In a celebration of academic excellence and leadership, the University of Venda Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni joined His Excellency, Hon Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, the fourth President of the Republic of Kenya, at Kabarak University’s graduation ceremony. The event underscored a powerful message of collaboration between education and national leadership, inspiring graduates to embrace innovation and service.
L-R: His Excellency, Hon Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and Prof Bernard Nthambeleni
The 21st graduation ceremony took place on Friday, 19 December 2025, at Kabarak University’s Nakuru campus in Kenya. The graduation ceremony was more than a celebration of academic triumph; it was a convergence of ideas, cultures, and aspirations. Prof Bernard Nthambeleni’s presence at this graduation symbolised a growing bond between South Africa and Kenya in advancing higher education.
When delivering his address, Prof Nthambeleni expressed, “Today, we celebrate not only your achievements but the shared vision of African universities to lead in knowledge creation and cultural preservation.”
He spoke passionately about the transformative power of education, urging graduates to see their degrees as tools for societal change rather than mere personal milestones. Drawing from UNIVEN’s own journey, he highlighted the importance of research-driven innovation, community engagement, and cultural identity in shaping Africa’s future.
Prof Nthambeleni concluded his address with a challenge to the Class of 2025: “Be the generation that bridges divides, champions integrity, and transforms knowledge into action. Africa’s renaissance depends on your courage and creativity.”
Before the graduation ceremony, Prof Nthambeleni had a fruitful engagement with the leadership of Kabarak University. The University of Venda (UNIVEN) and Kabarak University took a decisive step to operationalise the recently launched African Musicology Institute (AMI), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2025.
The University of Venda team, led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, including the Chief Operating Officer, Mr Botwe Kraziya, African Musicology Institute Director, Prof Geoff Mapaya, Director Strategy and Risk, Dr Mutshinyalo Ratombo, and Marketing, Branding and Communication Director, Dr Takalani Dzaga was on a mission to operationalise the recently launched African Musicology Institute at Kabarak University in Kenya. This remarkable collaboration aims, among other things, to celebrate African diverse music heritage, which is also designed to support joint research. The African Musicology Institute is a unique collaboration between the University of Venda and Kabarak University. The UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Nthambeleni emphasised the importance of partnerships, citing the African Musicology Institute, a joint initiative between UNIVEN and Kabarak University as a model of continental collaboration.
Speaking during the mission, at Kabarak University in Kenya on 18 December 2025, UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni emphasised AMI’s Afrocentric vision. “AMI places Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the forefront. By centering African voices and traditions, we will deepen scholarship, inspire creative practice, and foster innovation that benefits communities across Africa, “concluded Prof Nthambeleni.
R-L Prof Bernard Nthambeleni and Prof Kiplangat during the engagement
UNIVEN and Kabarak University formalised their partnership with the MoU signed on 4 September 2025 at the UNIVEN campus, marking AMI as a landmark institute dedicated to the study, documentation, and celebration of Africa’s musical heritage.
The signing was led by UNIVEN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, and Kabarak University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Henry Kiplangat. Since then, AMI’s implementation has advanced through UNIVEN’s governance structures; including leadership appointments and approval of critical operational positions; ensuring the institute’s research, events, and partnership functions are well-resourced from inception.
AMI is designed to celebrate Africa’s diverse music heritage through documentation, performance, and community-centered programming; Advance joint research and scholarship that decolonises musicology and amplifies Indigenous Knowledge Systems; Offer academic pathways from undergraduate to PhD, including short courses and professional training; Build Pan-African networks for conferences, journals, fieldwork, and artistic collaboration; Develop world-class facilities, from studios and labs to performance venues, that serve scholars, artists, and communities.
AMI will champion African musicology from within, producing knowledge, performances, and policy insights that speak to Africa’s realities and aspirations.
These initiatives align with UNIVEN’s Strategic direction to foster engaged scholarship, strengthen continental partnerships, and deliver globally competitive graduates.
The University of Venda is indeed expanding its international footprint through strategic partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to African-led collaboration and sustainable development.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
