“The 2016/2017 Univen SRC cabinet must leave a tangible legacy which will improve the lives of the African students” said Univen SRC President, Mandla Shikwambana in his Parliamentary address during the 2016/2017 Official Opening of Student Parliament and Presidential Inauguration that was recently held at Porche Villa Hotel, Muledane.
SRC President, Mr Mandla Shikwambana taking an Oath during the 2016/2017 Inauguration ceremony.
“This year is the year of quality service delivery at Univen. Let us help poor black children who qualify for tertiary education to enroll in institutions of higher learning such as Univen.” He further encouraged students to donate food parcels and sanitary towels to needy fellow students. He also suggested that feeding schemes should be established to feed the poor of the poorest students at the university.
“Let us help each other regardless of the countries of our origin. Never divide yourselves according to tribes or ethnic groups.” Shikwambana appealed to African black students across all tribes and nationalities to protect each other on and off campus. “Mingle with each other and learn from each other as Univen students.”
Shikwambana saluted the Vice- Chancellor and Principal for understanding their needs and always responding even when they ask for his attention at the
eleventh hour. “We believe by now you understand the language that students speak because we can even hear from the speeches that you give during Univen’s events.” He further said Univen’s Vice Chancellor and Principal is uttering concepts and terms that give African children access and success in institutions of higher learning.
He added that management should get the right people for the right infrastructural projects, in particular, student accommodation, so that projects could be completed within stipulated time. Most of the buildings that are still under construction would accommodate many students who are in need of accommodation on campus.
Prof Peter Mbati addressing students and the newly inaugurated Ministers.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Prof Peter Mbati assured the SRC President, SRC Cabinet and leaders of various Univen Student Structures of his support and that of his management team in pursuing a quality student life at UNIVEN. Prof Mbati urged the new student leadership to dispense party affiliations and serve all students with dignity and improve the quality of student’s life on and off campus. He further urged the new student leadership to be firm, fair, respectful, consultative, have integrity, develop negotiation skills, grow thick skin as it is not easy to be a leader and more importantly, to focus on their studies. “Students have put their trust on you to ensure that they have good quality life leading to their successful completion of their programmes on time,” Prof Mbati added.
He also appealed to the new SRC cabinet to assist the University management in the process of decolonising the curriculum to make sure that Univen’s programmes are responsive to the job market. He applauded the SRC leadership for protecting the University infrastructure during the recent protest. Prof Mbati concluded by wishing the SRC president and his cabinet, a successful 2016-17 term.
Magistrate Shirley Nemutandani of the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court certifying the oath documents handed by ministers before she signs them.
The sworn in process of members was facilitated by Magistrate Shirley Nemutandani of the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court. The swearing-in ceremony of members is a legitimate process to ensure that cabinet members uphold their oath of office as required by the statute of the University of Venda and its policies. The event was also attended by the University Registrar, Prof Edward Nesamvuni, Acting Director Student Affairs, Mr Charlie Lutando and Head Student Governance, Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo.
Prof Peter Mbati, Prof Edward Nesamvuni, Magistrate Shirley Nemutandani, Mr Charlie Lutando and Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo pose for a photo with the 2016/2017 Univen SRC Cabinet during the inauguration ceremony.
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Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525
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