VC_StateCampusReport2016

Vice Chancellors State of the Campus Report
November 2016

Strategic Matters

UNIVEN’s Chancellor Motlantle confers 456 degrees in a range of disciplines
On Friday, 23 September 2016 the Chancellor of the University of Venda,
Honourable Mr Kgalema Motlanthe conferred a total of 456 qualifications to
graduates from the Schools of Agriculture, Education, Environmental Sciences,
Law, Health Sciences, Management Sciences, Human and Social Sciences as
well as Mathematical and Natural Sciences. Chancellor Motlanthe conferred 456
degrees, diplomas and certificates, including a record number of 20 PhD
degrees, to qualifying candidates from Univen’ s eight Academic Schools. In a
historic event, the Chancellor and former President also conferred an honorary
degree in Law to Univen former Chancellor and the Deputy President of the
Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Chancellor of the University of Venda,

Honourable Mr Kgalema Motlanthe

It was also in this graduation where
Mr Joe Maswanganyi, a member of
Parliament and former MEC of
Sports, Arts and Culture in Limpopo
Province, also graduated his
Masters in Political Science (Cum
laude). Mr Maswanganyi’s research
title is Tourism’s Contribution to the
Limpopo Province’s Economic Growth and Development: A critical Analysis. This
demonstrates that the University is effectively implementing its objective of
creating future leaders.

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Mr Joe Maswanganyi (MP), when
graduating Masters in Political
Science (cum laude)

The Deputy President pose for a photo with Univen Chancellor and Council members

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The Deputy President of the
Republic of South Africa,
Dr Cyril Ramaphosa delivers
his acceptance speech

Minister of Science and Technology Encourages Univen Students to become
Researchers
The Minister of Science and Technology, Honourable Naledi Pandor (MP) visited
the University of Venda on Friday, 02 September 2016. Minister Naledi Pandor
met with the NRF-rated researchers, non–rated senior researchers, emerging
researchers and representatives of postgraduate students from the University of
Venda in a meeting which took place at the Research Conference Centre.
The Minister said research is very broad; thus, researchers must conduct their
research comprehensively and not focusing in Thohoyandou only but globally.
“The Department of Science and Technology is working on mechanisms for
development and innovations which could assist our researchers. To learn more
about research information, please always visit the Department of Science and
Technology website where you can access new research ideas, research
categories such as next generation researchers and emerging researchers
including other opportunities which could be of assistance to you in achieving
your research goals”, said the Minister.

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Above: The Minister of Science and Technology, Honourable Naledi Pandor (MP) when
addressing Univen staff and students

Minister Pandor raised a concern based on the statistics of researchers in the
country which shows a high number of white male researchers and very few
black women in this field. Honourable Pandor said that as government they
want female black researchers to be more visible. She encouraged everyone to
participate in research activities and indicated that the role of government is to
provide researchers with necessary support and resources. “It is possible with no
doubt that the University of Venda can develop best researchers worldwide but
this can be achieved through hard work only”, added the Minister.

The Vice Chancellor and
Principal, Prof Peter Mbati.

The Vice-Chancellor and
Principal, Prof Peter Mbati
expressed his profound
gratitude to the Minister
and the delegation from
the National Research
Foundation comprising the
Chair of the Board, Prof
Loyiso Nongxa and the
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Molapo Qhobela as well as the Director General of
the Department of Science and Technology. In his welcome address, Prof
Mbati thanked the minister for her continuous support. “With a new emerging

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culture focused on our academic mandate, Univen has made significant strides
in many fronts, with an impressive growth in our research and innovation outputs,
including postgraduate training” said Prof Mbati. He further urged the National
Research Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology to
provide more support to the University to fully achieve the University’s strategic
intent of becoming a top South African University within the next five to ten years.

Minister of Science and Technology (middle) and her entourage, some members of
University Council and Executive Committee pose for a photo

The Chairperson of Council, Mr Serobi Maja

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The Chairperson of

Council, Mr Serobi

Maja expressed his

gratitude to the

Minister and the

entire delegation

for taking time out

of their very tight

schedule to visit

the University of

Venda for

amongst others

encouraging emerging and established researchers to devote more time in

research activities. He encouraged the delegation to maintain the relationship

with the University of Venda. “With the support from the Department of Science

and Technology and the National Research Foundation, the University of Venda

will continue to produce graduates with skills relevant to our regional and

national socio-economic development strategies. The University feels truly

proud of the calibre of graduates that it produces and is confident that it is

creating great future leaders”, concluded Maja.

Univen brand promoted during RUFORUM-Universities must strengthen their
Curriculum and Leadership Capacity

Cape Town – Forty Vice Chancellors from African Universities met on Saturday, 15
October to have deliberations on the topic ‘Strengthening African University
Leadership and Management Capacity for Higher Education and Economic
Transformation of Africa’. The Vice Chancellors’ session was a pre-event for the
fifth African Higher Education Week and RUFORUM Biennial Conference held at
Century City Conference Centre in South Africa from 17-21 October 2016. The
theme for RUFORUM conference this year is “Linking Agricultural Universities with
Civil Society, the Private Sector, Governments and other Stakeholders in Support
of Agricultural Development in Africa”.

