Three Days of Transformative Learning: University of Venda’s Leadership Programme Ignites Purposeful Change

In a bold move to strengthen leadership and management capabilities, the University of Venda’s Human Resources Department (Organisational Development and Training) launched the second cohort of its Management Development Programme (MDP) on Monday, 21 July 2025. The intensive three-day workshop, held at the University of Venda Student Parliament, brought together Heads of Departments (HoDs), Managers, and selected staff for a powerful and reflective leadership journey.
What made this programme stand out was not only its carefully crafted curriculum but also the insightful engagement and group exercises that encouraged participants to share their thoughts, perceptions, and personal leadership experiences in a safe and collaborative environment.
In her virtual welcome and opening remarks, Director of Human Resource, Mrs Uan-da Ndou warmly welcomed the esteemed guests and participants, expressing her en-thusiasm for the collaboration with the renowned UCT Graduate School of Business.

She underscored the importance of this initiative as a pivotal step in the university’s ongoing efforts to implement the Career Pathing Programme, aligning it with the insti-tution’s operational objectives.

Mr Matamela Matibe, Training and Development Practitioner at the university warmly expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UCT Graduate School of Business, highlighting how the programme supports the institution’s broader Career Pathing Programme and aligns with its long-term strategic priorities.
Mrs Fortune Gamanya began by inviting participants to reflect on their leadership presence through a picture prompt. From the outset, she emphasised collaboration as central to the programme’s success. She led a deep dive into organisational culture and the realities of change management, topics that resonated deeply as the university prepares to implement a new 15-year strategic plan.

Day one cantered on personal leadership reflection. Drawing on Eric Hanna’s boundary-based leadership model, Fortune introduced four essential leadership capacities: self-reflection, self-con-fidence, genuine humility, and the ability to create balance. She challenged participants to examine their internal narratives and life experiences, highlighting that leadership is not a fixed role but an authentic, evolving practice rooted in intentionality and self-awareness.
Participants were encouraged to ask themselves the following questions:
What kind of leader am I becoming? What does my leadership story communicate to others?

On day three, the focus shifted to strategic thinking and adaptability. Dr Rutendo Hwindingwi led an engaging session that redefined strategy as a dynamic and responsive process, more like a river than a rigid plan. He emphasised the value of clarity, adaptability, and purposeful decision-making, especially in times of disruption.
Drawing from his experience launching a Deloitte leadership program during the COVID-19 pan-demic, Dr. Hwindingwi illustrated how agility and focus enabled success while traditional models struggled. He encouraged participants to challenge assumptions, consider who defines strategy, and evaluate their relevance in a rapidly changing landscape driven by technological shifts such as AI.
He concluded with the introduction of the Play Tool, a practical strategy framework developed by leaders from Procter and Gamble and the Rotterdam School of Management, designed to help organisations align purpose with action.
During these three days, the programme balanced deep reflection, practical tools, and peer learn-ing. Through group discussions, case studies, and personal storytelling, participants were not just gaining knowledge; they were reshaping how they lead.
The Management Development Programme marks a significant investment in building the lead-ership capacity of the University of Venda’s management cohort. By equipping participants with strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership practices, the university is laying the groundwork for long-term institutional growth and success.
As this second cohort completes its transformative journey, the University of Venda reaffirms its commitment to developing visionary, values-driven leaders. With the support of esteemed part-ners like the UCT Graduate School of Business, the MDP continues to shape a resilient, capable, and forward-looking leadership community.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811