Articulation Hub Ignites Academic Innovation in Limpopo

On 23 October 2025, the University of Venda (UNIVEN)’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture, launched the Unfurling Post-School Education and Training (UPSET) Hub Programme, which took place at the Kalahari Waterfront in Habudeli, Nandoni. The event marked a significant milestone in advancing educational innovation and collaboration across institutions. Attendees engaged in discussions that aimed at strengthening support for inclusive learning hubs and promoting sustainable development through education and training. The programme provided a platform for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and exploring future opportunities for academic and community growth.

When welcoming attendees, Dr Sefora Alice Mkuzangwe, Director of the Department of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance at UNIVEN described this launch as transformative and a new chapter in South African education. The hub will provide multiple pathways for students and expand access to education. She commended the initiative, noting that articulation becomes meaningful when it also benefits industries as well and “We have literally accepted a standard in terms of where the country should be going around articulation.”

Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, launched the Limpopo Articulation Hub, calling it a launchpad for the future that provides pathways for students to achieve their academic dreams. The hub aims to dismantle barriers in higher edu-cation and produce locally relevant, globally competitive graduates. Prof Potgieter continued to state that, “We are not just creating programmes, we are creating future leaders.”

Prof Darren Lortan, the UPSET project leader virtually presented an overview of the initiative, explaining that it aims to translate the national articulation policy into coordinated implementation within the post-school education and training system. The project’s focus is on establishing articulation networks between universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, with the goal of expanding access and improving quality. Prof Lortan noted that articulation by design, rather than informal arrangements, is becoming a mantra for the project. He highlighted that stakeholder engagement, curriculum alignment, and student support are crucial for successful articulation. Prof Lortan concluded by mentioning that “Learning never stops. We want to promote the idea of continuous lifelong learning, and our methodology is through the promotion of access through articulation.”

Dr Emmanuel Mhlongo, HoD: Earth Science and UNIVEN UPSET team member, provided an up-date on the UPSET initiative at UNIVEN. The University’s articulation hub, housed in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, aims to provide articulation pathways that will enhance the academic and career pathways of TVET colleges graduates. The hub is currently prioritising Engi-neering and Agriculture programmes, with the goal of enabling students to progress from TVET colleges to university programmes and eventually become accredited professionals. Dr Mhlongo noted that “the cornerstone of articulation is building trust among institutions, especially focus-ing so much on the design and the quality of the programmes.” He added that the focus should be on how qualifications articulate with each other and how these align with the different career paths.

Dr Heidi Bolton, Chief Researcher at SAQA, who also presented virtually extended a message of support, congratulating UNIVEN and partner colleges on the launch of the articulation hub. Dr Bolton stated that “you are enhancing life-long learning and making the education and training and development system more flexible for diverse learners.” Her presentation touched on re-sources, including national policies, qualification frameworks, and existing articulation hubs, to support the initiative.

Speakers at the launch of the UNIVEN Articulation Hub who gave message of support empha-sised collaboration between institutions to benefit students. Prof Jan Hlongwane from the Uni-versity of Limpopo said, “If you want to go fast to your destination, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” Dr Tuwani Malima from Vhembe TVET College highlighted the need for oc-cupational programmes and industry partnerships, stating that, “we can’t implement occupation-al programmes without having a partnership with the industry.” Mr Khathutshelo Mudau from Madzivhandila College of Agriculture echoed this sentiment, saying, “ When we work together, we always complement each other and achieve the intended goals.”

Dr Emmanuel Mhlongo came back to the podium to render closure and the way forward, he thanked attendees and speakers for their participation in the launch of the UNIVEN Articulation Hub, expressing gratitude to colleagues and institutions involved. He stated that “we are open endlessly” for partnerships. Dr Mhlongo outlined the way forward, mentioning upcoming activi-ties and planning with Dr Odeshnee Naicker. He thanked Prof Natasha Potgieter for her support and expressed excitement about the hub’s potential impact on the Limpopo Province.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811