During the session there were presentations by representatives from Deloitte and
Touché, Deborah Hillis and Paul Mbithi respectively. The Key points from
presentations and discussions were Leadership experience of the participants;
sparking change in institutional management for Africa’s development and the
challenges; the new world of work that we have to manage; guiding student

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centered learning; challenges and opportunities in University design, Leadership
in the University environment and how to ensure engagement within the university
system.

University of Venda’s Vice Chancellor,
Prof Peter Mbati

The University of Venda’s Vice

Chancellor shared with his

counterparts best practice which

Univen had adopted such as in-

house Higher Education

Leadership modules for staff and,

a student leadership development

model.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma expressed
her appreciation for the African Higher Education Institutions’ effective
networking through the Regional Universities Forum (RUFORUM). Dr Dlamini-Zuma
said this when officially opening the RUFORUM Biennial Conference. As the co-
host, the University of Venda was represented by a delegation led by the Vice-
Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati who is also a member of the Executive
Committee of RUFORUM. During the Conference, UNIVEN had the opportunity to
showcase its programmes and services through amongst others poster
presentations, exhibition as well as branding at various conference venues.

Left: Her Excellency
Chairperson of the African
Union (AU), Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini-Zuma during her visit at
the University of Venda
Exhibition Stall and Dr Felix
Fushai explaining programmes
on offer in the school of
Agriculture.

RUFORUM is represented
in five regions and it is
doing considerably well in
terms of uplifting small
holder farmers.

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The keynote address of the RUFORUM conference was delivered by the President
of Mauritius, Her Excellency Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim who emphasised investing
in Africa’s people which will be a crucial step towards the continent reaching its
development goals.

Left: The President of Mauritius, Her
Excellency Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Over 850 participants from 74
countries attended the conference
including four ministers responsible
for higher education, science and
technology. 65 Vice Chancellors,
120 principals and deans and over
250 masters and PhDs students
attended the conference.
The University of Venda as one of the co-hosting Universities in South Africa, has
been afforded an opportunity to showcase its community engagement activities
during the conference.

Above: Univen team participated during RUFORUM conference

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Univen Council bids farewell to Dr Zaaiman
The University of Venda Council led by its Chairperson, Mr Serobi Maja bid farewell
to the Deputy Vice Chancellor Operations, Dr Jannie Zaaiman who is due to retire
at the end of October 2016. Dr Zaaiman’s farewell function was held at Khoroni
hotel on Thursday, 22 September 2016.

Dr Zaaiman joined Univen in January 2009 and was assigned the responsibility of
looking after the Operations Division, which includes Facilities Management,
Information Technology Services, Finance, Protection Services, Human Resources
Management and third stream income generation.

The Chairperson of Council, Mr Serobi Maja when delivering a farewell message
described Dr Zaaiman as a person who has been a pillar on which the work of
Univen’s developmental projects was anchored. “Dr Zaaiman was instrumental in
ensuring that the facilities that the University required to make itself one of the best
academic institutions of our time and age, are accomplished while there is still a
long way to go to make our University the pride of us all, he strained every nerve
to ensure that inter alia student residences and proper lecture halls are
constructed”, said Mr Maja. The Chairperson of Council further alluded to the
fact that it is indeed true to say that through Dr Zaaiman’s selfless efforts, the
University has now become the major construction site in the whole province. The
University of Venda was commended for not experiencing the kind of damage
and pilfering that other academic institutions were experiencing regarding the
fees must fall saga. Dr Zaaiman was also appreciated for the way he managed
to liaise with the Tshivhase Royal Council to secure additional land for the

expansion of the University.

The Chairperson of Council, Mr Serobi
Maja

“We as Council, are highly
appreciative of the significant role
that you played at the University to
be the positive and constructive
right hand man of the Vice
Chancellor. As you are about to
leave of us at the end of October
this year, all of us without exception

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will be poorer without your expertise in the governance of this University”, said Mr
Maja as he concluded.’

The Deputy Chairperson of
Council, Thovhele Kennedy
Tshivhase

When proposing a vote of
thanks, the Deputy
Chairperson of Council,
Thovhele Kennedy
Tshivhase said “Dr Zaaiman
has successfully enhanced
the infrastructure
development of this
University and we are
proud of you. The Legacy
of Dr Zaaiman of
transforming the policies of this University on student accommodation, building
study centers and libraries should not be burned”.

Members of
University of Venda
Council

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UNIVEN Takes Services to The People….
More than 80 Grade 12 pupils from Ha-Mabidi and surrounding villages on
Saturday, 17 September 2016 attended a career exhibition at the Mabidi Sports
Ground. The exhibition was organised by Chief Mahandana Mabidi in
collaboration with the University of Venda. The main purpose of the exhibition was
to reach out to Grade 12 learners who were unable to attend the exhibition earlier
this year at the University of Venda due to the continuous protest in the Vuwani
area. The event was also aimed at creating a platform for Univen partners to
interact with high school learners and unemployed youth in the areas of skills
development and entrepreneurship. The event was attended by representatives
from the University of Venda, ETDP-SETA, Services SETA, Bank SETA, NYDA, SANRAL
and the UIGC. While addressing the pupils in attendance, Chief Mabidi, who is a
final year B. Ed student at the University of Venda told the learners to take him as
their role model and focus on their education.

