On 21 May 2026, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted a prestigious Doctoral Graduates Gala Dinner, celebrating the remarkable achievements of its newly graduated doctoral candidates and reaffi rming its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and transformative postgraduate education. This celebration came in the middle of UNIVEN’s autumn graduation season, which celebrated a total of 3,340 graduates from the Class of 2025, of which 681 were postgraduate graduates, comprising 418 Honours degrees, 224 Master’s degrees, and 34 Doctoral degrees.
Group photos of some of the PhD graduates
The elegant event brought together university leadership, Vhembe’s four local municipal leaders, doctoral graduates, distinguished alumni, supervisors, family members, and special guests to honour the highest level of academic achievement and recognise the critical role of doctoral research in advancing knowledge, driving innovation, and addressing societal challenges.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni
Delivering the keynote congratulatory message, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, commended the graduates for their resilience, dedication, and academic excellence. He highlighted the signifi cance of doctoral education in supporting South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030, which aims to increase the country’s doctoral output. Prof Nthambeleni encouraged graduates to ensure that their research extends beyond graduation by contributing to publications, knowledge production, and solutions that positively impact society.
“Doctoral qualifi cations should translate into meaningful contributions to communities, industries, and the broader knowledge economy,” he said, while applauding the growing number and quality of doctoral graduates produced by the university. The recent UNIVEN Autumn graduation ceremonies marked a signifi cant contribution to South Africa’s human capital development agenda, with the university awarding 34 doctoral degrees.
DVC: Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera
Welcoming guests to the inaugural doctoral celebration dinner, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, described the graduates as catalysts for transformation and innovation. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that doctoral research is not confi ned to academic shelves but is actively shared and applied to improve governance, inform policy, and address real-world challenges.
Prof Netswera further highlighted the strong relationship between PhD education, innovation, and economic growth, noting that countries with higher numbers of doctoral graduates are often better positioned to develop solutions to complex societal issues. He called for stronger collaboration between universities, government institutions, municipalities, and communities to maximise the impact of research.
Acting Executive Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Lindelani Mushaphi
Adding her voice to the celebration, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof Lindelani Mushaphi, congratulated the graduates on successfully navigating a demanding academic journey marked by sacrifi ce, perseverance, and determination. She acknowledged the sleepless nights, personal challenges, and unwavering commitment required to attain a doctoral qualifi cation.
Prof Mushaphi encouraged graduates to remain curious and purposeful, using their expertise to address pressing societal issues and improve the lives of communities through research, innovation, and informed leadership.
Dr Richard Shilenge, Collins Chabani Municipal Manager
Representing the doctoral graduates, Dr Richard Shilenge refl ected on the realities of the PhD journey, describing it as both demanding and rewarding. He spoke candidly about balancing professional responsibilities, family commitments, and academic requirements while overcoming self-doubt and revising repeatedly.
Drawing from his own research on improving service delivery through fi nancial resource mobilisation in municipalities, Dr Shilenge emphasised the importance of conducting research that responds to real community needs. He encouraged aspiring doctoral candidates not to allow busy schedules or challenges to deter them from pursuing advanced studies and acknowledged the invaluable support of supervisors, colleagues, and family members throughout the process.
One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation showcasing the impactful research being undertaken by UNIVEN’s doctoral graduates, refl ecting the university’s growing contribution to knowledge creation and societal development.
Dr Tshitereke Matibe, LEDET MEC
The gala dinner also featured remarks from distinguished UNIVEN alumnus and Limpopo MEC, Dr Tshiterek Matibe, who underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between government and universities to drive economic development and solve community challenges. He highlighted ongoing engagements between the province and the university on initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
Dr Matibe encouraged graduates to ensure that their research produces tangible benefi ts for communities and industries, particularly in areas such as governance, economic development, entrepreneurship, and benefi ciation of local resources. Refl ecting on his own doctoral journey, he acknowledged the perseverance required to complete a PhD and urged graduates to continue contributing to academia through teaching, mentorship, and research publication.
Bringing the programme to a close, Director of Research and Innovation, Prof Jabulani Makhubele, expressed appreciation to the university leadership, guests, supervisors, families, and all those who supported the graduates throughout their academic journeys. He reminded attendees that a doctorate is never earned in isolation but is made possible through the collective support of mentors, colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
Congratulating the newly graduated doctors, Prof Makhubele described them as future researchers, innovators, thought leaders, and agents of change whose contributions will help shape a better future for society.
The gala dinner concluded on an inspiring and forward-looking note, reaffi rming UNIVEN’s Vision 2026–2030 commitment to research excellence, innovation, and transformative postgraduate education. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the university’s role in nurturing scholars whose research addresses societal needs, infl uences policy, and contributes meaningfully to national and global development.
As UNIVEN continues to strengthen its research enterprise and global competitiveness, the success of its doctoral graduates stands as a testament to a growing community of scholars equipped to lead change, generate new knowledge, and drive sustainable development. The University community proudly congratulates all the doctoral graduates on this outstanding achievement and wishes them success in their future endeavours.
PhD graduates and some of the guests
UNIVEN Students Malende traditional dance group entertaining guests
Some of the guests
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University of Venda
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