The University of Venda (UNIVEN) has reached another defining milestone in its journey towards becoming a globally recognised research-intensive university following the official national launch of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)–University of Venda (UNIVEN)–Mintek Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence for Occupational Health in the Mining Sector (DHAIOH) Extramural Unit (EMU) on 28 July 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre Hotel in Cape Town.
In the picture L-R: Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, Dr James Aluha, Prof Lindiwe Zungu and Prof Fulufhelo Netswera
Hosted within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Venda, the DHAIOH EMU is one of only seven new SAMRC Extramural Research Units established nationally, positioning UNIVEN among a select group of South African universities entrusted with hosting prestigious national research platforms that will shape the future of health research, innovation and scientific capacity development in South Africa and across the African continent. The national launch celebrated the important role of the SAMRC Extramural Research Unit Programme in strengthening research excellence, developing African scientific talent and generating evidence that informs health policy and practice.
The newly established DHAIOH EMU represents a strategic partnership between the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the University of Venda and Mintek, dedicated to transforming occupational health in the mining sector through digital health, artificial intelligence, engineering innovation and advanced occupational health sciences. The Unit will develop intelligent surveillance systems, predictive analytics and digital technologies that strengthen occupational health systems, improve worker health outcomes and generate evidence that informs policy and industry practice nationally, continentally and globally.
National Recognition for Research Excellence
The launch brought together senior leaders from government, academia, research institutions and industry to celebrate the establishment of the seven new SAMRC Extramural Research Units.
In his opening address, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the South African Medical Research Council, underscored the strategic importance of the newly awarded Extramural Research Units and the critical role of their host institutions in advancing South Africa’s research enterprise, strengthening scientific leadership, developing future researchers and producing impactful evidence that addresses national and continental health priorities.
The keynote address, “The Role of the SAMRC Extramural Units – From Funding to Capacity: SAMRC Extramural Units as Drivers of African Scientific Talent,” was delivered by Professor Hanani Tabana, highlighting the transformative role of the EMU Programme in strengthening Africa’s research ecosystem and developing the next generation of scientific leaders. The official launch of the seven new EMUs was presided over by Dr Kenny Tenza, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), demonstrating government’s continued commitment to strengthening South Africa’s national system of innovation through strategic investment in research.
The ceremony was also attended by senior SAMRC leadership, including Professor Liesl Zühlke, Vice-President: Extramural Research and Internal Portfolio, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, Chairperson of the SAMRC Board, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Tahir Pillay, Chairperson of the SAMRC Research and Development Board.
The event was further attended by Deputy Vice-Chancellors: Research and Postgraduate Studies and senior research leaders from several recipient universities hosting the newly established SAMRC Extramural Research Units, underscoring the national significance of the programme and the collective commitment of South Africa’s higher education sector to advancing research excellence, innovation and research capacity development.
A Strong UNIVEN Leadership Presence
In the picture L-R: Prof Nosisi Feza, Prof Lindiwe Zungu and Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi
Demonstrating the University’s unwavering commitment to research excellence, the University of Venda delegation was led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, accompanied by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Tshilidzi Mulaudzi. They were joined by Professor Lindiwe Zungu, Director of the DHAIOH Extramural Unit, Professor Nosisa Feza, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda, together with other members of the University delegation, in celebrating this significant national milestone and reaffirming UNIVEN’s commitment to advancing research, innovation and strategic partnerships.
The University’s strong representation reflected the strategic importance that UNIVEN attaches to the DHAIOH EMU, recognising it as a flagship research platform that will strengthen the University’s research ecosystem, enhance its national and international profile, and position the Faculty of Health Sciences as a leading centre for digital health and artificial intelligence research in occupational health.
A Strategic Investment in UNIVEN’s Future
In the picture: Prof Fulufhelo Netswera
peaking on behalf of the University of Venda, Professor Netswera described the establishment of the DHAIOH EMU as a landmark achievement in the University’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised research-intensive institution.
