The University of Venda (UNIVEN) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, together with the Turkish delegation, officially launched the Herb Garden, an initiative sponsored by the Turkish Ambassador to South Africa. This groundbreaking event marked a significant step toward promoting sustainability and holistic well-being on campus.
On Photo: Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni in his welcome address emphasised the significance of the UNIVEN Herb Garden as more than just a planting initiative—it symbolises the University’s commitment to sustainability, education, and community partnerships. He highlighted the historical and cultural importance of herbs, both medicinally and symbolically, and how the garden will serve as a multi-purpose space for learning, research, and relaxation. “The garden will function as an outdoor classroom, benefiting students studying botany, environmental science and nutrition, while also promoting eco-friendly practices, reducing carbon footprints, and fostering collaboration with the local community,” said Prof Nthambeleni.
Prof Nthambeleni also acknowledged the hard work of students, staff, and community members in bringing the project to life. He pointed out the therapeutic benefits of the herb garden, particu-larly for mental health, and praised the partnerships with local beekeepers and the Bee Academy, emphasising their vital role in pollination and biodiversity. He further expressed gratitude to the Turkish Ambassador, the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture, and various University departments for their contributions. He concluded by inviting everyone to return six months later, after the final developing phase, further underscoring the University’s commitment to sustainabil-ity and community engagement.
On Photo: Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean Faculty Science, Engineering and Agriculture
As she gave the purpose of the gathering, Prof Natasha Potgieter Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science Engineering and Agriculture together with students, staff in the Faculty celebrated the official launch of the new Herb Garden, said the launch of the Herb Garden at the University of Venda is a crucial initiative which is focused on rural Agro processing of medicinal plants, with the aim of fostering socio-economic development in historically disadvantaged communities. She said by partnering with local communities, the project seeks to support research, entrepreneurship, and biodiversity conservation, ultimately promoting job creation and income regeneration. Prof Potgieter highlighted that the Vhembe region, known for its rich biodiversity, is a focal point for the garden’s efforts to preserve and protect the natural environment, while the faculty’s involvement highlights the importance of education and research in achieving these goals.
She further alluded that the Herb Garden will serve as an outdoor laboratory, giving students from various departments, such as botany, entomology, and plant sciences, hands-on learning oppor-tunities.
“This will also allow for the explorati on of indigenous medicinal plants and pollinator diversity. Moreover, the garden will be a community space promoting sustainability, relaxation, and mental well-being, offering both educational and practical benefits to students, faculty, and the broader university community. With plans for expansion, including additional amenities and community engagement activities, the garden stands as a symbol of environmental stewardship and academic excellence.” said Prof Potgieter.
On Photo: Prof Netshandama, Director of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation, and Com-mercialisation
Prof Vhonani Netshandama, Director of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Inno-vation, and Commercialisation expressed her gratitude to the Executive Dean and the Vice-Chan-cellor for facilitating this valuable experience. She said the delegation comprising students from various faculties, such as Sciences, Commerce, and Law, shows a diverse interest in applying their knowledge to sustainable village projects. Prof Netshandama closed off by emphasising the impor-tance of collaborative efforts and mutual goals between institutions, aiming to promote intergen-erational and global learning.
Mr Abdulkadir Abukan, TIKA Regional Coordinator, introduced the Turkish International Develop-ment Cooperation Agency (TIKA) and said TIKA implements global development projects, focusing on education.
Mr Abukan said over the past seven years, TIKA has completed over 100 projects in Southern Africa, with more than 40% dedicated to education. He said TIKA has also partnered with universi-ties, upgrading laboratories and fostering collaborations, specialising in apiculture and medicinal plants. He highlighted TIKA’s commitment to strengthening ties with the University of Venda and acknowledged Turkey’s Republic Day, emphasising the importance of education and science, as championed by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
In her heartfelt speech Ms. Berrak Kekeç, the Deputy Head of Mission expressed gratitude for the collaboration between Turkey and South Africa, highlighting various joint projects aimed at im-proving lives through education, empowerment, and historical restoration. The Deputy Head also mentioned the cultural ties between the two nations, particularly through the Turkish Cultural Cen-tre in Johannesburg and opportunities for scholarships and tourism facilitated by Turkish Airlines and concluding with a commitment to deepen bilateral relations, announcing the donation of 67 lavender mowers to support sustainable initiatives.
On Photo: Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Final Year BSc Microbiology and Botany Student
Ms Lethabo Phahlamohlaka representing and conveying a message on behalf of Me Mems Ramaila, founder of BEE African, expressed gratitude to various dignitaries, including UNIVEN’s Vice-Chan-cellor and Principal, Ambassador Aysegul Kandas, and the Turkish Cooperation Agency. She em-phasised a commitment to the herb garden project and its potential benefits to the UNIVEN com-munity.
As the launch concluded, the campus community was excited, with many attendees looking for-ward to the herb garden becoming a vibrant part of the University’s ecosystem. The partnership with the Turkish Embassy marks a key milestone for UNIVEN, underscoring the institution’s com-mitment to sustainability, education, and international cooperation.
The launch of the UNIVEN Herb Garden is set to inspire a new wave of green initiatives across the campus, fostering an appreciation for the power of plants in academic research and daily life.
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Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication. University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
