On Saturday, 29 March 2025, the University of Venda’s (UNIVEN) Student Representative Council (SRC) Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Mandlakayise Ndimande, in collaboration with the student chapter of the National Union of Municipal Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NUMCCI Studentpreneur), led by Mr Vusi Mokoena, hosted a groundbreaking Job Creation Indaba at E1 Lecture Hall, UNIVEN. The event was designed to educate students on their constitutional, legal, and economic rights, while emphasising the importance of personal responsibility in leveraging these rights. Through engagement and awareness, the initiative aimed to enhance students’ empowerment and employability in an evolving socio-economic environment.
(SRC) President Vusi Mokoena and Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Ndimande Mandlakayise
The Indaba featured dynamic discussions with key industry professionals and experts from the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Office, NUMCCI, UNIVEN’s Department of Business Management, UNIVEN Law Clinic, Standard Bank, Old Mutual, and Kalahari Resort. These interactive sessions explored essential themes such as entrepreneurship, economic development, and the role of legal frameworks in fostering ethical and sustainable business practices. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the event provided valuable networking opportunities, equipping students with the tools necessary to navigate South Africa’s complex economic landscape.
In his opening remarks, Mr Ndimande Mandlakayise underscored the significance of legal and constitutional literacy in promoting ethical business conduct. He stressed that legal frameworks should be viewed not as barriers but as instruments for responsible economic growth. “As stu-dents and future leaders, we must recognise that these frameworks are enablers of sustainable development,” he stated, reaffirming the event’s mission to equip students with essential knowl-edge to make a meaningful societal impact.
Dr Takalani Dzaga, Director of Marketing, Branding, and Communication
Dr Takalani Dzaga, Director of Marketing, Branding, and Communication at UNIVEN, welcomed at-tendees on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni. He highlighted how the event aligns with the university’s five-year strategic vision of positioning itself as an entre-preneurial institution. Dr Dzaga urged students to be mindful of their digital presence, warning that employers increasingly scrutinise candidates’ social media profiles. He emphasised the need for students to curate a professional online identity that aligns with their career aspirations. He urged participants to take cognisance of ethical principles and always adhere to the highest standards of integrity.
Mr Albert Jeleni, President and CEO of NUMCCI and Provincial Consular of the Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry
A key highlight of the Indaba was an insightful address by Mr Albert Jeleni, President and CEO of NUMCCI and Provincial Consular of the Limpopo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He provid-ed a critical analysis of South Africa’s pressing unemployment crisis, citing the staggering youth unemployment rate of 70%. Mr Jeleni outlined major barriers to employment, including a lack of practical experience, skill mismatches, limited innovation, corruption, socioeconomic challenges, and constraints in the informal economy. He urged students to shift their mindset from political engagement to proactive entrepreneurship and strategic business planning.
He further called on students and student leadership structures to advocate for institutional re-forms that enhance employment relevance and global competitiveness. Among his proposals were constitutional reforms within student governance to expand leadership opportunities beyond po-litical affiliations, as well as the establishment of industry-aligned initiatives such as Advisory Boards, Student Ambassador Programmes, and Industry Exposure Initiatives. Drawing inspiration from his-toric student movements such as “#FeesMustFall’’, he encouraged students to use their collective power to drive economic transformation, stating, “Just as past generations fought for access and liberation, you must champion systems that foster education, innovation, and accountability.”
The Indaba featured thought-provoking contributions from industry leaders. Prof Norman Chiliya from UNIVEN’s Department of Business Management stressed the importance of cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset to combat unemployment. He highlighted the university’s Incubation Hub as a crucial platform for student innovation and economic participation.
Attorney Edward Lubisi from the UNIVEN Law Clinic delivered a compelling presentation on human rights within business operations and the necessity of legal representation in achieving justice. He reinforced the importance of ethical business conduct and reminded students of the long-term impact their social media presence could have on their professional futures.
Reflecting on the event, second-year Criminal Justice student Mr Netshivhilidulu Mutshidzi re-marked, “This was an eye-opening experience. Learning about entrepreneurship, legal frameworks, and even social media’s role in employment made me reconsider how I present myself profes-sionally. It was inspiring to see how we, as students, can contribute to economic growth through informed career and business decisions.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mandlakayise Ndimande expressed gratitude to all guest speakers, industry professionals, UNIVEN leadership, and students for their contributions. He also acknowl-edged NUMCCI Studentpreneur and the SRC team for making the event a success. Ndimande fur-ther thanked students for their overwhelming support, stating, “Your presence here in such great numbers proves that we are ready to take responsibility for our future. Together, we can drive real economic transformation,” he concluded.
The Job Creation Indaba successfully facilitated meaningful engagement between students and industry experts, offering invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, economic development, and professional conduct. Through in-depth discussions and expert guidance, attendees gained a clearer understanding of the evolving business landscape and the role of legal and ethical stan-dards in driving sustainable progress. This partnership between the University of Venda’s SRC and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry marks a significant step toward preparing students for the demands of the professional world.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
