The University of Venda (UNIVEN) proudly announces the election of Mr Rudzani Mushweu as the new Chairperson of Council, following a special sitting held on Saturday, 15 November 2025. His election marks a significant moment for the institution as it continues its commitment to strengthening governance, deepening academic excellence, and driving transformation.
Congratulating Mr Mushweu, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, expressed full confidence in the new Chairperson’s leadership and vision. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your election as the Chairperson of Council. This is a significant milestone, and we are confident that your leadership, vision, and commitment will steer the Council toward continued excellence and growth,” He added that Mr Mushweu’s extensive experience and passion for advancing higher education will “inspire positive change and strengthen our institution’s mission.”
In his acceptance speech, Mr Mushweu delivered a heartfelt address characterised by humility, reflection, and a strong sense of purpose. He traced his first encounter with UNIVEN Council business back to 2002, when he was a student leader, noting how the context of higher education has dramatically shifted over the years. “Today, I accept the responsibility of leading Council under a completely different context,” he reflected. “Our university has always been more than an institution; it is a living community of dreamers, thinkers, creators, and changemakers.”
He drew inspiration from the words of UNIVEN alumni who recently described the institution as the “University of Life,” a place that equips students with resilience, perspective, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to society. Their enduring appreciation, he said, is a testament to UNIVEN’s transformative impact.
Mr Mushweu also paid tribute to his predecessors, respected leaders such as Prof Barney Pitjana, Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, Dr Serobi Maja, and Mr Juneas Lekgetha, acknowledging the powerful legacy they leave behind. “I am standing on the shoulders of giants,” he noted, emphasising that the responsibility ahead is both humbling and inspiring.
Looking to the future, he called on the Council and university community to embrace innovation, ethical leadership, and compassionate governance. While rejecting the impulse to promise radical shifts, he committed to strengthening UNIVEN’s upward trajectory. “Together, we will work to ensure that our university remains a sanctuary for truth, a source of innovation, and a champion of integrity,” he said.
Anchoring his message in the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Mr Mushweu urged the university community to remain united in purpose and intentional in their pursuit of excellence. His vision is clear: a University of Venda that produces students who are locally grounded, globally competitive, and ready to shape a better future.
As Mr Mushweu steps into this pivotal role, UNIVEN looks forward to a period of purposeful leadership, strengthened institutional culture, and continued transformation. The University extends its warmest congratulations and wishes him success as he leads the Council in advancing the mission and values of this proudly African institution.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
