University of Venda students participating in the third day of the exhibition programme
The University of Venda (UNIVEN), in partnership with Standard Bank, recently hosted a dynamic and empowering five-day Career Exhibition under the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law. The event which took place at UNIVEN Auditorium brought together students, alumni, industry professionals, and a range of public and private sector organisations in an effort to guide and inspire students while bridging the gap between academic study and real-world employment.
Mr Oatlhotse, Madito, Manager: Economic Analysis and Trade Monitoring at the International Trade Admin-istration Commission (ITAC), during his engagement at the University of Venda
Mr Gilbert Madalane, Employee Value Banking Manager of Standard Bank Limpopo North
Standard Bank, as a leading partner for the event, this weeklong event offered career guidance, financial education, and recruitment information to students in various fields. Standard bank was represented by Mr Gilbert Madalane, Employee Value Banking Manager of Standard Bank Lim-popo North, who emphasised the importance of empowering students to become employable and workplace ready.
“We came here to help students understand what to expect in the workplace, how to conduct themselves professionally, and how to apply for jobs at Standard Bank.”
The consistent presence of Standard Bank throughout the expo demonstrated its strong com-mitment to youth development and graduate employment. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, engage in one-on-one sessions, and learn how to prepare for professional opportu-nities in banking and finance. The Standard Bank’s Head Office participated on day four and day five. Mr Mameela Siziba, Head of Talent Acquisition for Personal Client Coverage, overseeing all national physical branches, Voice branch, Money Management, and Advisory divisions, led the bank’s engagement with students on 11 and 12 September 2025.
Ms Siziba conducted presentations and engaged in direct interactions with attendees. The Stan-dard Bank representatives provided final-year students with QR code access to their graduate programme portal, enabling students to register their information and explore current career opportunities within the organisation.
This participation represented a valuable connection between the university’s graduating stu-dents and one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions, offering direct pathways to potential employment opportunities in the banking sector.
A key highlight of the expo was the return of UNIVEN alumni who shared their career journeys to motivate current students. Among them was Clarence Mangena, popularly known as Hitboss, a former UNIVEN student who is now the CEO of a mining and energy law firm. His inspiring story from humble beginnings to leading a company left a lasting impact on attendees, proving that hard work and focus truly pay off.
University of Venda students attentively engaging with the exhibition presentation
The event featured participation from a wide range of organisations including: Legal Aid South Africa, International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), MMG (Mining company), The Hawks (Direc-torate for Priority Crime Investigation), The Competition Commission of South Africa, and Lim-popo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), Public Service Commission (PSC), just to name a few.
Mr Vusi Mokoena, SRC President of the University of Venda, during the exhibition engagement
These organisations brought valuable insights into various career pathways and shared informa-tion about graduate programmes, cadetships, internship opportunities, and commission-based roles. They also guided students on ethical conduct, regulatory careers, law enforcement, eco-nomic justice, and public service.
From law and finance to government, mining, and auditing, students were exposed to a rich vari-ety of professional options, all while gaining direct access to the people and institutions shaping South Africa’s economic and legal landscape.
The successful hosting of this Career Expo highlighted the power of collaboration between uni-versities and the professional world. UNIVEN continues to be a leading force in preparing its students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace, ensuring that they are not only academically qualified but also career ready.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
