The University of Venda (UNIVEN) hosted its September 2025 Graduation Ceremony on Friday, 05 September 2025, at the University Auditorium. Presiding over the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, welcomed dignitaries, students, staff, parents, and guests to what he described as a “momentous occasion to celebrate resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education.” The event brought together all faculties in a single session, where 469 students were conferred with certificates, diplomas, and degrees. This figure adds to the 2 713 graduates who were celebrated during the May 2025 ceremonies, bringing the total for the year to 3 182.
Prof Nthambeleni highlighted that 58% of the graduating class were women and 42% men, reaffirming UNIVEN’s role in empowering female scholars and contributing to gender transformation in higher education. He emphasised that education is more than personal achievement; it is a societal tool for transformation. “Your unique perspectives and talents can inspire change, foster understanding, and build bridges across divides,” he told the graduates, urging them to use their knowledge and skills to improve communities and tackle global challenges.
Spotlight on PhD Graduates and Research Impact
A defining feature of this graduation was the awarding of 49 doctoral degrees, which was the highest academic honour, alongside 144 master’s and 19 honours degrees. Among the PhD cohort, 23 were female and 25 were male, reflecting balanced representation in advanced scholarship.
Some of the UNIVEN staff members who were awarded PhD doctorates L-R: Dr Manyuma Duppy and Dr Tshifhiwa Ranwaha
Prof Nthambeleni proudly noted that three UNIVEN staff members were also awarded doctor-ates: Mr Rinae Ratshikombo (PhD in Chemistry), Mr Tshifhiwa Ranwaha (PhD in Physics), and Mr Manyuma Duppy (PhD in Public Health).
The PhD research contributions spanned critical disciplines including Nursing, Public Health, Ed-ucation, Science, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, and Social Sciences.
Notable research findings included:
- Healthcare and Nursing Sciences: Studies developed aftercare guidelines for rehabilitated sub-stance abusers, strategies to enhance staff safety in psychiatric wards, programmes to improve nursing supervision, and frameworks to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
- Public Health and Community Well-being: Innovative interventions targeted substance abuse among adolescents, improved health-seeking behaviour among men, and addressed barriers to HIV service utilization. Others proposed strategies for refugee healthcare access and improving the efficiency of village health workers.
- Education and Curriculum Studies: Research focused on instructional leadership in underper-forming schools, resilience during COVID-19 teaching, and enhancing learner performance in Geography, Mathematics, and English Language Teaching.
- Science, Technology and Environment: Several graduates made strides in microbiology, zoolo-gy, physics, chemistry, and environmental sciences — from exploring new antibiotic-producing microorganisms and tackling drug-resistant TB, to promoting sustainable agriculture through insect-based waste management and phytoremediation of mining sites.
- Agriculture and Rural Development: Groundbreaking work in climate-smart farming, food se-curity, and genetic improvement of underutilised crops such as pigeonpea offered solutions to rural livelihoods and sustainable food production.
- Gender and Social Sciences: Research unpacked gender dimensions in entrepreneurship, re-habilitation of offenders, maternal mental health, and the impact of e-hailing services on youth and women’s empowerment.
Prof Nthambeleni praised these achievements as evidence of UNIVEN’s growing stature as a re-search-intensive university. He noted that between 2018 and 2022, UNIVEN’s PhD-qualified staff increased from 135 to 209, and today, 243 staff members hold doctoral degrees. This positions the institution on course to contribute meaningfully to the National Development Plan’s target of 75% PhD-qualified staff in higher education by 2030.
Honouring Resilience and Confronting Challenges
While the day was filled with celebration, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal also reflected on the sombre loss of first-year student, Ms Vhulondo Nevhukalanga, who was tragically stabbed to death by her alleged boyfriend in August. Calling for a moment of silence, he urged the univer-sity community to take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV) and dismantle patriarchal norms that perpetuate abuse. “Universities must be environments that foster learning, uphold dignity, and ensure the safety of all individuals and not places of violence,” he said. His remarks pointed out UNIVEN’s commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces and leading efforts to confront GBV both within higher education and society at large.
Creating Future Leaders
In his closing message, Prof Nthambeleni reminded graduates of UNIVEN’s motto, Creating Fu-ture Leaders, noting the university’s alumni who have risen to leadership in government, the judiciary, and beyond, including Minister Ronald Lamola and several deputy judge presidents. He urged graduates to carry forward not only their academic credentials but also the values of resilience, service, and social justice instilled during their studies.
A congratulatory message was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Kabarak University in Kenya, Prof Henry Kiplangat, who visited the university during the week of graduation. Professor Henry Kiplangat congratulated the graduating class of 2025, expressing gratitude for the invitation and celebrating the partnership between African universities as a path to continental renewal. He highlighted the importance of collaboration, research rooted in African realities, and education as a cornerstone of progress. Acknowledging the sacrifices of families and the dedication of fac-ulty, he reminded graduates of their responsibility to their communities, countries, and the con-tinent. Emphasising unity (“umoja”) as a guiding principle, he encouraged seising opportunities for innovation and academic cooperation before extending an invitation to further strengthen institutional ties.
The September 2025 graduation reaffirmed UNIVEN’s dual mission of producing globally com-petitive graduates and conducting research that addresses pressing societal challenges. With women leading the way, making up the majority of graduates, and doctoral research driving solu-tions for health, education, sustainability, and governance, the ceremony stood as a testament to UNIVEN’s enduring role in shaping South Africa’s future.
Graduation highlights in photos
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
