The University of Venda (UNIVEN), in collaboration with the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) and the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture (FSEA), recently hosted the 2025 DSTI/NRF-SAASTA National Science Week. The 2025 National Science Week was held under the inclusive theme ‘Science, Technology, and Innovation are for Everyone,’ with the aim of igniting scientific curiosity, promote innovation, and bridge the gap between science and society.
In his welcome remarks, Prof Eric Maluta, Director of the Green Technology Confucius Institute, highlighted that the theme ‘Science, Technology, and Innovation are for everyone.’ He explained that science is integral to daily life, from using water to contributing to climate change through technology use.
L to R: Prof Vhonani Netshandama, Director: Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclu-sive Innovation and Commercialisation, and Dr Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga, Head of IT Support Ser-vices at UNIVEN
They delivered inspiring presentations, challenging students to recognise their roles in making science part of their lives. Prof Netshandama urged students to be ambassadors and role mod-els of their lives, respecting and learning from their grandmothers’ knowledge. Dr Ratshitanga highlighted the importance of community science, encouraging students to see themselves as scientists and leverage technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, to solve real-world problems, noting that “technology is an enabler” that can help address various challenges.
Thabo Boroko, UNIVEN SRC Deputy President
Thabo Boroko, UNIVEN SRC Deputy President, gave a vote of thanks during the first day of Sci-ence Week, expressing gratitude to the University for organising this event and also thanked the speakers, particularly Prof Vhonani Netshandama and Dr Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga for the keynote addresses.
He commended students for their active participation and engagement with professionals, not-ing that such initiatives could help students become locally relevant and globally competitive. Boroko concluded by thanking attendees for their attendance and encouraging students to par-ticipate in future events of a similar nature.
The first day programme was led by UNIVEN Farm Manager, Mrs Thifheli Kutama, who stressed several issues related to student involvements in the artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning as aspects that are available to simplify certain things in life.
The team from UNIVEN’s Department of Business Information Systems (BIS) shared their insights about the digital skills tools in teaching and learning. This team stressed the importance of using the digital tools on teaching and learning, research and innovations. Students were encouraged to focus on their studies and improve their performance in science related subjects by the Cir-cuit Manager, Mr Ramagoma. Murendeni Mukwevho encouraged learners to know about them-selves, respect their bodies as the country is celebrating women’s month. She emphasised the issue of gender violence and respect for women.
This was followed by online sessions on MS Teams, both hybrid and live on YouTube. The sessions focused on the theme ‘Making Science Part of Women’s Health,’ with a particular emphasis on abortion and mental health. Esteemed speakers included Prof Angelina Maphula, Dr Tshidziwani Netshishivhe, and Rev Dr Alunamutwe Rannditsheni, who shared insights on the intersection of science, healthcare, and women’s well-being. The dialogue was streamed via Microsoft Teams, YouTube, and UNIVEN FM, engaging a wide audience in critical discussions aimed at empowering women through science.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
