Participants and facilitators at the launch of the Postgraduate Programme in Entrepreneurial Leadership for Academics (PGCELA)
The University of Venda (UNIVEN), in collaboration with UNIVEN Continuing Education (UCE), is on a trajectory to position the institution as an entrepreneurial service hub and to establish the links to grow both its local and regional economic development impact. Accordingly, the University has identified various strategic mechanisms to help achieve its goal of becoming an entrepreneurial University. The Human Resources Department took a bold step towards shaping the future of the University’s academic excellence and innovation with the official launch of the Postgraduate Programme in Entrepreneurial Leadership for Academics (PGCELA) on Friday, 20 March 2026, at the Student Parliament.
The Postgraduate Programme in Entrepreneurial Leadership for Academics is a six-month, solution-based programme that emphasises practical application over theory. It equips academics with entrepreneurial leadership capabilities aligned with the university’s strategic objectives and culminates in graduation upon successful completion of assessments. Participants engage with real institutional and societal challenges, applying entrepreneurial thinking within their teaching, research, and innovation practices. The programme fosters transformative leadership aimed at enhancing academic impact, innovation, and socio-economic development.
The launch was marked by a shared vision to foster entrepreneurial thinking within academia and empower scholars to become agents of change.
The Director Human Resources, Mrs Uanda Ndou, set the tone for the day and strongly emphasised that higher education must adapt to rapid technological change, funding pressures, and growing societal expectations by becoming more innovative and impactful. She encouraged academics to embrace entrepreneurial thinking, remain committed to the programme, and develop practical solutions that will produce agile graduates and drive meaningful social change. She concluded by emphasising the importance of continuously learning, unlearning, and relearning as part of their growth journey.
The purpose of the programme was clearly articulated by Mr Matamela Matibe who outlined that the programme aligns with UNIVEN’s strategic goal of becoming an entrepreneurial institution. He emphasised that academics, as the primary drivers of teaching and learning, are central to this transformation as they directly influence students.
A highlight of the programme was the comprehensive overview and orientation presented by Prof Diko Makia, who pointed out that entrepreneurship is a key driver for repositioning UNIVEN. He also emphasised the value creation, innovation, and competitive advantage. His encouragement to all academic participants was to become active change agents who apply knowledge, embrace experiential learning, and share solutions that enhance teaching, research, and institutional impact.
The launch programme was further enriched by words of encouragement from Prof Vhonani Netshandama, who encouraged participants to recognise their existing skills and experiences as key resources for innovation and impact. She emphasised learning by actively taking charge and doing the actual work, being intentional in career growth, and staying proactive, resilient, and collaborative. Prof Netshandama also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and using university spaces to create value and contribute to an entrepreneurial vision.
Adding depth to the discussions, Dr Mlungiseleli Ganto unpacked the programme and emphasised that academics should adopt an entrepreneurial approach to research by focusing on real-world impact, collaboration, and opportunities to monetise and apply their work beyond academia. Dr Nevhudoli detailed the timelines, facilitators, and learning sessions scheduled across the June and September recess periods. He also reiterated that the programme will be delivered through a series of structured discussions led by various facilitators, covering key topics and concluding with a recap session to consolidate learning.
In his closing remarks, Mr Kenneth Mphaphuli expressed appreciation to participants for their commitment to the programme and stressed the importance of collaboration between academic and support departments, particularly in fostering practical learning, skills development, and entrepreneurship, while at the same time encouraging participants to embrace the opportunities presented by the programme and actively contribute innovative ideas that could make a meaningful impact within UNIVEN and beyond.
The launch of the PGCELA is truly a significant milestone for UNIVEN, showcasing its commitment to innovation, leadership development, and academic excellence. By investing in entrepreneurial leadership, UNIVEN continues to position itself at the forefront of transformative education in South Africa.
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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