Middle in red Jacket (Chief
Mahandana Mabidi and

some of the delegates who
attended the Career expo)

Univen SRC President receives Newsmaker of the Year Award
On Friday, 09 September 2016, Univen’s Student Representative Council President,
Mashudu Nthulane, symbolically received the National Press Club’s Newsmaker
of the Year award for 2015. The award is annually presented to people or
organisations that capture media attention based on newsworthiness and
impact. Sponsored by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, the event
took place at the CSIR International Convention Centre. #FeesMustFall was
unanimously awarded by the club as the newsmaker for 2015.

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While other Student Representative Council presidents left the meeting with
President Zuma at the Union Buildings in October 2015, Nthulane remained,
stating “I have been mandated by my constituency to hear what the President
has to tell the tertiary education students of South Africa. I have to listen and
report back.”

The Interim Vice- Chancellor of
Sefako Makgatho Health
Sciences University, Prof Chris
de Beer, Univen SRC
President, Mashudu Nthulane
and Chairperson of the
National Press Club, Tanya de
Vente-Bijker in a symbolic
handover of the newsmaker
of the year trophy.

At the function, Nthulane called on the government to urgently look at university’s
fee structures, saying the majority of students come from poor backgrounds.

The decision to name #FeesMustFall as the newsmaker of the year for 2015 was
unanimous. This was a major game-changer in the country. There is no doubt that
tertiary education in South Africa will never be the same again,” said Tanya de
Vente-Bijker, Chairperson of the National Press Club.

The Interim Vice Chancellor of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Prof
Chris de Beer commended the student demands as legitimate but criticized
incidents of violence and destruction that accompanied the #FeesMustFall
protests.

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Left: Lutando Charlie, Takalani Dzaga, Mashudu Nthulane, Godfrey Tshikhudo and Trinity Sebake
congratulating Univen SRC President. Right: SRC President, Mashudu Nthulane, Member of
National Press Club, Ben Rootman and SRC Deputy Secretary General, Trinity Sebake.

All people are people first - Univen disability awareness day
“Disability awareness day is held to raise awareness and understanding of how
daily living affects students with disabilities, as well as to look at why students with
disabilities need specific accommodation and assistive devices to ensure equal
access to higher education”. Those were the words said by Vice-Chancellor and
Principal, Prof Peter Mbati during the University of Venda Disability Awareness Day
which took place on campus on 26 July 2016. The awareness day started with a
fun walk from Univen traffic circle next to DSU to the main admin building. The
participants included the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mbati, some
members of senior management and other able staff of the University and they
were made to sit on the wheelchairs in order to have a feel of what disabled
students experience on a daily basis.

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Above: Prof Peter Mbati (third from right) with other senior managers on wheelchairs during Univen
Disability Awareness Day

A prominent business man to lead UNIVEN Environmental Sciences Alumni Association
The launch of Environmental Sciences Alumni Association was held on Saturday,
13 August 2016 at Burgers Park Hotel in Pretoria where a prominent business man,
Mr. Moudy Mudzielwana who is also the Director of Tshikovha Environmental and
Communication Consultancy, Tshikovha Graduates Academy and Tshikovha
Green and Climate Change Advocates, was elected chairperson of the
association.
Mr. Mudzielwana as one of the panel speakers presented on ‘Moving beyond
employment to environmental entrepreneurship’. He encouraged graduates to
use their skills to start their own businesses - be job creators and not job seekers.
‘Lack of financial support does not mean that you cannot start a business, it’s all
about understanding what you need to do and achieve’, said Moudy. Alumni
were further encouraged to play a critical role in curriculum transformation of the
University particularly for the school of Environmental Sciences.

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Above: Executive Committee of Environmental Sciences Alumni Association Front row L-R:
Ndivhuwo Maponya (Treasurer), Rabelani Mabogo (Deputy Secretary), Khensani Hlatshwayo
(Secretary), Moudy Mudzielwana (Chairperson) and Dr Eric Musekene (Deputy Chairperson).
Back row L-R: Thendo Nethengwe, Dr Virginia Mudau, Humphrey Mathata, Tshinanne Mutshatshi
and Balanganani Nengovhela

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University of Venda visits the University of Zambia and the University of Lusaka to
develop partnerships
A delegation from the University of Venda (Univen), visited the University of
Zambia and University of Lusaka on 14 and 15 July 2016. It also engaged with the
South African High Commissioner to Zambia, HE Mrs Sikose Mji. The delegation
comprised Univen’s Dean of Agriculture, Prof Godwin Mchau, Director of
Communications and Marketing Mr Takalani Dzaga and Director of International
Relations, Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier.

Delegation from South Africa’s University of Venda engages with the University of
Zambia’s Vice Chancellor Prof Luke Evuta Mumba
At the University of Zambia, the delegation was received by Vice Chancellor
Professor Luke Evuta Mumba. Possibilities for collaboration in fields including
agriculture and student leadership development were explored and the parties
agreed to work together in the future. A visit to the School of Agriculture gave
Univen’s Dean of Agriculture the opportunity to engage with his counterpart,
Acting Dean of Agriculture Dr Benson Chishala and School’s management team.

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The South African delegates from the University of Venda engage with the
management team of the University of Lusaka, led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr.
R.S. Kaulule.
At the University of Lusaka, the delegation met with the management team of
the University. Possible joint activities in fields such as law and public health were
considered and it was agreed that a partnership between the universities should
be developed.

