On 25 October 2025, the Millennium Fellows convened at the UNIVEN Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubation (UCfERI) to reflect, strategise, and co-create a shared vision for their projects. The University of Venda Millennium Fellows are driving local to global impact by addressing critical challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Their collective vision centers on solving problems to improve community livelihoods and uphold a mission of holistic well-being. This mission will be realised through inclusive health and awareness campaigns that advocate for the health of people, animals, and their shared environment, while promoting gender equity and entrepreneurship.
In the picture: 2025 UNIVEN Millennium Fellows
The Millennium Fellows Class of 2025 is setting a powerful example of student-led transformation, living the university’s values through bold action, visionary leadership, and deep community engagement. These young changemakers are not only advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also redefining what it means to be purpose-driven students in a rural innovation ecosystem. Their collective mission is rooted in holistic well-being, with projects that span inclusive health campaigns, gender equity advocacy, entrepreneurship development, and environmental stewardship. From local villages to global conversations, these fellows are proving that meaningful change begins with committed individuals working together.
In the picture: Prof Vhonani Netshandama giving welcoming remarks
In a warm opening speech, Professor Vhonani Netshandama greeted the fellows and their supporting team with enthusiasm, emphasising that they are taking an essential step by engaging in a fellowship focused on making social and societal impacts. She spoke about the university’s goal to be a leader in engaged scholarship, highlighting its mission to create significant changes. Prof Netshandama reminded the fellows that achieving these institutional objectives requires active participation and involvement from students. She applauded the fellows for being visionaries and agents of change, noting that their efforts are creating a significant societal impact among their peers and in their communities.
Recognising the various responsibilities that the fellows manage, she commended their commitment to balancing studies, fellowship tasks, and family roles. Their ability to handle these duties while staying devoted to their projects was seen as evidence of their determination and focused mindset. Prof Netshandama shared a personal insight, expressing her admiration for the fellows’ choice to dedicate their time and energy to important work while they are still young. She observed that as people grow older, they often wish they could return to their twenties or thirties to live with greater purpose. She encouraged the fellows to keep finding meaning in their lives, as this contributes to a greater sense of satisfaction and self-respect. In conclusion, she expressed gratitude towards mentors, Millennium campus directors, and everyone supporting the fellows, recognising the shared effort that underpins their journey. She praised the fellows for choosing to utilise their Saturday mornings in such a positive and impactful manner, declaring herself a strong supporter of their work and vowing to continue her encouragement.
Uhone Nenzhelele is a facilitator in the Entrepreneurship Student Ambassadors Programme (ESAP) Book Club, where she helps student entrepreneurs gain business knowledge and stay motivated. She is a former Peer Educator and recently completed the Civic Skills Programme with Higher Health, earning certificates for her work in health awareness and GBV prevention. Passionate about leadership and community empowerment, Uhone is committed to addressing issues such as climate change, educational disparities, and social inequality. She advocates for culturally grounded youth and challenges oppressive cultural norms, particularly those that affect women. In May, she was accepted into the Millennium Fellowship Programme as a fellow for the Class of 2025. Her Millennium Fellowship project focuses on empowering women in business who face gender-based discrimination. Uhone is also an emerging actress, writer, and poet who draws inspiration from personal and societal experiences.
Tondani Lucia Ramadi is a second-year Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase) student at the University of Venda. She serves as a peer educator, a role she took on after receiving leadership training from the campus health team during her first year of study. Through this platform, she leads with purpose by raising awareness on health-related issues, including gender-based violence (GBV), HIV, and other pressing matters that affect young people. She delivers interactive presentations across different residences on campus and distributes condoms as part of promoting safer sexual practices. She is also a tutor under the SFFP programme, where she supports learners in mathematics, demonstrating her passion for education and youth empowerment. Ramadi is actively involved in the Indigenous Knowledge Systems community and is passionate about public speaking and cultural empowerment. She also works with Get Down Productions, facilitating health talks and community dialogues in schools and churches.
Tumiso Kobola is a third-year student at the University of Venda, studying Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Born and raised in Soweto, Snake Park, she carries with her deep appreciation for the wisdom and resilience found in her community. Her academic journey is guided by a desire to blend Indigenous ways of knowing with modern ideas to create real, lasting change. Through her Millennium Project, Tumiso explores how communities can overcome challenges such as poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation while protecting the natural world that sustains them. Her work draws inspiration from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those that promote good health, well-being, and sustainable use of the land. For Tumiso, learning is not only about books and theories; it is about listening to people’s stories, understanding their struggles, and finding creative ways to build a better future. She envisions a world where knowledge is shared, culture is valued, and every person has the opportunity to thrive in balance with nature.
