Two outstanding Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems students from the University of Venda, Tumiso Kobola and Mutshidzi Nedzungani, represented the institution with excellence at the CREATE 2025 Conference, held at Stellenbosch University’s Biomedical Research Institute from 29 September to 3 October 2025. The conference, themed “Create and Engaged Transdisciplinary Research for health Equity,” brought together scholars, students, artists, and community partners from across Africa and beyond to explore decolonial, creative and community-driven approaches to achieving health equity.
As part of her participation, Tumiso Kobola presented a paper titled “Health Equity and the Legacy of Colonialism: Reviving Indigenous Health Care Systems for Inclusive Healthcare.” Her presentation examined how colonialism continues to shape health disparities in post-colonial societies and called for the revival of Indigenous health systems as a pathway to inclusive and equitable healthcare. Drawing from the Sankofa philosophy, which means “to go back and fetch it,” Kobola demonstrated how the reclamation of precolonial Indigenous wisdom can strengthen modern healthcare systems.
The presentation sparked deep discussions on integrating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into national health frameworks and ensuring that Indigenous communities remain central in knowledge production and research ethics. Her work earned her recognition as the youngest presenter at the conference and the Excellence in Research Presentation Award, a testament to her commitment to advancing decolonial and community-based approaches to health research.
Mutshidzi Nedzungani also made a remarkable contribution through his presentation titled “Healing Threads: Arts-Based Approaches to Community Health Equity.” His session showcased how art, storytelling, and cultural expression can serve as powerful tools for healing, dialogue, and knowledge exchange between communities and academia. The audience commended him for creatively linking visual art to African philosophies of Ubuntu and community wellness. The presentation prompted thoughtful questions about how such arts-based methods could be applied in rural health programmes and the ethical considerations when engaging with sacred or traditional artefacts. For his innovative approach and strong community relevance, Mutshidzi received the Best Answer Award for demonstrating outstanding creativity and contribution to African health equity.
Both Kobola and Mutshidzi described the CREATE 2025 Conference as a transformative experience that broadened their understanding of community-engaged and decolonial health research. The event provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration with researchers from the CREATE Network and Stellenbosch University’s Biomedical Research Institute, fostering future partnerships in arts-based research, Indigenous knowledge systems, and participatory community projects Their participation demonstrated the University of Venda’s growing influence in promoting Afrocentric scholarship and its commitment to nurturing young researchers who bridge traditional knowledge with contemporary academic inquiry.
Reflecting on their experiences, the two students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent UNIVEN at such a prestigious platform. “The conference deepened my understanding of Indigenous health systems and strengthened my confidence to contribute meaningfully to inclusive healthcare,” said Kobola. Mutshidzi echoed this sentiment, adding that “CREATE 2025 affirmed that creativity and Indigenous wisdom are powerful tools for social change and community healing.” The CREATE 2025 Conference highlighted how Indigenous Knowledge Systems and creative research can advance equitable and ethical health practices. The achievements of Tumiso Kobola and Mutshidzi Nedzungani not only elevate the University of Venda’s academic presence but also embody its vision of producing graduates who are agents of change, innovation, and community transformation.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
