UNIVEN staff and students gathered at the university auditorium
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, officially opened the 2026 academic year with a message of renewal, excellence and shared responsibility, welcoming new and returning students, staff and stakeholders to what he de-scribed as “a moment that marks not only the beginning of another academic year, but a renewed commitment to knowledge, innovation and excellence.” He affirmed the University’s readiness to commence the academic year following extensive staff preparations to ensure a smooth start.
Reflecting on the University’s progress, Professor Nthambeleni highlighted steady growth in academic performance, student success indicators, research output and institutional gover-nance. He cited the University’s competitive admissions processes, improving pass rates, in-creased research productivity, a growing number of staff holding doctoral qualifications, en-hanced infrastructure, and the consistent achievement of unqualified audit outcomes as clear evidence of UNIVEN’s upward trajectory.
He congratulated outstanding academic achievers, describing their awards as recognition of dedication, sacrifice and perseverance, and urged all students to take responsibility for their learning, discipline and personal development, encouraging them to complete their qualifica-tions within the minimum prescribed time.
Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on the successful conclusion of the 2021–2025 Strategic Plan and outlined the University’s new Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and Vision 2040. He positioned the University of Venda as an entrepreneurial, community-engaged institution committed to inclusive education, high-impact research, ethical leadership and strategic part-nerships aimed at meaningful social transformation.
Reaffirming the University’s core values of excellence, integrity, accountability and respect, Professor Nthambeleni emphasised that “excellence and empathy are not mutually exclusive.” He reiterated the institution’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence, substance abuse and misconduct, recognised the critical role of student leadership, and called on students to serve as ambassadors of the University. He concluded by expressing confidence that 2026 would be a year of progress, relevance and tangible contribution, urging the university community to work collectively to ensure that UNIVEN remains a beacon of hope and transformation for society.
Prof Lindiwe Mulaudzi, Director of the Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning (CHETL)
Providing context to the Vice-Chancellor’s Student Academic Excellence Awards, Prof Lindiwe Mulaudzi, Director of the Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning (CHETL), outlined the purpose and significance of the awards, which are hosted annually during the official open-ing of the academic year. She emphasised that the awards affirm UNIVEN’s commitment to recognising undergraduate students whose courage, perseverance, and sustained academic excellence exemplify the institution’s ethos that excellence is a deliberate and consistent way of being. Rooted in the University’s core values and aligned with its strategic vision of rele-vance, excellence, and impact, the awards recognise top-performing students across Levels 1, 2, and 3 from all four faculties.
Selection follows a rigorous, transparent process that requires first-time registration status and a minimum academic average of 75%, with intense competition resulting in the recognition of the top three students per level and faculty, as well as the overall best performers across faculties. In 2025, the introduction of the Consistent Excellence Performance category further strengthened the programme by honouring students who have achieved repeated academic distinction. Prof Mulaudzi acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the CHETL team, administra-tors, eLearning specialists, and data analysts in ensuring the successful delivery of the awards.
Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Eucebias Lekalakala Mokgele
In a message of support, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Eucebious (Sebi) Lekalakala-Mokgele, outlined UNIVEN’s Teaching and Learning strategic plan for 2026–2030 within the framework of Vision 2040. She highlighted an intentional, student-centred and inclusive approach to academic excellence aimed at producing locally relevant and glob-ally competitive graduates. The strategy is underpinned by six focus areas, including student success, digital transformation, research-informed teaching, inclusive learning environments, strong governance, and international partnerships.
Academic excellence was further underscored by the outstanding performance of students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, who claimed the top three overall positions. Emerging as the overall top performer was Mr Andile Kim Mhangani, a Level 1 student, who achieved the highest average mark of 84.86%, demonstrating exceptional academic promise. He was followed by Ms Tlabo Marylen Thokolo, a Level 2 student, who ranked second overall with an average of 84.10%, while Mr Lehlogonolo Maphanga, a Level 3 student, secured third place with an impressive average of 82.17%. In total, the University recognised 40 students across all four faculties for excellence in various categories, celebrating not only academic achievement but also resilience, ethical conduct, and commitment to personal and societal advancement.
University Registrar Dr Joel Baloyi
Delivering the vote of thanks, University Registrar, Dr Joel Baloyi, expressed appreciation to university leadership, staff, students, and stakeholders for a successful ceremony, describing it as a defining moment in the academic journey, particularly for first-time students. He reminded students to remain focused on their purpose, noting that “the academic journey begins now,” and urged them to take full responsibility for their studies and personal conduct. Echoing the Vice Chancellor’s message, Dr Baloyi cautioned against distractions such as substance abuse and negative peer pressure, while highlighting the University’s support systems designed to help students succeed. He encouraged students to draw inspiration from the award recipients, saying the celebration of excellence should inspire others to believe that “you too are capable of standing on this podium,” and concluded by stressing that commitment, discipline and accountability are essential to achieving academic success.
The 2026 Academic Year was formally declared open with a renewed sense of purpose, posi-tioning UNIVEN to continue shaping future-ready graduates, advancing knowledge, and mak-ing a meaningful impact on society.
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