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About the University of Venda

The University of Venda, situated in Thohoyandou in the scenic Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province of South Africa was established in 1982. The university has ever experienced tremendous growth and change. From its early years, staff members were drawn from various backgrounds in South Africa but by 1994 staff members were increasingly recruited from other African countries and overseas.

The presence on campus of staff from diverse backgrounds created a unique atmosphere and a fertile environment for new ideas and a capacity for change.

During this time the institution remained a traditional university that offered a full range of courses straddling the humanities, social sciences, natural and applied sciences.

With the advent of democracy in 1994 and new leadership at the helm, Univen embarked on a process of accelerated transformation. From 1995 the university shifted its focus to science and technology, resulting in the introduction of new programmes with an increase in student enrolment in the natural and applied sciences.

In 2002, the Department of Education mandated the institution to transform into a comprehensive university that offers career-focused programmes. Prior to its new mandate, Univen had already taken a step to establish some career-focused programmes with an emphasis on science and technology.

During each stage of transformation, the university aligned its vision and mission to the needs of the community at local, regional, national, continental and international levels. This process of transformation created significant changes in administrative governance and in the size and shape of the curriculum. It also attracted better-qualified staff and resulted in an improved student profile.

To date, the university has established itself as a national asset through its niche on problem-oriented, project-based curriculum with strength in nurturing underprepared students into nationally competitive graduates. The university has therefore become an important player in the South African higher education landscape, contributing significantly to the human resources and development needs of the country and region.

Institutional Values;

• We are driven by Quality and Excellence in all we do and
passionate about learning, innovation and creativity;
• We embrace Accountability and are committed to
responsible use of human, fiscal & physical resources;
• We are open and transparent to public scrutiny;
• We are passionate about our Integrity and accept the
responsibility to act ethically;
• We believe in respect and treating all people and our
stakeholders with civility and dignity;
• We believe in diversity and recognize and respect
diversity in all its manifestations;
• We accept our social responsibility and community
engagement in serving and contributing to the
intellectual, social and economic well – being of our
communities;
• Environmental stewardship, as an institution of higher
learning, UNIVEN must lead the way in decreasing carbon
footprint and instills a sense of pride in caring for the
environment in our staff and students.
Institutional
Values
admissions@univen.ac.z

Officers of the University Officers

Chancellor Adv M Gumbi
Chairperson of Council Mr MJ Lekgetha
Executive Management
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr NB Nthambeleni
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic Prof JE Crafford
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Corporate Services Dr RL Martin
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation Prof NN Feza
and Postgraduate Studies
University Registrar Adv EN Lambani
Chief Financial Officer Mr B Kraziya
Executive Deans of Faculties
Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education Prof BD Bantwini
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture Prof NS Mokgalaka
Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law Prof MH Kanyane
Faculty of Health Sciences Prof TM Mulaudzi (Dean)
Directors of Administrative Departments
Centre for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning (Vacant)
Marketing, Branding and Communication Dr TV Dzaga – APR
Community Engagement Prof VO Netshandama
Facilities Management Mr AA Magadani
Finance (Vacant)
Human Resources Mrs U Ndou
Information Technology Services Mr MS Khoza
International Relations and Partnerships Dr S Obadire (Acting)
Institutional Planning and Quality Assurance Mr K Shaku (Acting)
Legal Services Adv AE Nemukula (Acting)
Library Services Mrs MT Mulaudzi
Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies Senior Prof GE Ekosse
Student Affairs Mr A Mukheli (Acting)
Campus Protection Services Mr A Mukheli
Internal Audit and Risk Mrs MD Makwarela
Strategy and Monitoring (Vacant)
Deputy Registrar Academic Administration Mr M Ligudu (Acting)