Sokoine University of Agriculture expresses its readiness to collaborate with Univen
The University of Venda delegation which was led by the Vice-Chancellor and
Principal, Prof Peter Mbati, which included the Dean of the School of Agriculture,
the Directors of International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier and
Communications and Marketing, Takalani Dzaga successfully engaged with the
Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania. At the Sokoine University
of Agriculture, the delegation briefly met with the Vice-Chancellor and later with
the management team. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal had the opportunity
to share with the management of Sokoine University of Agriculture a number of
achievements at Univen. According to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Univen
has a huge agricultural potential which includes but not limited to turning
emerging farmers into commercial farmers. The management team of Sokoine
University of Agriculture considered the possibility of establishing collaboration
favourably.

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Above: Courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Sokoine University of Agriculture

During the meeting, possibilities for collaboration in fields including agriculture,
heritage studies, external examination as well as staff and student exchange were
explored and the parties agreed to work together in the future. In the light of the
fact that the University of Venda has Centre of Excellence in Agriculture, there
are a lot of commonalities between Univen and Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Sokoine University of Agriculture acknowledged that the University of Venda has
done very well in many areas, including exponential growth in research output.
The Sokoine University of Agriculture indicated that the University became a fully-
fledged University way back in 1984 and that the university was in the process of
transforming into schools and colleges. The restructuring process was taking place
in phases over a period of five years.

Above: Engagement with the Management of Sokoine University of Agriculture

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Univen delegation visits Solomon Mahlangu Campus of Soikone University
A delegation which was led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter
Mbati, which included the Dean of the School of Agriculture, the Directors of
International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier and Communications and
Marketing, Takalani Dzaga visited the Solomon Mahlangu Campus of Sokoine
University of Agriculture. The meeting at the main Campus of Sokoine University
of Agriculture was followed by a visit to the Solomon Mahlangu Campus in
Mazimbu, the former Camp of the African National Congress. The Solomon
Mahlangu Campus is one of the four Campuses of the Sokoine University of
Agriculture. Prior to the incorporation into the Sokoine University of Agriculture, the
Solomon Mahlangu Campus was started as an educational facility of the African
National Congress. Few years after the fall of the apartheid government in South
Africa, the facility was handed over to the Government of Tanzania. The
Government handed the facility to the Sokoine University of Agriculture. As a
result, the Council of the University decided to rename the Campus, in honour of
the South African freedom fighter, the late Solomon Mahlangu.

Above : Visit to the Solomon Mahlangu Campus of Sokoine University of Agriculture

Although the Campus is currently being used by the Sokoine University of
Agriculture, it attracts tourists, more especially those from South Africa. The
Campus has a number of historical sites which include but not limited to
cemetery, the farm, Nursery and Primary School, Library as well as the ANC-

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Holland Solidarity Hospital. The visit collaboration of Sokoine University of
Agriculture will hopefully enable the Univen Centre of Excellence to achieve its
objectives.

Univen revives its relationship with Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Foundation
A delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Peter Mbati,
which included the Dean of the School of Agriculture, Prof Godwin Mchau, the
Directors of International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier and Communications
and Marketing, Takalani Dzaga visited the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Foundation
recently. During the visit to Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere Foundation, the delegation
engaged with the Executive Director, Joseph Butiku and other members of the
Foundation. The Executive Director was excited about the visit and the fact that
the University of Venda was keen to revive and strengthen the relationship that
started way back in 2004. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal briefly shared with
the Foundation, the developments at Univen since their last visit in 2004. He also
indicated that the School of Agriculture has been elevated to the Centre of
Excellence. The Vice-Chancellor further indicated that Univen has a programme
of visiting various institutions in the SADC as part of marketing and strengthening
the partnership as well as exploring possible areas of collaboration with various
institutions. The Foundation made a commitment to send a team to experience
the wealth of knowledge at the University of Venda.

Above: Visit to the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Foundation in Daar es Salaam

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The Executive Director of Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere Foundation, Mr Butiku informed
the delegation that the Foundation primarily focuses on people centered
development, agriculture, food security, social justice, education as well as
health.

Univen international media session and career information in Zimbabwe a
success
“The University of Venda is an internationally oriented rapidly growing, vibrant
comprehensive University with approximately 14,500 students in undergraduate
and postgraduate programmes offered in Science, Engineering, Technology and
Health Sciences, Education, Law and Humanities, with a vision and mission to be
a leading regional African University and amongst the top South African
universities. The University has recently experienced a rapid rise in research
outputs and impressive graduation rates, rapid growth in infrastructure
development in support of the academic core project and quality of student life”.
This was said by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda,
Professor Peter Mbati during the international Media and Career Information
sessions held in Harare in Zimbabwe at Prince Edward High school on Tuesday, 19
July 2016.

Above L-R: Prof Godwin Mchau, Mr Munyaradzi Mugomeza, Prof Peter Mbati, Ambassoder Mbete,
Mr Takalani Dzaga and Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier

A delegation from Univen, led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor
Peter Mbati, which includes the Dean of the School of Agriculture and the
Directors of International Relations and Communications and Marketing as well
as the Schools Liaison Officer, Mr Takalani Nyelisani, Media and Publications
Officer, Mrs Welheminah Mabogo and International Relations Officer, Ms Susan
Sathekge interacted with approximately 300 grade 12 learners from eight

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Zimbabwean schools. The purpose of the interaction was bringing international
students to Univen enhancing the internalisation as well as branding and
marketing the University of Venda in the SADC region. The two events received a
huge media exposure.

