In the picture, L-R: Adv Prof Pfarelo Matshidze and Dr Shonisani Ramashia
Both scholars graduated with distinctions, with Adv Prof Matshidze earning two prestigious awards for Best Student in the Programme and Best Overall Student in the Faculty of Health and Education.
Their academic excellence reflects a deep commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and the advancement of higher education. The programme has significantly enhanced their expertise in educational leadership, policy implementation, and research, empowering them to lead educational reforms and promote inclusive practices across higher education institutions.
The two-year programme, which ran from 31 August 2023 to 31 August 2025, was completed through online learning and fully funded by UNIVEN’s Staff Development Unit as part of the Uni-versity’s strategic initiative to build internal capacity in leadership, research, and management.
Participants gained an in-depth understanding of leadership theories, educational policy, cur-riculum development, and management practices relevant to both basic and higher education systems. The programme also strengthened competencies in strategic decision-making, quali-ty assurance, human resource management, and the integration of educational technology in teaching and learning.
Strong institutional support was provided by Prof Tawanda Runhare, Executive Dean of the Fac-ulty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education (FHSSE), and Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture (FSEA). The Disability Unit also played a crucial role by granting permission for data collection from students with disabilities, which formed part of the research component.
The research focused on inclusive education and leadership practices, contributing to the on-going efforts to enhance learning experiences and accessibility for students with disabilities at UNIVEN and beyond.
In congratulating the two, Prof Tawanda Runhare, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, congratulated Adv Prof Matshidze and Dr Ramashia, describing their achievement as a reflection of the University’s growing culture of excellence and continu-ous learning. He added, “We are extremely proud of this remarkable accomplishment. It demon-strates that with dedication, passion, and institutional support, our staff can excel beyond expec-tations. Their success serves as a great inspiration to other academics who aspire to further their studies and contribute meaningfully to the University’s vision of producing globally competitive graduates.”
Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, also applauded the two academics for their hard work and leadership. She said, “This achieve-ment highlights the value of investing in staff development. Dr Ramashia and Adv Prof Matshidze have shown exceptional commitment to professional and academic growth. Their success will undoubtedly strengthen our collective efforts to advance excellence in research, teaching, and leadership within the University.”
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
