The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has affirmed its leadership in environmental education and professional training, earning first place as South Africa’s Best Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAP), Producing University for 2024–2025.
Prof Khangwelo Musetsho (left), Dr Florence Murungweni, holding the certificate, (4th from right) with former University of Venda students from the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, who are registered Environmental Assessment Practitioners and were attending the conference
The accolade was presented by the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) during the 2025 EAPASA SADC Regional Conference, held from 29 to 31 October
2025 at the Graceland Hotel, Mpumalanga Province. This newly introduced award category recognises higher education institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance in producing competent, registered Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) across the country.
Representing the University of Venda, Dr Florence Mazwi Murungweni, Head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, expressed profound pride and gratitude on receiving the award.
“This award is a remarkable acknowledgement of our collective commitment to excellence in environmental assessment education and professional training,” said Dr Murungweni. “We extend heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated staff and students whose hard work, innovation, and leadership continue to strengthen UNIVEN’s position as a leading institution in producing top-tier environmental professionals.”
UNIVEN’s Environmental Sciences programme, offered up to Honours level, equips graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies essential for professional registration with bodies such as EAPASA. Over the years, many of the University’s graduates have successfully registered as EAPs, contributing significantly to South Africa’s environmental management and sustainability agenda.
Among those celebrating the achievement at the conference were several UNIVEN alumni, including Prof Khangwelo Desmond Musetsho, who also serves as the Chairperson of EAPASA, and Dr Florence Murungweni. The award for Leading Young Environmental Assessment Practitioners in Driving Sector Key Issues featured two UNIVEN alumni from the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Takalani Ramagalela and Caiphus Mukwevho with Mukwevho emerging as the overall winner.
UNIVEN continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship through its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and professional capacity building.
This national recognition not only celebrates the University’s dedication to high-quality environmental education but also reinforces its contribution to achieving South Africa’s and the global community’s environmental and sustainability goals. The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, Prof Natasha Potgieter, congratulated Dr Murungweni and stated that she is very proud of the achievement and the dedicated staff members who work hard in creating future leaders and making sure that students receive the best possible training and are equipped for the work environment.
In the picture: Dr Florence Murungweni (right) receiving the award
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