Above: Some of the leaners in Zimbabwe pose for a photo with the Vice Chancellor and Principal,
Prof Peter Mbati.

Prof Mbati indicated that Univen is committed in delivering high quality academic
programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The Vice
Chancellor also shared with the media and other stakeholders present about
Univen infrastructure development which is contributing significantly in the quality
of teaching and learning.

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Above: His Excellency Ambassodor Mr Mphakama Mbete during the interview with some of the
journalists from Zimbabwe

The event was blessed by the presence of the South African Ambassador to
Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr Mphakama Mbete. The Ambassador commended
for Univen’s relationship with the Republic of Zimbabwe which is more than a
decade old. Ambassador Mbete said “for a number of years, the University has
been working with the Zimbabwe Presidential Scholarship Office under the
leadership of His Excellency, Minister Christopher Mushowe. Through this Office,
Zimbabwe is one of the reliable friends of the University of Venda. To date the
University has produced a sizable number of graduates who are currently
occupying strategic positions in both public and private sectors in Zimbabwe”.

Mr Takalani Nyelisani addressing
some of the learners and teachers
in Zimbabwe

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Above L-R: Mr Munyaradzi Mugomeza and Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier

The University of Venda receives wide publicity in Zimbabwe
The University of Venda Vice- Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati spoke to
representatives of various media houses in Harare, Zimbabwe during the Univen
International Media Session under the theme ‘The University of Venda is an
Internationally Oriented Rapidly Growing, Vibrant Comprehensive University’. The
Media Session was held on the occasion of the Univen International Career and
Information Session on Tuesday 19 July 2016 at Prince Edward High School, Harare,
Zimbabwe. Prior to the event, the University of Venda was widely publicized in
both print and electronic media, including the Zimbabwe Broadcasting
Corporation Television.

Director Communicatins
and Marketing Mr
Takalani Dzaga on ZBC
Television, Harare
Zimbabwe

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Takalani Dzaga on Star FM,
Harare Zimbabwe

Student Recruitment
During the period in review,
the Schools Liaison Section
worked with various
stakeholders to achieve its
mission of disseminating
information to learners and
prospective students.

Univen Schools Liaison
Interns assist students at
Vhembe TVET College,
Mavhoi Campus

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Univen Schools Liaison Officer
addressing learners at
Masitake High School,
Mpumalanga

Mr Nyelisani encourages
learners at Sitfokotile
during his visit to
Mpumalanga.

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For the love of the
learners, Mr Nyelisani
engages learners during
his talk at Jacob Mdhuli
High School,
Mpumalanga

Above: Univen Schools Liaison Officer, Mr Takalani Nyelisani addressing delegates

Website Performance on the Digital Space (Analytical Report)
Google analytics account was created as a free monitoring tool to determine
the performance of the Univen website on the digital platform. During the
duration month of September 2016 the Univen website attracted a total of 352
731 visits (Please refer to attached report created on Google analytics).

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Social Media Report (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram)
Observed growth on social media for 30 September 2016
Facebook: 9335 likes

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Twitter: Total 2547 Followers
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Instagram: 6444 Followers
As of 30 September 2016

edia Monitoring
1 to 30 September 2016

…honorary doctorate for Ramaphosa, honorary doctorate for
Ramaphosa, honorary doctorate for Ramaphosa…

During the monitoring period the University of Venda featured in 379 news items,
137 in broadcast media, 143 in print media and 99 in online media.

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During this period the advertising value equivalent came to more than
R15 086 165. Conservatively multiplied by three for credibility, the publicity value
totalled more than R45 258 495. Favourability of reporting was neutral which
indicates no negative perceptions and brand association reported as chatter –
thus no negative implications.
Reporting comments
With the majority of news coverage being generated by Univen’s granting of an
honorary doctorate in Law to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, it once again
proved that the university has fine-tuned the process of granting honorary
doctorates to worthwhile people. The process has never left Univen in the lurch.
The dynamic presentation by SRC President Mashudu Nthulane at the National
Press Club’s Newsmaker of the Year for 2015 and the resultant news coverage for
Univen has again proven her leadership qualities. She received the award on
behalf of the #FeesMustFall campaign that was named as the club’s Newsmaker
of the Year. The exceptionally high advertising value equivalent (close to that of
the in the previous month) proves that the university is running its media relations
well.
Word cloud
The word cloud indicates that ”Ramaphosa” was the favourite media personality
during September. The granting of an honorary doctorate in Law to the deputy
president was the correct decision.

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Regionality
Univen featured in no less than 76 national reporting messages - out of a total of
379 which is over 20 percent of news coverage for September. This augers well for
bringing Univen’s message to the entire South Africa. Furthermore, Univen was,
reporting wise, well represented in most other provinces.

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Progress review with CETA officials, Midrand: 25th August 2016
A review meeting of the projects sponsored by Construction SETA (CETA) took
place at the CETA offices in Midrand on 25th August 2016. In attendance were the

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CETA Senior Managers, Mr. T. Madibeng, Mr. J.S. Jihane and Mr. P. Nsowe and
from the UNIVEN side were Dr. J. Chakwizira and Prof. J.S. Ogola.

