The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term well-being of its employees by hosting a comprehensive Pre-Retirement Counselling session.The session aimed at equipping staff approaching retirement with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial and lifestyle decisions.
In the picture: Some of the participants pose for a group photo following the successful conclusion of the UNIVEN Provident Fund Pre-Retirement Counselling Session
Held at the University’s Research Centre on 8 July 2026, with participants attending both in person and virtually, the session was organised by the UNIVEN Provident Fund Board in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources. The event brought together specialists from Alexander Forbes, represented virtually by Ms Mpho Mulaudzi and Mr Timothy Mahlangu, and from Enigma Solutions, represented by Mr Stephen Pomeissl.
The experts from Alexander Forbes and Enigma Solutions guided employees through key aspects of retirement planning, including retirement income options, tax implications, estate planning, medical aid considerations, life cover, and the practical steps required to prepare for retirement.
Mrs Uanda Ndou, Director: Human Resources and Principal Officer of the UNIVEN Provident Fund
Opening the session, UNIVEN Provident Fund Principal Officer and Director Human Resources, Mrs Uanda Ndou, emphasised that retirement is a major life transition that requires careful financial and personal preparation. She encouraged employees to begin planning well in advance to ensure a smooth and secure transition into retirement. Presenters stressed that retirement planning should ideally begin at least five years before retirement. Employees were advised to understand their financial position, seek professional financial advice, update beneficiary nominations, review medical aid and life insurance arrangements, prepare valid wills, and avoid making rushed decisions regarding retirement benefits.
The interactive question-and-answer session enabled participants to engage experts on issues ranging from annuity options and retirement fund reforms to deferred retirement, estate planning, life cover conversion, beneficiary updates and access to retirement benefits. Financial advisers emphasised that retirement solutions differ according to individual circumstances and encouraged employees to seek personalised financial advice before making final decisions. Among the key messages shared with participants were the importance of knowing their retirement savings, keeping beneficiary information up to date, preparing financially well in advance, reviewing medical aid affordability, considering life cover conversion options before retirement, and ensuring retirement documentation is completed timeously.
The retirement counselling session forms part of UNIVEN’s ongoing commitment to supporting employee wellness and ensuring that staff members are empowered to make informed decisions that safeguard their financial security and quality of life beyond their years of service.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication University Of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
