN Vhembe Alumni Chapter posing for a group photo
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 06 July 2022
