UNIVEN Appreciates the Generosity of Sponsors

On 15 May 2025, in a heartfelt evening filled with gratitude and reflection, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted its Autumn Graduation Sponsors Gala Dinner at the Premier Hotel. The event was held in honour of the university’s esteemed sponsors who played a pivotal role in supporting students’ academic journey.
The gala dinner served as a momentous occasion to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of individuals and organisations that have made higher education more accessible for UNIVEN students. This gesture of appreciation took place against the backdrop of the university’s autumn graduation ceremonies, underscoring the transformative impact of financial support of student success.

During this Gala Dinner, UNIVEN Chancellor, Adv Mojanku Gumbi, delivered the keynote address and reflected on the values of humility, legacy, and collective impact, urging all to live purposefully and stand on the right side of history. Despite being unexpectedly called to speak and nursing an injury, she emphasised the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, likening it to China’s success in lifting millions out of poverty.
Drawing from personal experience and historical examples, she encouraged the audience to value simplicity, integrity, and social contribution, declaring: “Education is the disruptor, the change maker, and all of you who support these students in education, I tell you, you represent that one man who was standing on the dock in Hamburg in 1936 on the right side of history.” She lauded their contributions as crucial investments in national development and social equity.
In his welcome remarks, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies, Professor Joseph Francis expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, partners, and guests for their unwavering support in transforming lives through education. He highlighted the university’s journey of resilience and its role in producing graduates who embody service, innovation, and hope. Emphasising unity and collective progress, he stated that, “If you want to go fast, you go alone but if you want to go far, you go together.” He lauded the sponsors for investing not just in education, but in the lives and futures of young leaders, adding that their generosity has planted seeds whose harvest will be felt by many generations.
This was followed by an official acknowledgment of key stakeholders by Universi-ty Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi who expressed gratitude and thanked the many stake-holders who have supported the university over the past 40 years. He praised Chan-cellor Adv Mojanku Gumbi for her selfless contributions and support to students.
He also acknowledged the Vice-Chancellor, executive leaders, spiritu-al leaders, sponsors, landlords, and service providers. Highlighting the value of uni-ty, he stated that, “there is no institution that can thrive without collaborations and working together.” He concluded by encouraging continued partnership and support.
The highlight of the evening was an insightful address by UNIVEN Vice-Chan-cellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni who delivered an over-view of the university’s role within the broader context of higher education in South Africa. He emphasised that universities exist to serve the public and address societal challenges, not merely to generate knowledge or serve internal interests.
“At the University of Venda, we prioritise access for disadvantaged stu-dents, foster impactful research, and balance academic growth with communi-ty development. As a comprehensive institution, we combine traditional and ap-plied learning while expanding infrastructure and supporting local economies.
Our focus is on producing graduates who can innovate, contribute meaningfully, and transform their own circumstances. With sound financial management and strategic ex-pansion, we aim to be a vital force for national development,’’ said Prof Nthambeleni.
Representing the sponsors, CEO of FUNDI, Ms Mala Suriah shared her heart-felt remarks describing the day as her “best day at work for 2025,” praising the in-spiring atmosphere, the graduates, and the university’s leadership. Ms Suri-ah reaffirmed Fundi’s commitment to supporting education, especially for the “missing middle,” noting that Fundi has enabled over 1.7 million educational dreams.
She expressed strong belief in the power of public-private partnerships and pledged on-going support to the university’s progressive vision. “Our collective future lies in pro-gressing education, and I believe very, very strongly in public-private partnership. We cannot do it alone, together we need to do this,” she resonated. Her speech re-affirmed the sponsors’ commitment to empowering youth through education.

The formal programme concluded with a vote of thanks by UNIVEN COO, Mr Botwe Kraziya who expressed deep gratitude to all partners and guests for their support emphasising that the in-stitution’s growth and success depend on collaboration. He affirmed the collective commitment of the university’s leadership to the Vice-Chancellor’s vision, noting, “It is about making sure that this university grows, thrives, and flourishes.” Acknowledging the dedication of the Chancel-lor and Vice-Chancellor, he praised their inspiring leadership and the positive spirit driving the university forward, while embracing the “happiness factor” theme of the evening by Ms Suriah.
Guests were treated to refreshments, networking, and entertainment, rounding off a celebratory evening that not only honoured past achievements but also looked ahead with hope and ambition.
This event stood as a testament to the powerful impact of partnership and philan-thropy in education, reminding all in attendance that behind every graduate is a village of supporters and the dinner was the village that was celebrated in full.

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811