Various University of Venda (UNIVEN) stakeholders were afforded an opportunity to express their views in building UNIVEN for a better future. This is after the UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni invited all stakeholders to contribute into this draft that will give direction to where the University is going in the next 15 years. Prof Bernard Nthambeleni recently engaged several stakeholders, including UNIVEN Convocation, Royal Leaders, UNIVEN SRC, UNIVEN Service and Administrative staff members, UNIVEN Academic staff members and Thulamela Municipality.
Recent stakeholder engagement process began on 21 May 2025 with a session between the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Nthambeleni, and the Student Representative Council (SRC) at UNIVEN Research Conference Centre. This was followed by Thursday, 22 May sessions with administrative and support staff and the second session with academic staff. Both sessions were held at the E1 Lecture Hall. The day concluded with a third session at the Thulamela Municipality, where the Vice-Chancellor met with the Mayor, Cllr Sarah Rambuda and Thulamela Municipality Council and Executive Management. The sessions ensured that community inputs were also included in shaping the University’s strategic direction.
This engagement comes on the heels of a significant milestone in 2023 when the UNIVEN Council approved the Integrated Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Biodiversity Plan (UIEIBP). This blueprint positions UNIVEN as a leader in higher education, uniquely leveraging its location within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and strengthening partnerships with grassroots communities, businesses, civil society, government agencies, and international stakeholders.
The UIEIBP is more than a guiding document; it is the cornerstone of the forthcoming 2026–2030 Strategic Plan. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal has emphasised the importance of collaborative planning by inviting all stakeholders to participate in more focused sessions.
As outlined by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, the University of Venda’s Strategic Plan 2026–2030 marks the first phase of its Vision 2040, themed “A Beacon of Hope for Societal Change.” The University seeks to evolve into an entrepreneurial, community-focused institution that goes beyond academic to foster ethical leadership, lifelong learning, and innovation. This transformation is driven by the UNIVEN Integrated Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Biodiversity Plan (UIEIBP), rooted in the unique Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.
Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
As the University prepares for implementation, it has initiated consultations to ensure inclusivity and alignment with future needs. Stakeholders were invited to reflect on what UNIVEN should represent by 2040, what changes are needed, and how the University can remain sustainable and competitive. This participatory approach will help to shape a future-ready institution aligned with the evolving higher education landscape.
This participatory approach further signalled a new chapter for UNIVEN, one in which the voices of its academic and administrative staff, as well as its student body, play a vital role in steering the Uni-versity toward academic excellence, social relevance, and sustainable impact. As the Strategic Plan-ning process unfolds, contributions from the University community was actively sought to ensure that the final plan embodies the collective vision and ambition of UNIVEN. This inclusive approach underscores UNIVEN’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and visionary leadership.
Reflections on the presentation of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan by UNIVEN Vice-chancellor and Principal, Prof Nthambeleni reaffirmed his steadfast belief in fostering a University that actively listens to and engages its people. Staff and their insights will help build a Strategic Plan that truly reflects the needs, ideas, and aspirations of all UNIVEN stakeholders. More stakeholders such as the University Institutional Forum, University Executive Management and Senior Management Committees, Executive Committee of Council, UNIVEN Council will be engaged before consolidation of inputs by Management and submission to the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Left Photograph: Vice-Chancellor and Principal engaging SRC members and on the Right Photograph: Vice-Chance-lor and Principal engaging administrative and support staff members
Left Photograph: Vice-Chancellor and Principal engaging academic staff members and on the Group Photo: Vice-Chancellor and Principal after the engagement with Thulamela Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Sarah Rambuda
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
