The University of Venda Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni officially opened the 2020 academic year during the ceremony which took place on Thursday 06 February 2020 in the Auditorium.
“Your academic journey has just begun, the progress of completing your studies and courses you have chosen would largely depend on how you conduct yourself. Always remember that, the prize of success is hard work and dedication,” said the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni.
Dr Bernard Nthambeleni
Dr Nthambeleni further told new students that success in life does not come easy. “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them. You have now become the sole author of the next chapters of your story. You have the opportunity to determine the direction and the pace at which your story should go.” He encouraged first year students to make a vow to themselves that they are going to complete their studies within the minimum stipulated time for their respective degrees because most of them have passed Matric with good grades. “We expect you to do very well in your chosen fields of study.” Dr Nthambeleni told students and staff to make UNIVEN proud through their contributions, especially by being hard working, innovative, and ethical in their conduct.
He welcomed UNIVEN class of 2020 and recognised the 2019/2020 SRC leadership. “I am particularly impressed with the calibre of the young men and women who represent you in the SRC.” He mentioned that the UNIVEN SRC leadership has demonstrated a good level of understanding and maturity in handling difficult issues and dealing with serious challenges facing the higher education system. “As University management, we are committed to work with the SRC and University staff in general to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.”
Dr Nthambeleni also spoke about the issues regarding infrastructure. He indicated that there are several infrastructure and maintenance work that are currently underway on campus. He said these infrastructural projects are meant to provide much-needed facilities for student accommodation, teaching and learning spaces for staff and students. “We managed to complete a number of infrastructure in 2019.” He further encouraged students to take good care of the University’s facilities entrusted to them.
He concluded his opening address by informing the audience that, last year (2019), UNIVEN bid farewell to its 2014-2019 Council. The University is in the process of constituting a new Council and related governance structures.
“As some of you might be aware, the term of our Chancellor, the former President of the Republic, Hon Kgalema Motlanthe, also came to end last year and we are currently in the process of replacing him.” He thanked the Hon Kgalema Montlanthe for his selfless service to this University. “We will in the right time prepare a befitting farewell function for him.”
UNIVEN students and staff members listening to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Nthambeleni during the Official Opening of 2020 Academic Year
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 08 February 2020
