UNIVEN Appoints Two Acting Executive Deans to Strengthen Academic Leadership
6 February 2026UNIVEN Opens 2026 Academic Year with a Renewed Commitment to Excellence, Impact, and Student Success
9 February 2026
Andile Kim Mhangani
Academic excellence took centre stage at the University of Venda’s 2026 Official Opening of the Academic Year, where 40 high-performing students were honoured at the Vice-Chancellor’s Student Academic Excellence Awards. At the pinnacle of the ceremony stood 19-year-old Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student Andile Kim Mhangani, who was crowned Best Overall Student for the 2025 academic year, underlining a story of discipline, determination, and a remarkable twin partnership.
Originally from Acornhoek in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, Mhangani achieved an impressive average of 84.86%, emerging as the university’s top performer across all faculties. He was followed by Ms Tlabo Marylen Thokolo with 84.10% and Mr Lehlogonolo Maphanga with 82.17%, completing the top three overall positions.
Yet one of the ceremony’s most compelling narratives unfolded within the Faculty of Health Sciences, where academic excellence became a family affair. Andile led the faculty’s performance, with his twin brother, Sandile Mhangani, finishing in second place, an extraordinary achievement that captured the spirit of shared determination and mutual support. Studying side by side and still emerging at the top of their class, the brothers’ accomplishment stood out as a rare and inspiring academic milestone.
For Andile, the honour carried deep personal meaning. He described the recognition as a rewarding moment that reflected years of hard work, discipline, and effective time management. Staying focused on his goals, he said, had been central to his academic journey.
He credited his success to the unwavering support of his family, lecturers, and peers, noting that their encouragement and belief in him played a vital role in his progress. He also acknowledged the University of Venda for shaping both his academic and personal development, helping him build critical thinking skills, resilience, and confidence.
The Mhangani twins (L-R: Sandile and Andile) pose for a photo with Prof Bernard Nthambeleni and Prof Sebi Lekalakala Mokgele
The Vice-Chancellor’s Student Academic Excellence Awards continue to affirm the university’s commitment to high academic standards, disciplined scholarship, and student success. By recognising students who exemplify perseverance and consistent performance, the awards reinforce UNIVEN’s mission of relevance, excellence, and impact, values vividly embodied in the remarkable achievement of the Mhangani twins.
2025 UNIVEN top performers
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Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811