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Univen to tie with De Beers Group

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Venda, Prof Peter Mbati , met with De Beers Group : Venecia mine on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 at the University of Venda Council Chambers.

The purpose of the visit is part of the Foundation’s corporate relationship building where the Foundation Office through the office of the Vice Chancellor and Principal or his nominee to present the corporate South Africa Univen’s infrastructure plan.
Prof Mbati gave a detailed overview of the University strategic direction to address the challenges faced by the Institution, the province and the country at large. In his overview, Prof Mbati highlighted that the University invest in building infrastructure and of course the equipment. He further indicated to the meeting that the University is also proud of the Disabled Student Unit which we have been advised that is one of the best in the country. Beyond the core business of teaching and learning the university is also strongly involved in community engagement activities.

Prof Mbati also informed the meeting about his membership as the Chairperson of Premier Advisory Technical Working Group on skills for economy. On several meetings, the Premier of Limpopo always challenges the two Universities within the Province for not having mining school or a proper teaching curriculum when it comes to mining engineering where there is large reserve of mineral resources. The two Universities were asked to establish a mining school in the Province. It is for this reason that Prof Mbati felt that it would be appropriate to partner with De Beers in strategic direction of mining engineering.  The Vice Chancellor shared with the delegation about Vuwani Science Resource Centre which is a top notch community based project. The project is doing well in terms of training learners and communities in areas of Maths and Science.

Prof Jason Ogola, Dean of the School of Environmental Sciences briefed the delegation about plans to establish mining engineering programme and the challenges currently experienced by the school of Environmental Sciences. Prof Ogola also briefed the delegation about the three honours students from his school who were supported by De Beers to finish their programme. These students are now continuing with their masters programme.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor Operations, Dr Jannie Zaaiman presented  the  architectural plan to the proposed mining engineering laboratories of the school.

Univen presentation was well received and Mr Chris Botha commended the route the University has taken to address issues pertaining to mining engineering in the rural areas and the Province of Limpopo. De Beers appreciated the amount of work still to be done at the University and committed to open doors for Univen where possible. “We are very keen to tie with Univen in the development of mining engineering that will benefit the community”, says Mr Botha.

It came out that De Beers Group support broadly Education - Maths and Science in particular. Research programs are also very important and there is huge amount of untapped   natural resources in the Province.  Mr Botha emphasised the retention of skilled employees to grow our own timber in order to build sustainable skills base. According to Mr Botha, De Beers is willing to make inputs from the mining sector on curriculum development; poverty eradication; enterprise development-support-small and medium enterprise; schools support program in terms of Maths and Science; industrial attachment and capacity building programs for staff and students.