On 17 September 2019, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of University of Venda (UNIVEN): Dr Bernard Nthambeleni led a delegation of UNIVEN Senior Management staff consisting of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic: Professor Jan Crafford, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations: Dr Robert Martin, Director Research and Innovation: Senior Professor Georges-Ivo Ekosse, Director Centre for Higher Education, Teaching and Learning: Professor Nancy Mutshaeni, and Director Student Affairs: Mr Lufuno Tshikhudo to Mpumalanga for the finalization of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of the Universities of Venda and Mpumalanga. Groundwork for the signing of the MoU took place at UNIVEN on Friday, 07 June 2019.
In June 2019, the UNIVEN Management met with the Management of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) to discuss possible areas of collaboration, particularly in Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer; Student Governance, and Agriculture. This meeting took place at UNIVEN Council Chambers. The UNIVEN team was led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal: Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, and other members were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic: Professor Jan Crafford, the University Registrar: Professor Edward Nesamvuni, Director Research and Innovation: Senior Professor Georges-Ivo Ekosse, Dean School of Agriculture: Professor Jude Odhiambo, and Director Student Affairs: Lufuno Tshikhudo. The UMP delegation was led by its Vice-Chancellor: Professor Thoko Mayekiso, and other members were Director of Research Management: Professor Phindile Lukhele-Olorunju, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences: Professor Moses Mbewe, and Director of Student Affairs: Dr Paul Maminza.
Deputy Vice-Chancellors Professors R Bernard (L) and JE Crafford (R) giving support to the Vice Chancellors
In the final document which was signed on 18 September 2019 by both Vice- Chancellors, it is stipulated that the collaboration may include any programme at either institution that could help foster and develop the relationship, such as: Exchange of faculty and/or staff; Joint research activities and publications; Participation in seminars and academic meetings; Special short-term academic programmes; Short and medium term research visits for postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows; Exchange of undergraduate students; Exchange of academic and scientific materials; and Participation and exchange of information in Student Affairs.
Colleagues from both UNIVEN and UMP who witnessed the MoU signing ceremony
In rounding up the signing ceremony, both Vice-Chancellors charged their colleagues with the responsibility of implementing the MoU.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 22 October 2018
