As the gates of the University of Venda opened once more to welcome the 2026 academic year, a renewed sense of purpose settled over the campus. Students arrived with dreams, expectations, and questions about the journey ahead. Standing firmly at the centre of student leadership was Mr Tirani Mathye, the SRC President, ready to welcome every student into a new chapter of growth and transformation.
In his message to the student community, Mr Mathye emphasised that the beginning of a new academic year is not just about returning to lecture halls, but about embracing the resilience required to succeed. He reminded students that learning is a process, one that demands patience, consistency, and courage. Challenges are inevitable, he noted, but they are the very tools that shape a true UNIVEN graduate.
Speaking directly to both first-year students and returning students, Mr. Mathye highlighted the proud legacy of the University of Venda. UNIVEN, he said, has consistently demonstrated that it produces highly capable leaders and graduates who are highly respected in the workplace. His advice was simple yet powerful: trust the process. The university is not just a place of instruction, but a ground for the upbringing of future leaders, and every student is part of that journey.
At the heart of this journey stands the Student Representative Council. According to Mr Mathye, the SRC remains the backbone of the student body, more than just a structure of representation. It is a home of unmatched academic, social, and emotional support. For 2026, the SRC has positioned itself to be proactive, thinking and feeling for students even before challenges are formally raised. The goal is clear: to ensure that no student feels unheard, unsupported, or alone.
Mr Mathye also spoke about the responsibility students carry in maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. He described the SRC as the “first language” of students at UNIVEN, a bridge that facilitates easier communication and strengthens advocacy. The most crucial role students must play, he stressed, is to speak without fear. Bringing issues forward empowers the SRC to represent students effectively in all forums, ensuring that decisions are informed and inclusive.
As he concluded his welcome, Mr Mathye delivered a message that he described as precise, honest, and perhaps unpopular, but necessary. The centre of academic performance, he said, is attending classes. Without guidance from lecturers, navigating assessments and achieving pass marks becomes far more difficult. His call for 2026 is clear: let this be a year of high-class attendance, not just for marks, but for long-term academic growth, strong performance, and a successful future.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
