For many schools in Limpopo, limited access to reliable digital resources remains one of the greatest barriers to quality education. Recognising this challenge, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) has taken another meaningful step towards transforming lives by donating 246 desktop computers and 22 printers to 18 schools across the Vhembe East, Vhembe West and Mopani East education districts. The initiative also benefi ted one crèche and one community organisation, extending the University’s impact beyond the classroom and into the broader community. This intervention followed a request submitted to the University by the benefi ciary institutions.
In the picture: Symbolic handover of computers to the beneficiaries
The benefi ciary institutions comprised 15 schools from the Vhembe East District, two schools from the Vhembe West District and one school from the Mopani East District. Each institution received up to 14 desktop computers and one printer. Priority was given to registered schools and organisations serving disadvantaged communities, those with established partnerships with the University, demonstrated need and potential impact, as well as the capacity and accountability to manage and safeguard the donated assets responsibly.
The initiative saw signifi cant benefits from the donation programme, which aims to strengthen digital learning, improve access to technology, and empower educators and learners with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The community organisation supports orphaned children and serves as a workplace-integrated learning site for University of Venda Youth-in-Development students.
In the picture: Ms Nakisani Nemadodzi, Manager: Directorate of Community Engagement,
Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Innovation and Commercialisation
Welcoming guests to the ceremony, Ms Nakisani Nemadodzi, said the donation reflects the University of Venda’s enduring commitment to strengthening partnerships with schools and community organisations. She explained that the initiative is aligned with the University’s Strategic Plan 2026-2030, particularly its pillars of student-centredness and community engagement, noting that supporting learners should begin at grassroots level. Ms Nemadodzi added that, since 2015, the University has worked closely with schools through various outreach initiatives, including digital literacy, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, school improvement projects and work-integrated learning programmes, demonstrating UNIVEN’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and empowering surrounding communities through sustainable partnerships.
In the picture: Dr Livhuwani Ramabulana, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Professional and
Curriculum Studies
Delivering remarks on behalf of Professor Thizwilondi Mudau, Dr Livhuwani Ramabulana, emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving educational transformation. He encouraged schools and the University to continue working collaboratively, noting that the success of such partnerships should be measured by the positive outcomes they produce for learners and communities.
“In the Fifth Industrial Revolution, computers are no longer a luxury but a necessity,” he said, urging recipients to use the technology to produce meaningful educational outcomes and prepare learners for a technology-driven future. He further encouraged learners to aspire to higher education by applying to the University of Venda. He concluded by encouraging learners to pursue higher education at the University of Venda, reminding them that applications are open, online and free of charge.
In the picture: Mr Naphtal Ramawa, Circuit Manager for the Dzindi Circuit
Representing the three benefi ciary education districts on behalf of the District Director, Mr Naphtal Ramawa, expressed appreciation to the University of Venda for its generous donation, describing it as an investment in the future of learners rather than merely a donation of equipment. He said the computers and printers would strengthen curriculum delivery, enhance digital literacy and better prepare learners for success in the digital age. Mr Ramawa commended the University’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and educational development, adding that the enduring partnership between UNIVEN and the Department of Basic Education continues to create meaningful and lasting impact in schools across the region.
In the picture: Dr Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga, Head of ICT Support Services (UNIVEN)
Offi cially handing over the computers and printers, Dr Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga said the donation is an investment in learners’ future and urged schools to use and safeguard the equipment eff ectively. He reaffi rmed the University’s commitment to providing ongoing technical support and training to help schools maximise the benefi ts of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in education.
In the picture: Mrs Mukhethwa Pandelani, Principal of Tsilawa Primary School
Accepting the donation on behalf of the benefi ciary schools, Mrs Mukhethwa Pandelani expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University of Venda for its investment in rural education. She committed to ensuring that the computers and printers wouldbe fully utilised to enhance digital teaching and learning, while welcoming the University’s continued support through training and capacity-building initiatives.
In the picture: Mrs Beauty Mutheiwana, Director of Supply Chain Management
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs Beauty Mutheiwana, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders whose contributions made the initiative possible. She encouraged beneficiary schools to embrace digital technologies to transform teaching and learning, reaffirming the University’s commitment to community development and ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age.
Quoting the late President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, she reminded attendees that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” highlighting that the donation represents more than equipment, it is an investment in the future of communities across Limpopo.
Group photo of University of Venda officials, Department of Basic Education representatives and recipient schools during the offi cial computer handover ceremony
Through initiatives such as this, the University of Venda continues to transform lives beyond its campus and around our communities, extending access to digital resources, strengthening partnerships with schools and contributing to the development of future-ready learners. The computer donation programme stands as a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to creating lasting educational impact and building digitally empowered communities.
Picture below: Random symbolic handover of computers to the beneficiary schools
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
