On Wednesday, 22 October 2025, the University of Venda’s Institute for Rural Development (IRD) held a workshop with the Tshimbupfe Traditional Authority, bringing together representatives from the 13-15 villages and their Headmen to assess levels of community development. The workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between the University and the Tshimbupfe Traditional Council, promote inclusive participation, and ensure residents are actively involved in the planning and implementation processes. Furthermore, it was revealed that the partnership aimed to establish a model of rural development that combines traditional leadership, academia, and local residents to promote entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr Agnes Mathaulula, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Rural Development, UNIVEN showing respect for Vho-Thovhele Netshimbupfe and community leadership
Mr NS Tshimbupfe, Chairperson of the Tshimbupfe Traditional Council
In his welcoming address, Mr NS Netshimbupfe, the Chairperson of the Traditional Council, warmly welcomed everyone and outlined the purpose of the workshop, also expressing heartfelt gratitude to all attendees for their participation. He also acknowledged the involvement of key stakeholders, including representatives of the University of Venda (UNIVEN). Speaking on behalf of the Tshimbupfe Traditional Council, he commended the commitment of traditional leaders and community representatives in attendance. In addition, he highlighted the purpose of the workshop as an exploration of Murenzhe (Dichrostachys cinerea), encouraging participants to engage in understanding its meaning, roles and significance within the context of community development and sustainability.
Ms N Sombane, Intern in Institute for Rural Development, UNIVEN
Ms N Sombane rendered the ground rules and encouraged everyone to participate fully in the discussions. She reminded participants that “nobody knows everything and nobody knows nothing,” emphasising that UNIVEN is there not only to share knowledge but also to learn from the community. To create an engaging and reflective atmosphere, Ms Sombane requested four participants and facilitated engagement using the 3MWE game (one of the most common engagement tools the IRD uses). She challenged them to indicate what each one of them saw on the paper where she had written “W”. Each one described what they saw as “3,” “W,” “M” and “Z.” After the game, Sombane explained that this exercise portrayed the community dynamics within the community, in this case the Tshimbupfe Traditional Council. This demonstrated that different perspectives can be valid and that understanding comes through listening and openness. She facilitated another exercise using a white paper with two dots written on it. All the participants managed to see the two dots. The moral of the activity was to emphasise that as a community, we should not focus on small things but consider the bigger picture, represented by the entire sheet of paper. As she closed the session, Ms Sombane urged UNIVEN and the Tshimbupfe Traditional Council to go beyond addressing community challenges, and recognize and build on existing strengths that can drive sustainable development.
Breakout sessions comprising UNIVEN facilitators and Tshimbupfe community representatives in breakout groups action
Focus groups were constituted as follows: 13 FGs composed of community leadership structures. The 14th group comprised traditional leaders. The groups were engaged in advancing citizen-driven development within the Traditional Council. Using a Village Development Assessment Toolkit, each group assessed local development priorities, identified community strengths and challenges, and explored practical strategies to enhance village-level initiatives. The sessions encouraged active participation, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among community members, traditional leaders and UNIVEN representatives, creating a collective approach to sustainable rural development.
Prof. J Zuwarimwe, Senior Lecturer, Institute for Rural development, UNIVEN
Prof J Zuwarimwe then came on board and shared the way forward. Firstly, he thanked all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions. He explained that the whole process was aimed at training the leaders, equipping them with the necessary skills and understanding of the tools that could enable replication of the same process in their respective villages, where persons at least Seven years old would be engaged. Prof Zuwarimwe emphasised the role of village leaders in guiding local consultations and gathering information, and noting, “These are the building blocks of your community plan.” Additionally, facilitators would consolidate the collected data and provide feedback. He also indicated that the data will be used to develop the Integrated Tshimbupfe Development Plan. In conclusion, he was grateful to the host for the hospitality displayed and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the partnership, noting that the real work begins when communities take ownership of their development journey.
Thovhele Adv T Netshimbupfe (Mazwiwa)
the Vhuronga circuit, reminding community members that the examinations for our children had begun. He requested parents to support learners by reducing distractions and heavy household chores and called on tavern owners to help create a peaceful environment. “Let us allow our children to focus because education must come first,” he emphasized. Thovhele Netshimbupfe continued to emphasise the importance of collective responsibility and self-reliance, stating, “We can’t all speak. When I speak, I speak for the people’s voices.” He echoed the inspiring words of Dr Mathaulula, noting, “Those who do not give up get rewards” and added that this aligned well with his words of the day, reflecting Ed Cole’s quote: “There is a price to pay to grow and that price is commitment.” , he expressed deep appreciation for its role in bringing development closer to the community. Continuing with his address, Thovhele Netshimbupfe highlighted that the programme included the Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS), stressing that traditional ways are important for community development.
He was elated to be part of an initiative that builds future leaders, referring to UNIVEN’s slogan, that is “Creating Future Leaders.” For him, unity in diversity was crucial, stressing that fairness and equality are essential ingredients for achieving development goals. In his closing, he emphasised that leadership was a collective effort, noting, “I am Thovhele because of the people.” He then thanked Prof Joseph Francis for honouring the event especially given that he prioritised the event despite competing tasks and assignments. He also acknowledged Prof. J Zuwarimwe for his commitment to the work that will result in a Tshimbupfe Community Development Plan, well supported by the UNIVEN team for co-facilitating the workshop. Lastly, he invited everyone to collaborate, saying “Let us work together to heal the wounds that cannot heal alone, so our community can grow and collaborate effectively with the government.”
Group photo of the UNIVEN team, including representatives from the Office of the DVC, Institute for Rural Development, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, and Faculty of Health Sciences
