Chancellor, Advocate Mojanku Gumbi Confers 2713 qualifications During the 2025 UNIVEN Autumn Graduation Ceremony

During the 2025 University of Venda (UNIVEN) Autumn Graduation Ceremony a total of 2,713 graduates were conferred with their certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Out of the total number of qualifications conferred, one thousand, seven hundred and eleven (1,711) were bestowed upon female graduates, while one thousand and two (1,002) were conferred upon male graduates. In line with UNIVEN’s progressive growth, this graduation ceremony witnessed the conferral of 39 doctoral degrees, 97 master’s degrees, and 406 honours degrees.

This Autumn Graduation Ceremony, comprising of seven sessions, took place from Tuesday, 13 May to Friday, 16 May 2025 at the University Auditorium.
Speaking during this Autumn Graduation Ceremony, UNIVEN Chancellor, Adv Mojanku Gumbi, said that the country (South Africa) has no reason to be dysfunctional because there are competent, qualified graduates who are available to make it functional. Adv Gumbi spoke about some of the wise words from Quran, the holy book of Islam – saying that it provides guidance and comfort during times of adversity, the Holy Book of Quran emphasises patience and faith in God (Allah). It teaches that trials and tribulations are part of life’s testing, and those who endure with patience will be rewarded. The Quran also encourages seeking guidance from God and relying on His mercy and wisdom during difficult times.
“We look up to you to be our leaders,” she told graduates. Adv Gumbi further spoke about 49 Afri-kaners who arrived in USA last week claiming that there is genocide in South Africa. “It is because they are facing adversity, and they believe USA is the place that could solve their challenges. They claim to be facing genocide in our country. There is no genocide in South Africa.” She said we need to let the world to know that there is no genocide in South Africa. Adv Gumbi advised graduates to be vigilant and be able to stand up and tell the world the truth that there is no genocide in South Africa.
She also spoke about the ongoing debate about South African universities employing foreign na-tionals. These claims are also not true. There is only 15% of foreign nationals who are staff mem-bers in public institutions of South Africa and half of them in that 15% are foreign nationals from Africa while the other half is from all over the world. She advised graduates and attendees to re-search on this and get accurate statistics about this before they could push other people’s agenda. She concluded her talk by congratulating graduates, their parents and guardians for providing support to the graduates during difficult times, including UNIVEN staff members for producing these graduates.
The Vice- Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni mentioned that he was pleased to inform attendees that the number of UNIVEN’s NRF-Rated Researchers has been steadily increas-ing with the addition of ten new ratings for the following distinguished researchers, effective from January of this year, listing Professor Ntakadzeni Madala who obtained C1 rating; Professor S Lee – C1 rating; Professor Joseph Baloyi – C2 rating; Professor Ntsieni Mashau – C2 rating; Professor Felix Fushai – C2 rating; Professor J Ndogmo – C2 rating; Professor C Sigauke – C2 rating; Professor JB Ogola – C2 rating; Dr Thendo Makhado – Y2 rating and Dr HP Khosa-Nkatini – Y2 rating.

Prof Nthambeleni said he is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of UNIVEN’s newly NRF-rated researchers. “Their pioneering research and exceptional contributions to the scientific community not only elevate the esteemed reputation of our institution but also serve as an inspi-ration to our forthcoming generation of researchers.”
In accordance with UNIVEN’s mission of fostering the development of future leaders, among the graduating class were the following members of the student leadership: former President of UNIV-EN SRC, Mr Lebogang John Ndaka; the former SRC Deputy President, Mr Mishumo Maboko; former Secretary General, Mr Ngelekanyo Stanely Maduwa; the current SRC President, Mr Vusi Kara-bo Mokoena; the current Secretary General, Ms Asekho Ngqandu, the former SRC President, Mr Tsundzuka Hakamela and a substantial number of former and current members of SRC. Prof Nth-ambeleni congratulated all UNIVEN’s past and present student leaders for their exemplary leader-ship.
When bidding them farewell, Prof Nthambeleni, told them that it is imperative that they retain the priceless lessons acquired during their tenure. “Life will undoubtedly present you with various challenges, but it is crucial to remember that you possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and de-termination to overcome any adversity. As you embark on your life’s journey, commit to being an agent of change and transformation, advocating for those who are voiceless and inspiring others to overcome adversity,” he concluded.

Below are pictures of doctoral degrees graduates:

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