Facilities Management Division

Facilities Management

Shaping a world-class, sustainable and resilient University environment.

Division Overview

Facilities Management Division

We are committed to shaping a world-class, sustainable, and resilient university environment that inspires achievement, fosters wellbeing, advances innovation, and strengthens institutional impact.

We create and sustain safe, smart, inclusive, and future-ready environments that enable excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, and community engagement. Through sustainable infrastructure, efficient services, and responsible stewardship of our physical assets, we enhance the university experience and support the long-term success of our students, staff, and stakeholders.
01Infrastructure Maintenance Department02Physical Planning Department03Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department04Project Management Department
Facilities Department 01

Infrastructure Maintenance Department

The Infrastructure Maintenance Department is responsible for preserving, maintaining and enhancing the University’s physical infrastructure and property portfolio to provide safe, reliable, sustainable and fit-for-purpose facilities that support teaching, learning, research and community engagement. Through effective asset lifecycle management, planned maintenance, statutory compliance and sustainable infrastructure solutions, the Department safeguards institutional assets, reduces maintenance backlogs, improves reliability and operational efficiency, and promotes a safe and conducive environment for staff, students and visitors.

Key Services & Responsibilities
  • Planned (preventative) maintenance of buildings and engineering services.
  • Reactive (corrective) maintenance and emergency repairs.
  • Condition assessments and infrastructure inspections.
  • Asset lifecycle management and maintenance planning.
  • Statutory compliance of infrastructure and building services.
  • Maintenance of temporary and hired infrastructure.
  • Event, lecture and examination venue furniture setup, maintenance and logistical support.
  • Building fabric maintenance, including roofing, waterproofing, painting, flooring, ceilings and finishes.
  • Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and civil infrastructure maintenance.
  • Contractor management and quality assurance of maintenance works.
  • Development and implementation of maintenance standards, policies and standard operating procedures.
  • Technical support for institutional infrastructure projects and capital refurbishment programmes.
  • Monitoring, reporting and continuous improvement of infrastructure performance.
Current Activities & Key Projects
  • Building Waterproofing and Roof Rehabilitation Programme.
  • HVAC Maintenance and Replacement Programme.
  • Water Reticulation Improvements and Pump Upgrades.
  • Fire Detection and Firefighting Equipment Servicing.
  • Development and implementation of the University’s Planned Maintenance Programme.
  • Infrastructure Asset Register Development Management.
Section Staff8 staff records
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Ms Tshisevhe M.D. Nesengani

HOD - Infrastructure Maintenance

Qualification
B.Sc. (Hon) Civil Engineering; Higher Certificate Project Management
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 53, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Mr Kenneth S. Dama

Technical Maintenance Supervisor

Qualification
National Diploma Building; Higher Certificate Project Management
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Mr Thomas N. Mahasa

Technical Maintenance Supervisor

Qualification
National Diploma Building; Carpenter Trade
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Mr George S. Mthombeni

Technical Maintenance Supervisor

Qualification
National Diploma Building; Facility & Operations B. Business Administration; Postgraduate Diploma Project Management
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Mr Rudzani P. Mammba

Technical Maintenance Supervisor

Qualification
National Diploma Electrical Engineering; Electrician Trade
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Mr Nkhumeleni R. Nelwalani

Maintenance Electrician

Qualification
National Diploma Electrical Engineering; Electrician Trade; Higher Certificate Project Management
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Mr Mashudu O. Mbedzi

Welder

Qualification
Welder Trade
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Infrastructure Maintenance Department

Ms Nancy M. Mafudhule

Helpdesk Operator

Qualification
Certificate Office Admin and Secretarial
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Facilities Department 02

Physical Planning Department

The Physical Planning Unit, within the Estates and Facilities Management portfolio, serves as the strategic custodian of the University of Venda’s physical infrastructure, land assets, and long-term spatial development. Guided by the University Spatial Development Framework, the department provides strategic leadership in campus planning, infrastructure development, space management and capital project implementation while supporting a safe, accessible, inclusive and sustainable campus environment.

Key Services & Responsibilities
  • Developing and implementing the University’s Spatial Development Framework to direct short-, medium-, and long-term campus growth and infrastructure investment.
  • Optimising land, buildings, office space and university assets through effective space planning, audits, allocation and property management.
  • Ensuring compliance with university policies, statutory requirements, municipal regulations, health and safety standards, and environmental legislation.
  • Supporting institutional sustainability through environmentally responsible planning, smart campus initiatives, renewable energy projects, resource-efficient infrastructure and responsible land management.
  • Strengthening governance and operational efficiency through approved policies, SOPs, performance monitoring and transparent project management.
  • Provision of GIS services as a key tool in technological advancement.
Current Activities & Key Projects
  • Archibus.
  • University of Venda Spatial Development Framework implementation.
Section Staff4 staff records
Physical Planning Department

Mx Siphiwe P. Phakathi

HOD Physical Planning

Qualification
BSc Hons Urban and Regional Planning (Wits), MBA Candidate (Henley Business School), Programme and Project Management (UFS)
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Management, Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Physical Planning Department

Mr Lesley N. Khosa

Senior Housing Officer

Qualification
Master of Business Administration (Mancosa)
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Management, Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Physical Planning Department

Mr Mukhethekanyi Ndou

GIS Officer

Qualification
B Hons Geography (UNIVEN)
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Management, Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Physical Planning Department

Ms Itani Netshitungulu

Property Officer

Qualification
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (UNIVEN); Master of Town and Regional Planning (University of Pretoria)
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Management, Office Number 44, Ground Floor
Facilities Department 03

Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

The Grounds Maintenance, Cleaning, and Waste Management Department plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean, sustainable, safe and conducive environment for learning and research. The department supports the University’s academic mission by maintaining outdoor spaces, delivering comprehensive cleaning services and coordinating responsible waste handling and disposal.

