Prof Netswera Pledges to Drive Research Excellence at UNIVEN

“I want to see innovation. I want to see change, and I want to see new ideas every day,” those were the words of the newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, addressing the attendees during his welcome function that was held at the University’s Research Conference Centre on Tuesday, 07 October 2025. The aim of this event was to formally welcome him to UNIVEN.
Prof Netswera expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received from the University commu-nity. He noted the importance of research and postgraduate studies in achieving the University’s goals, stating that, “you don’t expect research activities and research outputs from individuals who do not have PhDs.” He also mentioned the need for research into culture and environment that supports innovation and impact. He further expressed his commitment to encourage the academ-ics without PhD’s to acquire PhD’s.

Prof Netswera also highlighted the importance of collaboration, engagement, and partnerships. He mentioned that the ecosystem of research and innovation embeds the university in society, so that the work that we are doing resonates with the expectations, the concerns, and the aspirations of our society.” He pledged to work closely with academics and support staff to drive research ex-cellence and impact.

The University of Venda’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Joseph Francis, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, for-mally welcomed Prof Netswera to UNIVEN, underscoring the institution’s strategic objectives and mission to cultivate graduates with a profound connection to their local communities. Citing the University’s mission, Prof Francis noted that “We exist to produce graduates who are locally rele-vant and globally competitive.” Prof Francis further mentioned that the purpose of the gathering was to welcome Professor Netswera and celebrate the University’s commitment to research ex-cellence, postgraduate advancement, and community engagement. He expressed optimism about the potential for collaborative progress and impactful outcomes under Prof Netswera’s leadership.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr Botwe Kraziya, welcomed Prof Netswera, noting the Univer-sity’s significant growth over 23 years, with a current student population of above 16000, including 9.5% of postgraduate students.

The University’s focus on research, innovation, and community engagement aims to drive financial sustainability and support local economic development. Mr Kraziya mentioned that he looks for-ward to seeing Prof Netswera’s contributions to the institution.

The University community warmly welcomed Prof Netswera as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies.
Four representatives, from the faculties of Health Sciences; Humanities, Social Sciences and Ed-ucation; Management, Commerce and Law as well as Science, Engineering and Agriculture, ex-pressed their excitement about working with him to advance research, postgraduate studies, and community engagement. They highlighted their research strengths, achievements, and priorities, and pledged to support Prof Netswera in driving research excellence for impact. The Director of Human Resources, Mrs Uanda Ndou and the Chairperson of Postgraduate Studies, Mr Abel Tleane also expressed messages of support, looking forward to collaborating with him to ensure the Uni-versity’s future success.

As part of the programme to honour and celebrate the appointment of Professor Fulufhelo Nets-wera as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Dr Agnes Mathaulula, Se-nior Lecturer in the Institute for Rural Development, facilitated the presentation of welcoming gifts during the official welcome function.

Prof Lutendo Murulana, Deputy Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to various individuals, including Professor Francis for his leadership and support, the Chief Operating Officer for his welcome message,and the faculties and Human Resources, as well as the Chairperson for Postgraduate students, for their messages of support. He praised Prof Netswera’s response, stating that this is an indication that the University is moving in the right direction.