On Thursday, 20 August 2020, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) held an examinations prayer day event to pray for students and encourage them to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming first semester examinations. This prerecorded University Examinations Prayer service, was live on UNIVEN FM between 11:00am and 12:30 pm, due to COVID-19 Lockdown Regulations that events are still not permitted.
When delivering the message during the University Examinations Prayer service, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni thanked SRC members for working with the University management from time to time to ensure that UNIVEN students conduct themselves in an orderly manner and that all safety measures are followed to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Dr Nthambeleni further thanked the SRC leadership for engaging the management in a good manner to ensure that all students are able to learn online without others being left behind. He thanked all staff members for ensuring that during the period of lockdown, the business of the University continues irrespective of the Covid-19 Lockdown.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni
Dr Nthambeleni wished students well in their upcoming examinations. “As you prepare for examinations, make sure that you do not forget safety measures when going to public spaces. Always wear your masks, keep safe distance of at least one and half meter apart from each other to reduce the chances of contacting the virus. Wash your hands regularly. Sanitize your hands regularly with sanitizers that are placed around campus.” He concluded by saying that the University management is committed to ensure that students will finish this academic year without any student being left behind. He wished students best of luck in their upcoming examination scheduled to commence on Monday, 24 August 2020.
Pastor Pfarelo Mamphaga from Muledane Church of Christ, delivered a sermon themed ‘the power of believing in yourself’. Mr Mamphaga encouraged students to believe in themselves. He gave them ten principles that a person can use if they want to achieve anything in life. “Believing in yourself is important because it gives you the power and energy to strive to achieve any goal that you want to achieve in life.” Pastor Mamphaga highlighted that we are living in an era where our lives are at stake and many people think that this is the end of the world. “But I can assure you that, there is still life after this pandemic. He concluded his sermon by advising students to thoroughly prepare for these upcoming examinations and wished them well.”
Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo, Director Student Affairs
Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo, Director Student Affairs when rendering the Purpose of the Day item expressed that COVID-19 has brought us the use of virtual platforms to conduct our business of the day, deviating from our traditional ways of conducting our normal business which is teaching, learning, research and community engagement. He told students to always remember that they were born to achieve great things in life.
Secretary General Mr Yanda Mxaku
Representing the SRC President, the Secretary General Mr Yanda Mxaku said students need to adapt to the new ways of doing things. He further advised them to always adhere to COVID-19 Lockdown Regulations. “We understand that we are going into this examination having COVID-19 challenges. Please always see opportunities in every challenge that you come across.” He told them to study hard, remain focused and determined if they want to pass the upcoming exams.
When rendering a Vote of Thanks item, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford wished students well in the upcoming examinations.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 24 August 2020
