University of Venda Extends a Warm Welcome to Warwick Exchange Students in a Celebratory Cultural Gathering

On Friday, 1 August 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN), through the International Relations and Partnerships (IRP) Directorate, hosted a warm welcome function for the Warwick exchange students at the GTCI. The event provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the visiting students to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant community of the university and the surrounding province.

With a series of insightful speeches and presentations, the occasion celebrated cross-cultural exchange and emphasised the university’s commitment to supporting international students throughout their academic journey.
The gathering was further enlivened by a special performance from the University of Venda Entertainment Group, adding a festive and engaging atmosphere to the welcome.
Mr Matome Mokoena warmly welcomed the international students, and expressing his en-thusiasm for hosting students from the UK in South Africa. He highlighted the country’s rich cultural diversity, languages, and people, encouraging students to explore the province, re-nowned as one of the most naturally fertile and beautiful regions globally, often called “Af-rica’s Kingdom.” as the starting point of their journey, inviting students to engage with lo-cal markets, traditions, languages, and daily life. Mr Mokoena emphasised the inclusive nature of the experience and proudly welcomed everyone to the vibrant university community.

Mr Maanda Nemaxwi discussed campus safety and security, highlighting that maintain-ing a secure environment is a shared responsibility involving students, staff, and securi-ty personnel. He urged students to stay alert and take an active role in safeguarding them-selves and their peers. He explained that campus security functions around the clock,much like standard law enforcement, utilising sophisticated technologies including CCTV monitoring and restricted building access to ensure safety. Students received remind-ers to adhere to safety guidelines, avoid dangerous activities, and promptly report any issues, especially incidents involving gender-based violence or privacy violations. He emphasised that cre-ating a safe campus atmosphere depends on everyone’s collaboration and mutual consideration.

Mr Mfaniseni Mnguni welcomed students to university accommodation, describing residenc-es as supportive environments for academic success, safety, and personal growth. He out-lined practical guidelines, including carrying student cards, visiting hours, and maintaining cleanliness and silence, especially during exams. Mr Mnguni encouraged active participation in sports, cultural events, and student-led initiatives, inviting students to treat their residence as a “home away from home,” with the assurance of ongoing support from housing staff.
Ms Maggie Hlungwani, HIV Coordinator at the Campus Health Clinic, presented the clinic’s health services accessible to all students. The facility functions during weekdays with emergency assis-tance provided beyond standard operating hours. Students are advised to schedule appointments online and utilise available services such as HIV/STI screening, health education programmes, and contraceptive distribution. Ongoing health awareness campaigns featuring the motto “Zikhala Kan-jani?” encourage students to make their well-being a priority throughout their academic journey.
Dr Avhatakali Makhado, a Tshivenda Lecturer, offered a comprehensive overview of Tshiven-da, the predominant regional language, highlighting its cultural and spiritual impor-tance within the local area. He explored traditional customs, musical expressions, hand-icrafts, and culinary traditions while instructing students in fundamental greetings to facilitate their integration and respectful interaction with the surrounding community.

Dr Thivhavhudzi Badugela, representing the Head of Department in Education-al Studies, extended a message of support, emphasising the importance of collabora-tion and encouraging participants to fully embrace the learning opportunities presented.

Mr Aluwani Mukhithi spoke on the value of educational partnerships, partic-ularly at the primary school level, urging participants to share their knowl-edge widely. He highlighted that while only three schools in the district current-ly participate, its success could demonstrate the programme’s broader benefits.

Mr Rodney Tshishonga, representing the University of Venda students, warmly wel-comed the international students as future leaders and encouraged them to seek support from the SRC, sharing contact details and affirming the students’ positive commitment.
Mr Daniel Buthumbi introduced the Union’s role alongside the SRC in supporting in-ternational students. He promised a friendly and understanding approach and in-vited students to engage with their office for assistance, ending on a light-heart-ed note, encouraging them to reach out even for small comforts like ice cream.
The Warwick student representative, Beatriz Lopez Roxo expressed heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome, sharing how integrated and at home they already felt after a week. They praised the hospitality, cultural exchange, and dedication of teachers at lo-cal schools where they had volunteered, closing with enthusiasm for ongoing collaboration.

The event was graced by a special performance from the UNIVEN‘s Electro General Entertainment Group, adding vibrant cultural flair and celebration to the occasion.

When delivering the closing remarks, Mr Tsundzuka Hakamela acknowledged the col-lective efforts of various UNIVEN departments in making international students feel at home. Mr Hakamela expressed the importance of social cohesion, friendship, and contin-uous engagement. He thanked all involved in organising the event. The event was a heart-felt and inspiring welcome, setting the tone for a positive and enriching exchange experience.

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