In a continued effort to strengthen community engagement and promote indigenous knowledge systems, collaboration and partnership, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) recently paid an official visit to the Tshakhuma Royal Council, in preparation for the upcoming 32nd Southern African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR) Conference. The visit formed part of the University’s broader community outreach initiative, which aims to expose delegates attending the 32nd SAAIR conference, to be held at UNIVEN for the first time from 27 to 31 October 2025.
Group photo of University of Venda delegates with members of the Tshakhuma Royal Council during a community engagement visit aimed at strengthening partnerships and promoting indigenous knowledge preservation
The Tshakhuma community is renowned for its thriving fruit market, the largest in the region, and its profound commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. The meeting aimed to foster collabo-ration between the University and the community, while exploring opportunities for mutual growth.
Dr Takalani Dzaga, UNIVEN’s Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication, highlighted that the visit aligns with the institution’s upcoming Strategic Plan 2026-2030. He emphasised the im-portance of maintaining strong relationships with local communities, stating that as a University rooted in rural development, UNIVEN cannot work in isolation.
Dr Takalani Dzaga, UNIVEN’s Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication
“It is up to us to engage with our communities, understand their challenges, and find ways to contribute meaningfully to their growth,” said Dr Dzaga. He also mentioned plans to enhance the Tshakhuma Market by integrating it into the University’s initiatives, noting that conference dele-gates could benefit from cultural exchanges and the purchase of local products, including tradi-tional attire and fresh produce.
As a way forward, the meeting concluded with resolutions to showcase various aspects of VhaVen-da culture and community life during upcoming conference. Among the planned activities during the conference, are traditional dances such as malende and zwigombela, displays of indigenous fruits from local plantations, and exhibitions of traditional VhaVenda attire to highlight the richness of local heritage.
In addition, there are plans to feature the Tshakhuma community’s soccer team for the elderly, demonstrating the region’s holistic approach to well-being and active aging.
Musanda Vho Neluvhada, of the Tshakhuma Royal Council, expressed deep gratitude to the Uni-versity for its longstanding partnership with the community. He commended UNIVEN for its con-tinuous involvement of Tshakhuma in various developmental programmes, including health, envi-ronmental, and agricultural projects.
Musanda Vho Neluvhada, of the Tshakhuma Royal Council
Mr Ranwedzi Gideon Madzivhandila, who is the Deputy Chairperson of the Tshakhuma Royal Council
In his response on behalf of the Royal Council, Mr Ranwedzi Gideon Madzivhandila, who is the Dep-uty Chairperson of the Tshakhuma Royal Council, echoed the sentiments, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to collaborating with the University on future initiatives. He expressed his gratitude to the University for selecting Tshakhuma among all communities in Venda, describing it as a great honour.
He continued to emphasise the strong and longstanding relationship between the Tshakhuma community and the University, noting that their collaboration spans across various departments, including Health Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Agriculture. He further commended the University for its continuous role in encouraging community members to develop themselves and to prioritise their health and well-being.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