“The establishment of the DHAIOH Extramural Unit confirms the University of Venda’s growing reputation as a trusted national research institution capable of leading multidisciplinary, high-impact scientific programmes. Hosting this prestigious Unit within our Faculty of Health Sciences reinforces our commitment to producing research that responds to real societal challenges while advancing scientific excellence.”
Professor Netswera emphasised that the impact of the Unit extends well beyond the University.
“The DHAIOH EMU positions the University of Venda at the forefront of digital health and artificial intelligence for occupational health research. Through innovative technologies, multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based solutions, this Unit has the potential to transform occupational health systems in South Africa, contribute to healthier and safer mining communities across Africa, and generate globally relevant scientific knowledge that shapes the future of worker health.”
He further noted that the establishment of the Unit directly advances the University’s strategic priorities.
“The DHAIOH EMU is fully aligned with the University of Venda’s Vision, Annual Performance Plan and the Strategic Plan 2026–2030. It advances research excellence, digital transformation, innovation, postgraduate training, strategic partnerships and societal impact, while positioning UNIVEN among Africa’s leading universities producing knowledge and technologies that improve lives and contribute to sustainable development.”
In the picture L-R: Prof Tshilidzi Mulaudzi, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera and Prof Lindiwe Zungu
Professor Netswera concluded by reaffirming the University’s unwavering commitment to the long-term success of the Unit.
“We are deeply honoured that the South African Medical Research Council has recognised the University of Venda’s research excellence and entrusted us with hosting this prestigious Extramural Research Unit. On behalf of the University, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the SAMRC for this vote of confidence. We equally value our strategic partnership with Mintek, whose scientific and engineering expertise strengthens this national initiative. The University pledges its full institutional support to ensure that the DHAIOH EMU flourishes into a globally recognised centre of excellence that delivers impactful research, develops future scientific leaders and transforms occupational health policy and practice.”
Supporting UNIVEN’s Strategic Vision
The DHAIOH EMU is strategically aligned with the University of Venda’s Vision, Annual Performance Plan (APP) and the Strategic Plan 2026–2030, and will make a significant contribution towards the University’s strategic priorities by:
- Advancing internationally competitive multidisciplinary research.
- Positioning the Faculty of Health Sciences as a leader in digital health and artificial intelligence research.
- Strengthening innovation, technology development and commercialisation.
- Expanding strategic national, continental and international partnerships.
- Increasing postgraduate and postdoctoral research capacity.
- Translating scientific evidence into policy, practice and improved occupational health outcomes.
- Enhancing the University’s global research visibility, reputation and societal impact.
As a flagship research platform hosted within the Faculty of Health Sciences, the DHAIOH EMU exemplifies UNIVEN’s commitment to producing research that is innovative, impactful and responsive to national, continental and global development priorities.
Looking Ahead
The national launch marked the official introduction of the DHAIOH EMU to South Africa’s research community and represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the University of Venda. Through this prestigious research platform, UNIVEN is well positioned to become a continental leader in digital health, artificial intelligence and occupational health research while contributing innovative solutions that improve worker health, strengthen health systems and influence policy.
Building on the momentum created by the national launch, the University of Venda will later this year host the official institutional launch of the SAMRC–UNIVEN–Mintek DHAIOH Extramural Unit. The event will provide an opportunity for government, industry, academia, mining stakeholders and strategic partners to celebrate this landmark achievement and to showcase the Unit’s vision of transforming occupational health through digital innovation, artificial intelligence and scientific excellence.
The establishment of the DHAIOH EMU is more than the launch of a new research unit, it is a national recognition of the University of Venda’s growing research excellence, a testament to the confidence placed in the University by the South African Medical Research Council, and a bold investment in a future where research, innovation and strategic partnerships deliver lasting impact for South Africa, the African continent and the world.
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University of Venda
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