The University of Venda (UNIVEN) strengthened its international research profile at the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum hosted by the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil from 9 to 11 June 2026. The University was represented by 11 postgraduate students, seven doctoral candidates and four master’s students who showcased their research and engaged with emerging scholars and academics from across the BRICS nations.
Delegates, postgraduate students and academic leaders at the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum
Held under the theme “Advancing Innovation, Sustainability and Development through BRICS Research Collaboration,” the Forum brought together postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and young academics to present research, exchange ideas and establish long-term collaborative partnerships. UNIVEN’s participation reflects the University’s commitment to postgraduate excellence, internationalisation and research cooperation, aligned with its mission of producing graduates who are locally relevant and globally competitive while advancing South Africa’s role in BRICS and Global South collaboration.
UNIVEN postgraduate students and representatives participate in the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum,
reflecting the University’s growing contribution to BRICS research collaboration
Throughout the three-day programme, UNIVEN students presented research on governance, digital inclusion, rural development, land redress, youth empowerment, social protection, sustainable development, development finance, institutional transformation and innovation. Their presentations received positive feedback and highlighted the value of locally grounded research in addressing global development challenges.
The Forum opened with addresses by leading academics, including UNIVEN Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies and Head of the BRICS Research Institute, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, alongside representatives from UNICAMP, RUDN University and the Higher School of Economics University in Russia.
The first day focused on trade, economic resilience, public governance, institutional reform and education. UNIVEN students contributed through presentations on women’s leadership in higher education, sustainable development, institutional innovation, inclusive digital governance and regenerative tourism. The University’s academic leadership was further demonstrated when Prof Hlanganipai Ngirande chaired a session on Green Industrialisation and Energy Transition. Day two centered on technological and human development transformations, covering digital innovation, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and sustainable development. UNIVEN students presented research on land redress, youth empowerment, local government innovation systems, women-owned businesses, social protection and e-government services in rural municipalities. A key highlight was the panel discussion on “Governance, State Capacity, and Sustainable Development in BRICS Economies,” featuring Prof Netswera alongside international scholars from Russia. The discussion underscored the importance of capable institutions, effective governance and research-informed policymaking in addressing shared development challenges across emerging economies.
The academic programme was complemented by a vibrant Cultural Exchange evening, where delegates celebrated their diverse cultures through traditional attire, music and cuisine. The event strengthened people-to-people connections and reinforced the role of cultural understanding in fostering meaningful international research partnerships.
On the final day, discussions focused on governance, tourism, development finance and the future of BRICS cooperation. UNIVEN students continued to make notable contributions through presentations on youth inclusion in the BRICS development agenda and governance reforms in development finance institutions.
The Forum concluded with a guest lecture on BRICS’ efforts to reform the international monetary and financial system, followed by an awards ceremony recognising outstanding postgraduate research.
UNIVEN students excelled in the awards category. Nhlohlotelo Ivyn Chabalala received second place overall in the Master’s category and won the Social Inclusion and Development Justice award. Sengani Delicia Ndou shared third place overall in the Master’s category and received the Education and Knowledge Economies award. Petronella Sphiwe Mugwagwa was honoured with the PhD award in Urban Sustainability and Infrastructure.
Delegates also participated in networking activities that fostered collaboration and strengthened professional relationships beyond the academic sessions, creating a memorable experience that combined scholarship, culture and international engagement.
The Forum was coordinated through the BRICS Research Institute in partnership with UNICAMP, HSE University, RUDN University, Durban University of Technology and TV BRICS. The Institute also commended South African universities that sponsored postgraduate students to participate, including DUT, the University of Limpopo, UNISA, North-West University, Vaal University of Technology and Walter Sisulu University. UNIVEN’s successful participation in the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum underscores the University’s growing influence in international postgraduate education, BRICS research cooperation and sustainable development scholarship. It further affirms UNIVEN’s commitment to producing globally connected graduates equipped to contribute to transformative development and knowledge generation in South Africa, the BRICS community and the wider Global South.
Nhlohlotelo Ivyn Chabalala from the University of Venda receives recognition during the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum awards ceremony
Petronella Spiwe Mugwagwa from the University of Venda is recognised for her outstanding presentation during the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum
Sengani Delicia Ndou from the University of Venda receives her certificate during the closing and awards ceremony of the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum
Award recipients display their certificates during the closing and awards ceremony of the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum at the University of Campinas, Brazil
Delegates, postgraduate students and academic leaders gather during the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum at the University of Campinas, Brazil
Delegates also participated in a social networking programme, including watching a soccer match together as part of the forum’s informal engagement activities
In the pictures above and below, participants take part in the Cultural Exchange programme, which
created space for cultural sharing, networking and people-to-people cooperation among BRICS delegates
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