On Saturday, 12 November 2022, the University of Venda alumni from different social strata and regions of Gauteng gathered at the Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History in Pretoria to launch the UNIVEN Gauteng Alumni Chapter. This august occasion was graced by the presence of high-ranking officials, namely the Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha, Deputy Chairperson of Council, Ms Ndanduleni Makhari, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Prof. Jan Crafford, the President of Convocation, Mr Sylvester Motadi, the University Registrar, Adv. Edward Lambani, Chief Financial Officer, Mr Botwe Kraziya and the Director of Marketing, Branding and Communication, Dr Takalani Dzaga, which makes the launch historical in the University’s 40 years of existence. The honourable Justice Tshifhiwa Maumela of North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria was among the luminaries of the University alumni who attended the launch. The donors and sponsors who supported and continue to support the University were also among the guests who attended the launch.
“The University is proud to have produced luminaries among its graduates who live and work in Gauteng Province. Almost all UNIVEN graduates come from a difficult and disadvantaged past, but others made it possible- parents, families, alumni, sponsors, and donors in the last 40 years. As we build and make UNIVEN sustainable for the next 40 years, UNIVEN alumni should donate to help struggling students finish their studies.”
Chairperson of the Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha
The Chairperson of the Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha, who attended the alumni event for the first time, welcomed the guests. In his welcome address, Mr Lekgetha pointed out that the auspicious occasion allowed every graduate to meet their new University management team. He indicated that the graduates attended the launch of the Gauteng Alumni Chapter because they wanted to see and help their University grow.
President of Convocation, Mr Sylvester Motadi
When setting the scene, the President of Convocation, Mr Sylvester Motadi, who was also the programme director, shared the purpose of the launch, which aimed at deepening relationships between the University and its alumni and uniting all classes of alumni from 1982-2022 who live and or work in Gauteng Province. The relationships envisaged are long-lasting and mutually beneficial, especially to help struggling students succeed in their studies.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, Prof. Jan Crafford
As the University celebrates 40 years of existence in 2022, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, Prof. Jan Crafford, took alumni down memory lane of UNIVEN conception in 1981 and culmination in opening its doors for learning from 1982 to 2022. Prof. Crafford briefly shared with the alumni the thrusts and objectives of UNIVEN Strategic Plan (2021-2025). He also shared with alumni how they can give back to their alma mater to continue the University’s journey into the next 40 years.
Ms Shonisani Masutha
Other speakers include Ms Shonisani Masutha, former UNIVEN Student Representative Council (SRC) Speaker of Parliament and current Convocation Executive Committee (EXCO) member who encouraged other graduates to show commitment to helping others to access the education they have attained and continuing to live the UNIVEN ethos of giving back to their University in monetary or in kind. She advised alumni who were to be elected into the Gauteng Alumni Chapter committee that they have a task to make sure that the institutional vision, mission, and values are realised.
Prof Maiwashe, the chairperson of UNIVEN Agricultural Alumni Association (UAAA)
Giving a message of support, Prof Maiwashe, the chairperson of UNIVEN Agricultural Alumni Association (UAAA) said, “Without the University, we are probably nothing. The University relies on us as its graduates. When they need us, we have to avail ourselves. We are the ambassadors and must advocate for this beloved University.” Prof Maiwashe encouraged alumni to be committed and make sacrifices for their alma mater.
Mr Moudy Mudzielwana
Mr Moudy Mudzielwana, the Managing Director of Tshikovha companies and the convenor of the task team for the launch of the Gauteng Alumni Chapter, highlighted the Strategic Plan of the Convocation and where they want to see the structure going forward. He advised the new committee to lead by example.
During the discussion, question and answer session, several issues were raised: nurturing student talent, improving alumni relations database management, alumni donations, human capital development, attracting investors and making student financial assistance information available.
Mr Rudzani Mushweu, the Deputy President of the Convocation
“We established chapters in different provinces to create a platform for alumni to contribute to their alma mater. We want to be a self-sufficient convocation,” explained Mr Rudzani Mushweu, the Deputy President of the Convocation, during the discussion, question and answer session.
L-R Front row: Mr Eddie Gumede(Deputy Secretary),Dr Fhatuwani Mutuvhi (Secretary), Ms Jane Mufamadi (Treasurer), Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo (Chairperson), and Mr Phumudzo Mathidzha (Additional Member) L-R Back row: Ms Valry Mailula (Deputy Chairperson), Ms Ntji Shabangu (Additional Member), Ms Gugulethu Mkhabela (Additional Member) and Mr Ndivhuwo Nedoboni (Additional Member)
During elections which were conducted by the University Registrar and Secretary to Convocation, Adv. Edward Lambani, candidates nominated in all nine positions were duly elected. Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo was elected Chairperson, Ms Valery Nuko Mailula as the Deputy Chairperson, Dr Fhatuwani Mutuvhi as the Secretary, Mr Eddie Gumede as the Deputy Secretary, Ms Jane Mufamadi as the Treasurer and additional members are Mr Ndivhuwo Nedoboni, Ms Ntji Angy Shavhangu, Mr Phumudzo Mathidzha and Ms Gugulethu Mkhabela.
The newly elected chairperson, Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairperson, Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo committed that he is ready to serve and as a collective, they must be philanthropists. Mr Tshikhudo made an undertaking that as a committee, they understand the task that lies ahead and will play a meaningful role of being a game changer.
University Registrar, Adv. Edward Lambani
The University Registrar, Adv. Edward Lambani when conducting the elections
On the photo: EXCO of UNIVEN Gauteng Alumni Chapter pose for a photo with UNIVEN delegates and other dignitaries
Ms Rhuu Tshikovha, an alumna of UNIVEN, entertaining the guests
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 / 8710
Date: 18 November 2022
