The University of Venda held its 2025 Vice-Chancellor and Principal Year-End Function, Retirees and Long Service Awards Event on 9 December at the University Auditorium. Attended by hundreds of staff members and retirees, this occasion was dedicated to celebrating the year’s achievements, honouring long-serving employees, and expressing sincere appreciation to those concluding their professional journeys. Guided by a spirit of gratitude and excellence, the event reflected the shared commitment to advancing education, research, and service within the university community.
UNIVEN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni
The University of Venda concluded 2025 with what the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, called “a powerful celebration of achievement, resilience, and collective progress.” He highlighted the year’s milestones, stating, “We strengthened academic programmes, expanded research activity, deepened community engagement, and completed major infrastructure developments.” He further noted the launch of Centres of Excellence and strategic Institutes, as well as the achievement of an unqualified audit outcome, adding, “With the successful close of the 2021–2025 Strategic Plan and the approval of the UNIVEN Strategy 2026–2030, we are now firmly positioned as an agile, globally connected, and locally grounded institution ready to accelerate its impact.”
The ceremony paid tribute to 24 distinguished retirees whose decades of service shaped the academic, administrative, and cultural foundations of the University. Prof Nthambeleni expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “You have been the pillars of our community. Your loyalty and hard work have been the backbone of our success.” Among these retirees were Mrs Grace Cibi, who served the University for 39 years; Dr Maanda Ligavha – Mbelengwa for 38 years; Mr Hector Makhuvha for 33 years; Ms Grace Mutsila for 31 years; and Mrs Sara Mammburu and Florah Nengwenani, each for 30 years. He emphasised that their legacy of mentorship, leadership, and scholarship will remain deeply embedded in the institution. Alongside them, long-service award recipients celebrating 10, 20, 30, and 40 years were recognised as “powerful examples of loyalty, excellence, and institutional pride.”
In a moment of solemn reflection, the University honoured the memories of 16 students and 3 staff members who passed away in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to compassion and solidarity.
Looking ahead, Prof Nthambeleni concluded, “As we move into 2026, we do so with renewed purpose, strengthened leadership, and a united community committed to transforming lives through education, research, innovation, and meaningful community partnership.”
Mr Botwe Kraziya, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Venda
Mr Botwe Kraziya, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Venda, opened the event by stressing the value of connection and appreciation: “It is important that we meet, we talk, we exchange numbers and become friends.” He celebrated the retirees’ role in building a resilient and innovative institution, noting, “We stand on your shoulders. We stand on the work that you started.” Kraziya also urged wise financial planning for retirement, advising, “Look after your money. Get financial advice.” He concluded with a warm invitation: “We are here to celebrate you… Let us have fun today.”
Mrs Uanda Ndou, the Director of Human Resources
Mrs Uanda Ndou, the Director of Human Resources, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the retirees’ invaluable contributions to the University of Venda, noting that their dedication and service have strengthened the institution’s foundation. She urged them to manage their pen-sion funds wisely, stating that financial prudence is essential for a secure and fulfilling retirement.
Vho Florence Nengwenani na Vho Thivhilaeli Mulaudzi
Vho Florence Nengwenani vho vha vhanwe vhashumi vho nothaho vha Yunivesithi ya Venda vho imela Service Staff vho livhuwa vhurangaphanda ha yunivesithi kha ngeletshedzo dzavho na u vha fara nga thonifho. Vho vha tutuwedza uri vha shume ngauralo na kha mirafho i daho. Vho eletshedza vhanwe vhane vha khou notha uri vha shumise masheleni nga vhuronwane, U bva kha tshenzhemo yavho kha tshumelo ya madzangano a vhashumi, vho ombedzela u thonifha vhurangaphansa na u tandulula u sa pfesesana nga kha nyambedzano, vha fhedza nga khuwelelo ya vhuthihi na vhuphurofeshinala.
Ngeno Vho Thivhilaeli Mulaudzi musi vho imela vhashumi vha Admin vhari, “ndi kale heli duvha ro li lindela, ngauri wo vha muloro wanga wa u diwana linwe la maduvha ndi tshi khou notha kha heyi yunivesithi.” Vho Mulaudzi vho livhuwa vhurangaphanda ha yunivesithi ngauri u bva tshe vha shuma kha heyi yunivesithi u bva nwaha wa gidi-da tahe futahe sumbe (1997), vhari namusi khezwi yunivesithi yo no shanduka a i tsha fana na ya kale. Vha tshi pendela, vho hum-bela vhashumi vha univesithu uri vha shume nga u fhulufhedzea vha thogomele na matshude-ni vhunga yunivesithi iyi hu matshudeni.
Dr Nkhangweleni Mafenya
Dr Nkhangweleni Mafenya, representing Academic staff, reflected on the profound impact re-tirees have had in shaping futures globally, commending their lasting contributions to the university. He wished them joy and peace in retirement, humorously noting they now have time for “full-time relaxation.” He encouraged continued engagement, stating the university should call upon retirees for support when needed, and concluded with warm congratulations on this new chapter.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Postgraduate Studies, Professor Fulufhelo Nets-wera, closed the event by expressing heartfelt appreciation for the institution’s collective achievements. He commended “the senior management team and those who have organised this event,” while acknowledging the contributions of staff, students, and retirees who “make UNIVEN what it is today.”
Reflecting on the year’s successes, he extended condolences for the loss of “16 students and 03 staff members,” and celebrated long-serving employees and award recipients. Looking ahead, he affirmed the university’s readiness for the future: “2026 awaits, and we are ready and raring to go.”
The University will close on 10 December 2025 and reopen on 6 January 2026. As we prepare for this period, we encourage all employees to use the break to rest, recharge, and prioritise their well-being.
Safety remains our highest priority, both on and off campus, and we urge everyone to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions during the holiday season. We look forward to wel-coming all staff members back in the new year, refreshed and ready to continue our work with renewed energy and focus.
Group photos of honoured UNIVEN staff:
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
