On Wednesday, 01 February 2023, the University of Venda (UNIVEN), hosted the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation led by its Chairperson, Honourable Nompendulo Mkhatshwa. The purpose of the oversight visit was mainly to engage with the University Council, Management, Student Representative Council (SRC), Unions and Institutional Forum (IF) about the state of readiness for the 2023 academic year. The meeting was held at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education building.
The Portfolio Committee visited the following buildings: Health Sciences new building (still under construction), Life Sciences Laboratories (Biochemistry lab and Microbiology TB, General water, and Molecular labs) as well as Mvelaphanda Male and F3 Student Residences.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal – Dr Bernard Nthambeleni
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni delivered a comprehensive presentation that covered the following: State of readiness for the 2023 academic year; 2023 Registration and enrolment process; Overview on the state of governance, administration, teaching and learning at the institution; Plans on funding of new and returning students; Overview of student accommodation and infrastructure development projects; Overview of the institution’s finances; Overview of research and innovation as well as Partnership with industries and related stakeholders.
Dr Nthambeleni demonstrated the way UNIVEN, working from the basis of its 2021 – 2025 Strategic Plan was able to move from vision to implementation. “UNIVEN is financially healthy, but it can do much better if more resources can be made available,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Honourable Nompendulo Mkhatshwa
Following presentations by various UNIVEN structures, including the presentation by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Honourable Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, emphasised that management has a duty to maintain the University infrastructure.
“Mechanisms need to be put in place to maintain the student accommodation and other buildings on campus.” Hon Mkhatshwa also mentioned that the Portfolio Committee exists solely to make sure that students and University staff are in a safe and conducive environment.
All Members of the Executive Management, Chairperson of Council and the Deputy Chairperson as well as some members of Senior Management were in attendance. UNIVEN structures were well represented. The SRC was represented by President, Mr Gudani Tshamano; Labour Unions were represented by Mr Nditsheni Tshithavhane, and Institutional Forum was represented by the Chairperson, Mrs Mushoni Mulaudzi. They all presented the University of Venda’s state of readiness for the 2023 academic year as well as challenges.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was also represented at the meeting.
The University of Venda Chairperson of Council – Mr Juneas Lekgetha
The University of Venda Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha welcomed the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation on campus.
Below are the photos of some labs and student residences visited by members of the Portfolio Committee:
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 03 February 2023