Meeting with CETA Officials in
Midrand, 25th August, 2016

Discussion focused on the achievements so far and the pending projects
Community Centre
The Launch of the CETA Community Skills Development Centre at the University of
Venda on 9th September 2015 was a resounding success. The centre was reported
to be quite active and is being used for training by the University Income
Generation staff, headed by Dr. M.J. Mudau.

PhD candidates
It was noted that recruitment of the 2 Ph.D. candidates has posed a challenge.
However, it was suggested that the current 2 master students on completion
of the programme could be considered for the position. It was further noted
that UNIVEN should put a request for the extension of the funding beyond April
2017. UNIVEN will respond to this.

Programme Development-Construction Technology Degree
The UNIVEN Task Team submitted the progress report to CETA on the development
of the programme on 11th May 2016. In that submission the Task Team requested
R 129,000.00 that was the remaining amount from the original R 300,000.00
allocated for programme development to be released by CETA. It was agreed
that the issue will be discussed with the CETA CEO and UNIVEN will get a
feedback. It was also noted that the Construction Technology Engineering
programme being developed is not a bridging programme, but a fully-fledged
Engineering programme/degree. This programme will require ECSA approved
over and above the DHET, CHE and SAQA requirements.

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Construction Technology Workshop/Laboratory
It was reported that there has been a delay in appointing the
contractor by UNIVEN. The latest information was that the UNIVEN Tender
Board had found no suitable candidate for the project. The project will once
again go to the market for re-tendering. It was highlighted by CETA that if the
project fails to start by March 2017, then there will be need for re-application for
funds before that date. Concern was raised concerning the UNIVEN delay in
implementing the project.
Mining Engineering Programme:
Mining Engineering Workshop: Landmark Hotel Between 14-16 September 2016
The Engineering Task Team had organised a workshop on the alignment of the
Mining Engineering programme to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
format. The workshop was attended by the members of staff of the Department
of Mining and Environmental Geology, Dr FA Dacosta (HoD), Mr E Mhlongo and
Mr C Muzerengi, and Prof JS Ogola, the Coordinator of the Engineering Task Team.
The 3-day workshop finalised the alignment of each module with the 11 Exit
Outcomes, Course Outlines, Credit Values, and Knowledge areas.

UNIVEN Team at Landmark Hotel,
Polokwane, working on the harmonisation
of the Mining Engineering programme with
ECSA requirements.

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Progress Report to Domba Trust on Mining Engineering Development:
On 9th September 2016, a meeting was held at the Meropa Casino, Polokwane,
to present the progress report on the development of the Mining Engineering
programme at UNIVEN to the Disbursement Committee of Domba Trust. This was
in line with the financial support that was given by Domba Trust to UNIVEN for the
development of the Mining Engineering programme. The report included a range
of activities that have been taken towards the achievement of this task, viz:

x Accreditation training workshop by Engineering Council of South Africa at
the Landmark Hotel, Polokwane, on 24-25 July 2013;

x Discussion with the Department of Higher Education and Training and the
Engineering Council of South Africa in Pretoria on 23rd September 2014;

x Mining Engineering workshop held at Protea Hotel Landmark, Polokwane,
on 25-28 March 2015;

x WITS-UNIVEN Partnership in Mining Engineering: Workshop held at the 2Ten
Hotel on 7-8 September 2015;

x Benchmarking trip to Zambia: 23-29 November 2014;
x Feasibility Study: Visit to School of Mining Engineering, Wits: 12 April 2016;
x Workshop: Consultant’s feedback to UNIVEN: 22 April 2016;
x Workshop on alignment of the Programme to ECSA Format: 25-27 April 2016;

and
x Submission of feasibility study to DHET: 30th May 2016

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Univen Hosts UNHCR Seminar on International Refugee Protection
On Tuesday, 19 August 2016 Univen hosted a delegation from the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Field Office Musina. The delegation,
which was led by the Head of Office, Mr Kahlid Mahgoub and included Associate
Protection Officers Mr Cyril Cyriac Mudakkalil and Mr Moses Mulaudzi, delivered
a Seminar titled ‘International Refugee Protection’. The event was jointly
coordinated by the School of Law and the Directorate of International Relations.

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Mr Kahlid Mahgoub, Head of the UNHCR Field Office
Musina at Univen

The audience was welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Prof Jan
Crafford. It delivered presentations on the international protection of refugees
and the work of the UNHCR in the South African context.

DVC Academic Prof Jan Crafford officiates the Seminar

Mr Cyril Cyriac Mudakkalil canvassed the fundamental principles of international
refugee law and outlined the work of UNHCR, Mr Moses Mulaudzi explained the
work of UNHCR in South Africa. Dean of Law Annette Lansink delivered the vote
of thanks on behalf of the University and presented a token of appreciation to the
delgation.

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HE Mikhail Ivanovich Petrakov, Ambassador of Russia to South Africa, Visits Univen

HE Mikhail Ivanovich Petrakov
speaks to members of the Univen
community

On 25 August 2016 the Russian
Ambassador to South Africa,
HE Mikhail Ivanovich Petrakov,
visited the University and
delivered a public lecture
titled ‘South African-Russian
relations: Creating a new
global order through BRICS’.
The programme, which was
coordinated by the
Directorate of International
Relations, was co-hosted by the Office of the Premier of Limpopo Province. A
delegation from the Limpopo Province led by the Deputy Director General
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Delani Tibe participated in the day’s
events.