Mutshidzi Nedzungani was born and raised in Soweto, Protea Glen. He is a dedicated student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the University of Venda, having started in 2023. Mutshidzi is a student leader for the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Student Ambassadors Programme, where he advocated for Indigenous knowledge, innovation, and cultural heritage. Driven by a passion for both science and African heritage, Mutshidzi aims to contribute to the preservation and advancement of Indigenous Knowledge in modern society. He envisions becoming a researcher and advocates for the integration of traditional knowledge into areas such as sustainable development, health, and education. Mutshidzi is a dreamer and a reflector. During his Millennium Fellowship, he hopes to train youth to become entrepreneurs as a way to reduce youth unemployment, which will address SDG No. 8. This initiative aims to equip young people with the skills to start their own businesses rather than waiting for someone else to employ them. He also envisions promoting agroecological farming and innovative sustainable farming as a way to promote food security and to combat hunger. Outside of his studies, he enjoys reading, writing reflections on culture and identity, and engaging in community dialogue. His hobbies align with his goal of inspiring young people to value their roots while becoming innovative thinkers. Mutshidzi is committed to being a voice for transformation through culturally grounded knowledge and expertise.
Phathutshedzo Musutha was born in Tshisahulu Maunguwe village on the outskirts of Thohoyandou. Phathutshedzo Musutha is a second-year Agribusiness Management student at the University of Venda. He is an alumnus of the United States South Africa Virtual Incubator (USSAVI) and a passionate advocate for education, innovation, and youth empowerment. Masutha is the recipient of the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Award for being the top student in the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture. He currently serves as the Project Officer for Enactus UNIVEN, and he is a Millennium Fellow under the United Nations Academic Impact programme, where he contributes to social impact projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He is the founder of Examta, an educational initiative offering academic support from primary to university level, and Notshihive. This agro-based manufacturing company produces bee products with health benefits. Through his ventures, Masutha aims to use agribusiness and entrepreneurship to fight poverty, promote wellness, and create sustainable opportunities for young people across South Africa.
Ntshovelo Shirinda is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Venda pursuing Environmental Sciences in Disaster Risk Reduction. Through her academic pursuits, she leverages her intelligence, eagerness to learn, and opportunistic approach to tackle complex challenges and seize growth opportunities. Fueled by curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact, Ntshovelo is passionate about fostering meaningful connections, promoting lifelong learning, and driving community-driven growth. She was also a participant in the USSAVI 2025 programme, where she played a key role as a presenter for Group 10: Youth higher-ed access barriers, contributing to the development of “Edureformers”, an innovative mobile-first digital ecosystem that supports student success. This initiative creates a supportive student community, connecting learners with mentors, career guidance, and step-by-step application help, leveraging campus resources, webinars,and professional partnerships to empower students to succeed in their studies.
Nkhumeleni Siphuma is a third-year student at the University of Venda, pursuing a Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems degree. He is actively involved in a student-led programme called the Indigenous Knowledge Student Ambassadors Programme, where he serves as the Marketing and Social Media Officer. He contributes to marketing efforts, visual content creation, and event coverage. He also assists the office of Innovation and Technology Development, which enables him to tackle innovative projects and solutions. Additionally, He serves as a Director and Fellow of the Millennium Fellowship, where he leads a project focused on climate change. His initiative aims to promote practical measures and practices that address climate change, empowering communities to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Through these roles, He strives to make a positive impact and raise awareness about important issues, while applying his skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change.
Vhutshilo Ephraim Ntsieni is a youth leader and environmental advocate from Tshikundamalema Thogani, Limpopo. He is completing his degree in Environmental Sciences and leads Today for Tomorrow (T4T), a youth-led nonprofit focused on climate action. Vhutshilo completed the Aspire Leaders Programme, gaining global leadership and mentorship experience. He also joined the Global Mentorship Initiative, where he developed career readiness and professional networking skills. As Campus Director of the Millennium Fellowship, he led youth campaigns and mentored fellow students. His leadership was featured on the radio, highlighting his commitment to youth-driven social impact. In 2024, he joined the Universal Greening Organisation Fellowship, where he completed training in leadership and innovation. He participated in an international exchange in Botswana, expanding his regional collaboration efforts. In 2025, he served as Custodian of the UGO Fellowship, supporting new fellows.
The fellows call on all stakeholders to join in protecting our planet, ensuring climate action, gender equity, and the well-being of people for a more sustainable future, by taking small steps such as keeping communities clean and protecting local rivers. The Millennium Fellows at UNIVEN are not just participating in a programme; they are living the university’s values of community engagement, inclusive innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership. Their work exemplifies the spirit of Ubuntu and the transformative power of youth-led action. As they continue to build momentum, these individuals remind us that leadership is not about position but about creating value for oneself and others.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
