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University of Venda Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Trade And Investment Limpopo

L-R Mr Takalani Dzaga, Prof Peter Mbati, Mr Julius Maphatha, Ms Vera Mkhombo

The University of Venda (UNIVEN) established yet another partnership, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Trade and Investment Limpopo (TIL) at Khoroni Hotel on Tuesday, 08 June 2010.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter. Mbati, signed on behalf of UNIVEN while Mr Julius Maphatha, Acting Chief Executive Officer of TIL committed his organization to the partnership. Speaking during the official signing ceremony, Mr Maphatha indicated that TIL has a mandate of promoting economic and social development and is engaged in the implementation of various economic initiatives. In response, Prof Mbati reiterated the commitment of UNIVEN towards the success of the partnership. He applauded TIL for the confidence that they demonstrated by choosing UNIVEN out of so many possible options in the country. Prof Mbati added that UNIVEN will make sure that it plays its role as the university is charged with the responsibility of teaching, learning, research and community work focusing on the socio-economic development challenges that communities are faced with.

The parties wish to establish a strategic partnership in order to address the economic and developmental needs of the province, University and local communities and to approach their developmental initiatives in an integrated and holistic approach.

The birth of this relationship opens many avenues for UNIVEN to play a more significant and visible developmental role in the province as amongst others the University through its intellectual capacity shall complement TIL’s research capacity on poverty reduction, wealth creation, empowerment of the marginalized and vulnerable. However, the parties acknowledge and agree that their relationship in terms of the memorandum signed will be guided by the National Provincial and Local Government development agenda.

The activities highlighted in the MoU amongst others are: joint projects and initiatives as identified by all parties, staff development programme, including internship programme, knowledge sharing interventions including co-hosting of dialogues and conferences and joint exploration of funding possibilities for the initiatives undertaken.