The Department of Arts and Social Sciences, through its Sociology Section under the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education proudly hosted a Certificate Handing Over Ceremony on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, to honour and celebrate the outstanding academic performance of top-achieving students across various levels of study. This significant event served not only as a celebration of student excellence but also as a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and academic commitment shown by the award recipients throughout the academic year.
The ceremony was spearheaded by esteemed lecturers from the Sociology Section, Dr Pelewe Mphephu and Mr Talifhani Ramatswi, who also took on the role of presenters during the proceedings. Their collective dedication to promoting academic excellence and creating a culture of motivation and recognition within the section was clearly reflected in the thoughtful organisation and spirit of the event.
Top three performing students were awarded certificates of achievement in the following modules:

First Level (SOC1141): Introduction to Sociology L-R: Dr Pelewe Mphephu, Ms Mulalo Tahulela, Ms Mokgaetji Masubelele, Ms Phodzo Matidza, Mr Talifhani Ramatswi

Third Level (ISO3141): Industrial Sociology L-R: Dr Pelewe. Mphephu, Ms Phophi Phaswana, Ms Rilwele Murovhi, Mr Thabo Mabeba, Mr Talifhani Ramatswi

Honours Level (SOC5111): Research Methodology L-R: Dr Pelewe Mphephu and Mr Rinae Munyai

Honours Level (SOC5112): Social Theory L-R: Dr Pelewe Mphephu. Mr Rinae Munyai, Mr Talifhani Ramatswi
In a short address during the ceremony, Mr Talifhani Ramatswi congratulated the students on their commendable academic success and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their scholarly pursuits. Dr Mphephu echoed these sentiments, noting that recognising academic excellence is crucial not only for motivating individual students but also for fostering a broader culture of achievement and dedication within the Sociology section. The Sociology Section remains committed to nurturing academic excellence and ensuring that exceptional efforts by students do not go unnoticed. The section extends its warmest congratulations to all the recipients of the certificates and looks forward to more such moments of celebration in the years to come. This event just marked another milestone in the Section’s continued efforts to celebrate and cultivate academic excellence, and the university community is encouraged to join in congratulating these high-achieving students.

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