Key Services & Responsibilities
  • Grounds Maintenance: general garden maintenance, landscaping, hard-surface maintenance and decoration.
  • Cleaning Services: fumigation, general cleaning, deep cleaning and hygiene cleaning across lecture halls, laboratories, offices and residences.
  • Waste Management: waste collection, handling and disposal, hazardous-waste monitoring and proactive awareness campaigns with external partners.
Current Activities & Key Projects
  • Establishment of dry gardens around the main campus.
Section Staff21 staff records
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Khamusi Victor Nefhere

Manager, Grounds

Qualification
MSc. Horticulture
Telephone
015 962 9130
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 22, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Nndweleni Patrick Tshivhuyahuvhi

Garden Maintenance Supervisor

Qualification
ABET Level 4
Telephone
015 962 9130
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 22, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Avhatakali Gladys Luvhimbi

Garden Maintenance Worker

Qualification
Grade 12; Basic computer literacy; Computer diploma; Records Management filing system certificate; Practical project management certificate; Strategic empowerment certificate; Gardening certificate
Telephone
015 962 9130
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 22, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Avhaho Precious Maphagela

Machine Operator

Qualification
Grade 11; ABET Level 4
Telephone
015 962 9130
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 22, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Thomas Mashau

Tractor Driver

Qualification
Grade 12
Telephone
015 962 9130
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 22, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Nevhutalu Vhutshilo Virginia

Cleaner Supervisor

Qualification
Diploma in Public Management; National Certificate in Computer
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 4, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Mukomafhedzi Tshimangadzo Selina

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 10
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Siotho Azwidowi Martha

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 06
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Mphaphuli Mutshinyani Gladys

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 12
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Mathoma Azwikanukisi Agnes

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 10
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Mudau Mmbangiseni Eunice

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 09
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Phaswana Ntovhedzeni Florence

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 08
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Marwala Tovhowani Grace

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 12
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Mphaga Ntavhanyeni Eunice

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 08
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Kone Fhumulani Eveline

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 12; Computer Literacy
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Mukhari Mukateko Joyce

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 10
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Grounds, Cleaning and Waste Management Department

Magwaba Avhapfani Agnes

Cleaner

Qualification
Grade 05
Office
Facilities Building, Office no 04, Ground Floor
Facilities Department 04

Project Management Department

The Project Management Unit, within the Estates and Facilities Management portfolio, is responsible for planning, developing, constructing, managing, operating, and maintaining the University’s physical assets. Through effective project planning and management, the Unit oversees new infrastructure and the improvement, refurbishment and upgrading of existing facilities in alignment with the University’s strategic objectives and development plans.

Key Services & Responsibilities
  • Planning and coordinating construction, refurbishment, and infrastructure development projects.
  • Managing projects within approved budgets, timelines, quality standards and specifications.
  • Coordinating consultants, contractors, service providers and internal stakeholders.
  • Managing contracts, project costs, progress claims, variations and payments.
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety, building regulations, environmental requirements and University policies.
  • Monitoring project progress, risks, quality and expenditure and providing regular management reports.
  • Coordinating project completion, commissioning, handover and close-out documentation.
  • Promoting sustainable, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose infrastructure solutions.
  • Providing technical and project management support for effective development and enhancement of University assets.
Current Activities & Key Projects
  • Sustainable Energy Plan - 1MW Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Facility.
  • Universal Access Disability Ramps.
  • Student Residences Safety and Building Compliance, including the oldest existing buildings.
  • Staff Residences.
  • Post-Mortem Autopsy Hybrid Learning Facility.
  • Library Extension.
  • Environmental Sustainability: campus tree infrastructure, waste and water management.
  • Centre for Entrepreneurship and Nutrients Analysis Lab.
Section Staff4 staff records
Project Management Department

Ms. Rotenda Ramufhufhi

HOD Project Management

Qualification
MSc in Construction Management, Civil Engineering (University of Johannesburg), and Programme for Management Development, University of Cape Town - Graduate School of Business
Telephone
015 962 8523
Office
Facilities Complex Office Number 49, Ground Floor
Project Management Department

Mr. Rinae Ramatshimbila

Project Manager

Qualification
B.Tech. Degree in Mechanical Engineering (University of Johannesburg) and Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Building, Office Number 19A4
Project Management Department

Ms. Zulu Patient Neliswa

Project Manager

Qualification
B-tech Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering (Durban University of Technology) and Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Building, Office Number 3
Project Management Department

Mr. Thuso Luvha

Project Manager

Qualification
BSc (Honours) in Construction Management, BSc Construction Studies (University of the Witwatersrand), and Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (MANCOSA)
Telephone
015 962 8222
Office
Facilities Building, Office Number 19A4