The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has received strong commendation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) following a two-day monitoring visit on 18–19 November 2025, which confirmed significant progress across key grant-funded initiatives. The visit assessed delivery under the Sibusiso Bengu Development Grant (SB-DG), the Clinical Training Grant (CTG), and the Infrastructure Efficiency Grant (IEG), noting substantial improvements in infrastructure, digital capacity, and student support.
Campus Walkabout Showcases Major Upgrades
DHET delegates and UNIVEN Staff members assessing the University Infrastructure on day one
- the refurbished Main Administration Building
- the new Health Sciences Building
- the Advanced Nursing Simulation Laboratory
- the new Punda Maria Road
- the Disability Support Unit
- DBSA-funded student residences
Delegates gained firsthand insight into UNIVEN’s infrastructure renewal and enhanced student experience.
Progress Under the Sibusiso Bengu Development Grant
UNIVEN presented achievements across two implementation phases of the SB-DG:
Phase 0 focused on strengthening institutional systems and digital transformation, including:
- ICT and network upgrades
- e-learning expansion
- digitisation of campus records
- enhancements to library and disability support services
Most initiatives have been completed, with ongoing improvements continuing to build teaching and learning capacity.
Phase 1 is advancing major sustainability and infrastructure priorities, including:
- a campus-wide ICT Infrastructure Upgrade
- the Student Residence Safety and Emergency Compliance Project
- the Universal Access Disability Ramps Project
- energy efficiency investigations and solutions
- establishment of the centralised Grants Management Office (GMO)
- construction of a new multi-purpose lecture hall/auditorium
Despite minor delays linked to procurement and municipal approvals, mitigation measures are in place to maintain delivery timelines.
Strengthening Clinical Training Through the CTG
A flagship CTG initiative, the Advanced Nursing Simulation Laboratory, was completed in May 2025; however, it still lacks key clinical equipment to make it fully operational. The technology-en-hanced facility provides a high-fidelity training environment that:
- improves clinical skills development
- strengthens readiness for professional practice
- supports accreditation compliance
Additional resources are planned to reach full functionality.
Infrastructure Efficiency Grant Driving Campus Modernisation
Through the IEG, UNIVEN has delivered major upgrades that improve safety, functionality, and digital access. Completed works include:
- DBSA-funded male and female residences
- campus-wide wireless access and LAN modernisation
- refurbishment of lecture halls and laboratories
- installation of fume cabinets for safety compliance
- improved accessibility via the Phunda Maria Gate and Road
The 7th IEG Cycle has also enabled UNIVEN to support apprenticeships, internships, and Work-In-tegrated Learning (WIL), providing young people with hands-on experience in infrastructure planning, project management, maintenance, reporting, and workplace readiness. Interns partic-ipated in the DHET engagement sessions and shared positive reflections on their development, highlighting the University’s use of earmarked funding to advance both skills development and future employability.
The two interns, Ms Ntakadzeni Madima (left) and Ms Mulalo Ramathavha (right) were given an opportunity to reflect on what they have learned during their internship
DHET Representative, Mr Tshiamo Moleme Chairing the session
During engagement sessions, DHET delegates expressed satisfaction with UNIVEN’s overall prog-ress, highlighting:
- enhanced governance through the GMO
- strengthened Disability Support Unit
- improved infrastructure and student living conditions
- exceptional campus cleanliness, landscaping, and maintenance
Delegates encouraged continued momentum and further upgrades to secondary campus en-trances.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Dr Phillia Vukea, Director: Grants Management
In her closing remarks, Dr Phillia Vukea, Director: Grants Management, thanked DHET for its constructive feedback and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to incorporating recommen-dations into future planning and reporting. She noted that the preparation for the visit strength-ened institutional collaboration and reinforced the importance of integrated planning.
Chief Operating Officer, Mr Botwe Kraziya, concluded by emphasising the University’s focus on breaking silos, enhancing systems, and sustaining responsiveness:
“While challenges remain, we are committed to learning, adapting, and ensuring that UNIVEN continues to grow as a responsive and innovative institution. Let us keep the dialogue open and work together towards excellence.”
UNIVEN and DHET delegates during the engagement session
UNIVEN staff members and DHET delegates posing for a group photo
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
