From 30 November to 02 December 2020, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) held a Strategic Planning and Governance of Risk and Internal Audit Workshop. This workshop took place at Kruger National Park (Skukuza Safari Lodge) and was attended by the Chairperson of Council, Chairpersons of Committees of Council, Audit and Risk Committee Members as well as Resource Persons. Facilitators of the workshop were Mr Christopher Whittle and Dr Gerhard De Coning from Universum Strategy and Risk Advisory, assisted by Ms Mbali Mtshali. 

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni

In his opening and welcome message, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni presented the University’s new Strategic Planning Framework and the context of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. Dr Nthambeleni further said that, every five years, the University develops a new strategic plan to help guide the University’s growth and shape its future. He indicated that the strategic plan is developed in consultation with staff, structures and student body and is informed by an evaluation of the University’s performance on the previous term’s strategic goals. 

The Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha

The Chairperson of Council, Mr Juneas Lekgetha said this was a very progressive and fruitful workshop and it will assist all participants to steer UNIVEN in the right direction bearing in mind the risks that they might come across and how to mitigate them. He advised participants to make use of what they have learned from this workshop and to always strive to make a positive impact at UNIVEN. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford

Concluding remarks on the last day of the workshop were expressed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford who told participants of the workshop that this workshop was very fruitful and is extremely important because participants now have a clear understanding of risks that the University might come across and they have learned how to mitigate those risks. Prof Crafford further mentioned that all staff members need to be made aware of these risks that they might come across and how to mitigate them. 

Mrs Diana Makwarela

Dr Oscar Van Heerden (Left), the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee

Mrs Diana Makwarela (Right) presented the 2021-2025 Strategic Risk Register while Dr Oscar Van Heerden (Left), the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee presented the overview and outcomes expected from the workshop. 

Mr Christopher Whittle

Dr Gerhard De Coning

Mr Christopher Whittle (left) and Dr Gerhard De Coning (right) facilitating the workshop 

Workshop participants listening to the facilitator during the workshop

Issued by: 

Department of Communications & Marketing 

University of Venda 

Tel: (015) 962 8525 

Date: 09 December 2020 

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