Before the public lecture, the delegation from the Russian Embassy had an
opportunity to engage with senior management as well as researchers involved
in collaborations with partners in the Russian federation. The rich existing
collaboration between Univen and stakeholders in Russia was discussed. The
Russian delegation offered support for the collaborative work.

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Visit by Delegation from the University of Ibadan
The Dean Postgraduate
College, Prof A. Aderinto
and the Director
International Office, Prof
O Odeku visited Univen
on 31 August 2016 to
discuss the intesification
of the collaboration
between Univen and the
University of Ibadan (UI).
They considered possible

postdoctoral staff exchanges, co-operation in the doctoral project and research
collaboration in meetings with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan
Crafford; Director Research and Innovation, Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse and Director
International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier. Visits to School of Agriculture, the
SARChI Chair in Biodiversity and Change, and engagement with Deans and
senior researchers rounded the programme off. Delegation from the University of
Ibadan engages with the DVC Academic Prof Jan Crafford, visits the Center of
Excellence in Animal Assisted Reproduction in the School of Agriculture.

Staff Exchange in the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

The 2016 staff on
exchange programme
in Computer Science
with Botho University,
Botswana, is taking
place in the second
semester. Botho staff
member Mr Takwirara
Tafireyi arrived on 9
September 2016. He was welcomed by the Directorate of International Relations
and he will be contributing to teaching in the Department of Computer Science
and Information Systems. He will be at Univen until 31 December 2016.

Global Conference on Internationalisation
Univen’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Jan Crafford, Director
International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier and the Chief Administrative
Officer in the Directorate of International Relations, Dr Segun Obadire
participated in the first Global Conference on Internationalisation, which was co-
hosted by the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) and
other major internationalisation organisations from 22-24 August 2016 at the

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Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Univen’s delegation
members presented the following academic papers:

x Prof Jan Crafford and Cornelius Hagenmeier: ‘A rural-based, ethnic single-
origin university perspective on curriculum transformation’. The thought leader
was part of the panel of discussion on ‘Curriculum Transformation in a time of
Global instability.

x Marang Mutuna and Cornelius Hagenmeier ‘Developing intercultural and
international competencies through regional student exchanges: The case of
the Botho – Univen undergraduate student exchange in Computer Science’.

x Dr Mudau, Dr Segun Obadire and Cornelius Hagenmeier ‘Inequalities as a
gender gap in higher education: Internationalisation at UNIVEN’.

x Prof Ndileleni Mudzielwana and Cornelius Hagenmeier ‘Assessing the impact
of Belgian student teachers experience through reflective protocol:
Enhancing internationalisation through understanding exchange students’
experiences.

Mr Hagenmeier also served on the conference organising committee in his
capacity as IEASA Treasurer.

Visit by Patrick Dunne and Olaf Hahn
Warwick University (United Kingdom) Council Member Patrick Dunne and Bosch
Foundation (Germany) representative Olaf visited Univen on 26 August 2016.
Patrick Dunne is in the process of establishing a charitable organisation
‘Education Sub Saharan Africa’, with substantial backing from the German Bosch
Foundation. One of the focal areas of the organisation will be higher education,
the purpose of the meetings at Univen was to scope for collaboration between
the new charitable organisation and Univen.

EAIE Conference

Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier, Director International Relations and Dr Segun Obadire
attended the annual conference of the European Association for International
Education (EAIE) from 13 to 15 September 2016. The EAIE Annual Conference is
Europe's largest higher education internationalisation event, gathering 5000+
professionals from 90+ countries. On the side of the Conference, they were able
to scope for a possible future partnerships with Liverpool John Moores University.

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IMPALA meeting in Liverpool, UK
The IMPALA project is an EU
funded capacity-building
network of European and
South African universities and
educational organisations.
Univen is one of the four
South African member
universities. The steering
committee meeting, which
was attended by Cornelius
Hagenmeier and Dr Segun

Obadire, was held in Liverpool, UK on 16 and 17 September 2016 to plan a series
of capacity-building workshops to support internationalisation at the four South
African partner universities.

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Departmental Workshop
On 29 and 30 September 2016,
the Directorate of International
Relations conducted its annual
workshop. The achievment of
the targets set in the oprational
plan for 2016 was considered,
and the draft operational plan
for 2017 was developed out of
the Strategic Plan 2016-2020
and the Business Plan 2016-
2020. The Workshop also

afforded the participants an opportunity to reflect on current developments in
higher education interantionalisation.

Short-term Student Exchange students from HAWK, Germany
Prof Dr Alex Engel, Dean of Social Work and the Build Environment, University of
Applied Science and Art Hildesheim, Holzminden and Goettingen (HAWK),
Germany together with colleagues and 10 Social Work students, visited the
University between 29 September and 10 October 2016. The staff participated in
the International Research Conference where they presented a paper on the
collaborative work between UNIVEN and HAWK. The students participated in
Social Work programmes at various institutions in the region and interacted with
their peers from Univen in a workshop. The Directorate of International Relations
coordinated the welcome function.

