The University of Venda (Univen) hosted the Gala dinner of the 45th Annual Symposium on the Management of Biological Invasions on the evening of Thursday, 5 July 2018 at the Life Sciences building Foyer. The prestigious event was graced with the presence of delegates and participants of the symposium.
The Chair of the scientific sub-committee, Dr Sheunesu Ruwanza
The Chair of the scientific sub-committee, Dr Sheunesu Ruwanza presented the special Awards for best presentations and poster of the symposium. The best poster went to Madonna Vezi, best 3-minute presentation went to Lyriche Drude and best 15-minute presentation went to Siphosenkosi Mbonani.
Nkhensani Nkhuna (Centre) the winner of SARChi draw competition posing with Ms Joyce Ntuli (Left) and Prof Peter Taylor (Right)
Khensani Nkhuna won the SARChI competition draw which was presented by Prof Peter Taylor for correctly naming the famous scientist (Professor Raymond Dart) who discovered the first Australopithicus human fossil in 1924 and whose bust and death mask are featured as exhibits in the new Museum and Research Centre. Nkhuna won herself an African pot calabash.
Prof Peter Tshisikhawe
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Univen was Prof Peter Tshisikhawe who extended his gratitude to the committee for having made the conference possible. He also thanked Univen Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Jan Crafford for availing himself throughout the symposium and gave special recognition to both Deans of the School of Environmental Sciences and Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Prof Odiyo and Prof Potgieter respectively.
Dr Sebataolo Rahlao, on behalf of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Dr Sebataolo Rahlao, on behalf of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), handed over gifts to keynote speakers Llewellyn Foxcroft, Arne Witt, Karen Esler and Wilmien Luus-Powell. Dr Sebataolo Rahlao thanked the organising committee, SANBI, Univen marketing and social media team for a splendid job well executed.
In his closing remarks, Dr Rahlao confirmed that the platform is open for participants to suggest when and where the next symposium will be and what the theme will be. He encouraged the audience to forward their suggestions to either Univen or SANBI.
Ms Joyce Ntuli
Ms Joyce Ntuli, who gave the opening and welcome address, was the master of ceremony and kept the crowd well entertained while also smoothly running the programme.
The winners and their runner ups for best presentations and best posters shown with keynote speaker Dr Llewellyn Foxcroft (third from left)
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 09 July 2018
