History was made at the University of Venda (Univen) when the new career-focused Diploma in Freshwater Technology was conferred on the first ten graduates. The Diploma was developed as part of the University’s conversion into a comprehensive University. The first ten students graduated at the second session of the Autumn graduation which took place at the University of Venda Auditorium on 17 May 2017. The graduation will continue until Friday, 19 May 2017.
As from 2014, the Department of Zoology in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences of the University of Venda started offering a national diploma in Freshwater Technology.
Graduates of Freshwater Technology lined up to receive their Qualifications during the Univen Autumn Graduation Ceremony, with Faranani Mbulaheni (in blue jacket- third from the front)
Faranani Mbulaheni, a graduate of Freshwater Technology said, “I feel very proud and happy to be one of the first group that graduated from this programme. Our Diploma is very useful and most of the communities will benefit from graduates of this programme, especially rural based communities.” He said rivers where most communities get water from are not clean and that is where graduates of Freshwater Technology would utilized their skills. He encouraged other people who qualify to enroll in this programme. Mbulaheni is currently doing his internship in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Department of Zoology at Univen.
A group of Freshwater Technology Diploma graduates pose for a photo after receiving their certificates.
The diploma is a three-year qualification. The theoretical content and basic practical work is presented as short courses in blocks during the academic year to allow employed students to attend. Work Integrated Learning forms part of the curriculum from the second year of study and it involves work placement of the candidates.
Prof Jan Crafford congratulating a graduate of Freshwater Technology Diploma while Prof Edward Nesamvuni smiling and looking at them
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford said “the diploma is intended to equip students for a career in freshwater biology and freshwater resource management, by training them as technical staff with a practical working knowledge of aspects such as assessment. Modalities also exist that will allow the diploma students to continue with a BSc (Biodiversity and Conservation) degree at the university should they comply with admission requirements of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences”.
To be considered for registration candidates should be in possession of a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning coupled with
an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40 – 49 %) or better in four of the recognized 20-credit NSC subjects and a 4 in either Life Sciences/Biology, Agricultural Science or Physical Science.
Issued by:
Department of Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8525
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