The University of Venda, through its Advancement Unit, has partnered with Santam in a strategic collaboration marked by a R100,000 donation in support of the Thoho Ya Nzie Student Welfare Programme, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to student wellness, dignity, and academic success.
This donation represents more than financial assistance; it is a strategic investment in the holistic well-being and academic resilience of students facing severe socio-economic hardship. At a time when rising living costs and economic pressures continue to threaten student retention and success, this collaboration is critical in enabling the University of Venda to safeguard access to education and create environments where students can thrive. The Thoho Ya Nzie Student Welfare Programme is a flagship social welfare programme of the University of Venda, designed to provide essential non-perishable food items, basic stationery, and personal care products to students who are unable to meet their most basic living and learning needs. The initiative prioritises students who fall within the “missing middle” and those whose financial circumstances place them at risk of academic exclusion.
The initiative recognises that academic excellence cannot be separated from physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, and that student success is best achieved through comprehensive, student-centred support. Through sustained support such as that provided by Santam, the Thoho Ya Nzie Student Welfare Programme continues to make a significant contribution to improved academic focus, emotional stability, and overall student well-being, while strengthening social solidarity within the UNIVEN community.
The partnership between the Advancement Unit and Santam underscores the power of purposeful partnerships in advancing social impact within higher education. For UNIVEN, a rural-based institution with a strong developmental mandate, this donation is vital in extending institutional capacity and deepening student support interventions. Santam’s contribution reflects a shared commitment to social responsibility, education, and inclusive development. It demonstrates how private-sector partners can play a transformative role in strengthening public universities and supporting national priorities related to youth development, education access, and socio-economic upliftment.
The Thoho Ya Nzie Student Welfare Programme stands as a testament to the University of Venda’s unwavering commitment to student-centred development. Through strategic partnerships, compassionate leadership, and a strong culture of care, UNIVEN continues to build a university community where students are supported not only academically, but also as whole individuals. The partnership with Santam reinforces the belief that student wellness is foundational to academic excellence and that sustainable success in higher education is achieved when institutions and partners work together to uplift, empower, and inspire the next generation.
While formally acknowledging Santam’s generous support, the University of Venda recognises that addressing student poverty demands a collective, coordinated, and sustained response. The University, therefore, calls on industry partners, alumni, friends of the institution, and prospective sponsors to join UNIVEN in strengthening and scaling efforts to support vulnerable students.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
