Tuesday, 27 March 2018 signalled the end of an era for UNIVEN’s Director of Facilities Management, Mr Malose Lamola as he officially bid farewell to the University at an event held in the University Council Chambers. Mr Lamola left UNIVEN at the end of March 2018 for a new position at the Polokwane Municipality. The University Senior Management Committee bear witness to the departing of the Director Facilities Management who has dedicated more than 24 months of his career to the growth and development of the University of Venda.

In his response, Mr Lamola told the audience to accept change and that parting is part of change even if there could be challenges. He however, acknowledged that his departure was rather premature, primarily because of abandoned projects which are yet to be completed. He thanked Mr Mukheli who made his stay in Venda comfortable and for teaching him Tshivenda which he is now speaking fluently and knows some of the idioms and proverbs. He further acknowledged Ms Tshililo Nengovhela for her superior wisdom as his Personal Assistant (PA) and all his Heads of Departments for their support. Mr Lamola indicated that conflict is unavoidable when people are working, but what is most important is how we rise above such conflicts.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations, Dr Robert Martin wished Mr Lamola well in his new endeavours. He indicated that he had the privilege of knowing and working with Mr Lamola for about eight months. However, he cherished him for the role he played and contributions he made within a very short space of time. The key message to Mr Lamola from Dr Martin is “God’s grace and peace goes with you and never underestimate to have peace in your life, because peace will make you to succeed in life,” concluded Dr Martin.

Mr Lamola was described as a man of good character and loveable. Mr Manenzhe in his concluding remarks said that in life people have the choices to make but at the same time those choices have the consequences. He further said that it is not about the time Mr Lamola spent at Univen, but the contributions he has made. During his tenure, Mr Lamola championed several infrastructure projects on and off Campus.

The Director Community Engagement, Prof Vhonani Netshandama when welcoming the audience and as the programme director said, “we are not happy with the departure of Mr Lamola since he was having a huge responsibility as the Director of Facilities Management”. Mr Lamola was hardworking and well known for his interrogative nature. He joined the University of Venda as the Director Facilities Management in January 2016.

Mr Lamola (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Dr Martin (right) on behalf of Univen

Staff members posing for a group photo bidding farewell to Mr Lamola

Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 09 March 2018

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