The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has appointed Professor Lindelani Mushaphi as the Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, effective from 1 February to 30 September 2026. She assumes the role while the Executive Dean, Professor Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, is on extended vacation leave.
A respected scholar and seasoned academic leader, Prof Mushaphi brings more than two decades of experience in nutrition science, teaching, and institutional leadership. Her appointment reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, conti-nuity, and strong leadership within one of its most critical faculties.
Prof Mushaphi began her professional career as a dietitian at Donald Fraser Hospital before joining the Department of Nutrition at the University of Venda in 2002. Since then, she has steadily advanced through the academic ranks, serving as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Head of Department from 2009 to 2022. In 2022, she was appointed Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Throughout her career, she has played a central role in shaping future health profes-sionals. She has taught community nutrition to BSc (Nutrition) students and coordi-nated work-integrated learning for students in their second, third, and fourth years. Her academic influence extends beyond UNIVEN, where she serves as an external examiner for several institutions, including the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, the University of Limpopo, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of the Free State.
Prof Mushaphi has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and has published widely in national and international journals. Her research contributions have been presented at conferences worldwide, reinforcing her standing as a leading voice in nutrition and community health.
Her achievements have earned her notable recognition, including the Women in Sci-ence Award from the National Department of Science and Technology in 2006. More recently, she was selected as a fellow in the prestigious Future Professors Pro-grammes at Stellenbosch University from 2020 to 2022.
With her extensive academic, research, and leadership experience, Prof Mushaphi is well-positioned to guide the Faculty of Health Sciences during this period, ensuring the continuation of its teaching, research, and community engagement mandate. Her appointment underscores UNIVEN’s dedication to nurturing capable leaders who drive excellence in higher education and health sciences.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
