The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has significantly expanded its influence in the Caribbean education sector through strategic engagements with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Belize (UB). This initiative aligns with UNIVEN’s vision of enhancing South-to-South collaborations and fostering global educational partnerships.
In picture: Prof Vhonani Netshandama delivering a keynote address at the CERC conference in Barbados
UNIVEN’s active participation in the CERC conference focused on “Maximising Resilience through Education, Innovation, Sustainability, Inclusion, and Impact.” Prof Vhonani Netshandama delivered a keynote address on community engagement as a transformative force in higher education, sharing UNIVEN’s long history of community-centered scholarship and its alignment with national policies and global sustainability goals.
Keynote speakers and panellists, including Prof. Takalani Mashau and Mr Rudza-ni Mamphweli, discussed various critical issues, from South African education poli-cies to the impact of community engagement initiatives like UNIVEN’s Skills for the Fu-ture Programme, which equips students with digital skills and entrepreneurial mindsets.
A significant highlight of UNIVEN’s recent collaboration was a visit to the University of Belize, where both institutions shared insights on enhancing education and address-ing global challenges. This partnership focuses on joint international programmes, re-search initiatives, and community-based learning, with potential collaborations in ag-riculture, nursing education, social work, Indigenous knowledge systems, and more.
The visit also emphasised the importance of cultural tourism, Indigenous knowl-edge, and inclusive innovation. The delegation engaged with local communities, learn-ing from their experiences in preserving cultural heritage, which aligns with UNI-VEN’s commitment to community engagement and transformative education.
The University of Belize’s collaboration visit, from 16 to 21 March 2025, aimed to strengthen partnerships formed in August 2024 at the University of Venda. Presi-dent of UB, Dr. Vincent Palacio emphasised the importance of meaningful connec-tions and highlighted the university’s role in serving over 5,000 students. He stressed the need for higher education institutions to remain relevant and impactful, especial-ly considering changing global dynamics, and urged increased medical student intake to meet Belize’s development needs. He also noted that as young universities, UB, CUT, and UNIVEN have a unique opportunity to develop beneficial programmes together.
In picture: Mr Thabo Dikgale, Manager Internationalisation handing a token of appreciation to UB Presi-dent Dr V. Palacios
Dr. Segun Obadire, Director of International Relations and Partnerships, also high-lighted some flagship academic and research programmes, including niche areas in African Heritage and Indigenous Knowledge Systems and One Health, with support-ing themes in Transformative Education, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable De-velopment. A campus tour and parallel small-group discussions followed the intro-ductory session. Both universities are excited about developing concrete projects and faculty exchanges to create lasting educational impacts across the Global South.
In picture: Prof Takalani Mashau presenting a paper at the CERC conference, Barbados
Lessons in IKS, inclusive innovation, cultural tourism, and identity scholarship
The visit was enriched by cultural experiences that underscored the warmth and hospi-tality of Belize and offered profound insights into the role of Indigenous knowledge sys-tems (IKS), inclusive innovation, , and resilience in driving socio-economic transformation.
A highlight was the tour of the Maya H’men Herbal Garden—a serene space where traditional medicinal practices are preserved and celebrated. The gar-den vividly demonstrated how IKS can be integrated into modern academ-ic and community initiatives to promote sustainable practices and cultural continuity.
Equally inspiring was a visit to Che’il Mayan Chocolate. Here, every guest was treat-ed like royalty, reflecting Belize’s deep-rooted values of dignity, respect, and inclusion.
The owner, CEO, and founder, who is physically challenged, shared his re-markable journey of inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship. His person-al story underscored how embracing diversity and overcoming physical chal-lenges can drive creative solutions and inspire sustainable business practices.
In picture: UNIVEN Delegation with UB senior management team
In picture: UNIVEN and CUT delegates at the University of Belize Central Farm Campus.
In picture: UNIVEN delegation with the founder of Che’il Mayana chocolate products.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