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F’SAGRI Videoconference
The French-South African Institute of Agriculture (F’SAGRI) organised a video
conference on Nutritional facts relating to fruits and vegetables on Thursday 24
August 2016, which was delivered by French scholar Dr Julie Mardon. Students
and staff from the School of Agriculture participated in the programme which
used the video conference facility in the Council Chambers with the logistical
support from the Directorate International Relations.
AESOP Erasmus Mundus PhD Mobility scholarship
Ms. Fhumulani Mathivha, a nGAP lecturer in the School of Environmental Sciences,
Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, was awarded an AESOP Erusmus
Mundus PhD Mobility mobility scholarship to study for a period of 6 months at
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The student was met in Liverpool, UK by
Cornelius Hagenmeier and Dr Segun Obadire on 17 September 2016 and she
narrated her interesting experiences so far and how she was enjoying her stay in
the UK.

Ms Fhumulani Mathivha, with LMJU academics Prof Rafid Al Khaddar and Dr Mawada Abdelatif,
and with the staff from Univen’s Directorate International Relations

International Research Collaboration Reception
The Vice-Chancellors of Univen, Prof Peter Mbati and Walter Sisulu University
(WSU), Rob Midgley, invited international delegates to the 2nd Univen – WSU
Research Conference and the academic leadership from their two universities to
an International Research Collaboration Reception which was held the side of
the Conference at The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane on Friday 7 October 2016.

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Prof Idowu Olayinka, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Nigeria and Prof David Norris, the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Botswana International University of Science
and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana, reflect on the value of research collaboration

The aim of the event was to allow researchers to network and forge research
collaborations in an informal environment. Prof Idowu Olayinka, the Vice-
Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Nigeria encouraged participants to collaborate
with each other and leverage on existing institutional partnerships. He expressed
his appreciation to Univen and WSU, which both partner with the University of
Ibadan, for organising the conference. Prof David Norris, the Deputy Vice-
Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Botswana International University of
Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana reflected that the Univen is
closer to BIUST than most universities in South Africa. The side event was
coordinated by the Directorate International Relations.

Dean Prof Alexandra Engel from HAWK University, speaks to attendees.

On behalf of WSU, Prof Coetser Adriaan, remarked that collaboration should start
with faculty leaders and academics. Prof Dr Alex Engel, Dean of Social Work and
the Build Environment, University of Applied Science and Art Hildesheim,
Holzminden and Goettingen (HAWK), Germany expressed her appreciation for
the quality of the research presented at the conference. Univen’s Director of
Research and Innovation, Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse, emphasised the value of
friendship and trust as the basis of collaboration. Univen’s Director of International

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Relations, Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier, appreciated the value of the Conference
for capacity-building in Africa and highlighted that delegates from 6 nations in
two continents had been in attendance.

Buddy Programme Closing Function 2016

The closing function of
buddy programme took
place at Sedza-Zwau
Resort, Thohoyandou on
Saturday, 8 October
2016. The programme
was attended by both
local and international
students. The Buddy
programme started two
years ago and is jointly
organised by the office
of the Student
Representative Council (SRC) Minister for External Affairs, Communications and
International Relations, Univen International Student Union (UNISU) and the
Directorate of International Relations. The aim of the programme was to build a
spirit of togetherness and cultural exchange which celebrates UNIVEN’s diverse
university community and generates a socially viable academic atmosphere.

The theme for this year’s programme was Interculturalism. During the year, about
100 students applied to participate in the Buddy programme activities. They
included first year entering students as mentees and returning students as mentors
and senior mentors. They were divided into groups of ten including a mentor for
each group. Various activities were suggested for the group’s interactions and
they were also giving free hand to coordinate their group activities as they wish.
They were expected to report on the activities of their groups on regular basis.

During the closing function various activities took place, including a presentation
on “A reflection on the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Right through
Thabo Mbeki's 'I am an African' speech in advancing Multiculturalism in higher
education institutions and the continent” presented by Masters of Law students
on internship programme from the University of Pretoria. They presented their
paper with a short drama sketches which caught the attention of all the
participants. The programme also featured discussions on various issues on African
nations and their position in the United Nations Organisation. Many believed that
United Nations Organisation is imposing a number of regulations which are not
acceptable norms on African people but because African representation or

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seats at UN congress is limited, things may remain this way for a long time. Drama
presentations and other variety shows form part of the activities at the function.
The programme was rounded off with a vote of thanks by the Secretary General
of UNISU, Ms Kgotlhane Bogadi.

Botswana-Nigeria Independence Day
Botswana-Nigeria Independence Day was commemorated on 10 October 2016
by the Univen community in a function which had been jointly organised by
students hailing from the two countries, SRC, UNISU and the Directorate of
International Relations. Botswana celebrated her 50th independence anniversary
on 30 September 2016 while Nigeria celebrated her 56th independence
anniversary on 1 October 2016.

Speaking at the opening of the programme, Dr Segun Obadire, Chief
Administrative Officer, Directorate of International Relations congratulated
Botswana and Nigeria students at Univen. The programme included a discussion
on Terrorism in Africa. Performing artists also gave a very interesting piece during
the programme.
Ema2sa Closing Conference in Stellenbosch
Dr Segun Obadire represented Univen at the Erasmus Mundus Action 2 South
Africa (Ema2sa) Closing Conference, which was held on 13 October in
Stellenbosch. The Ema2sa consortium was one of the Erasmus Mundus mobility
programmes, students and staff from Univen were able to participate in the
mobility programmes offered by this and the other Erasmus Mundus Consortia.
Univen is a partner to the EUROSA and AESOP Erasmus Mundus consortia.

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Statistical Information on Internationalisation

Outgoing mobility

4.5 Current
4 outgoing
Mobility
3.5
3 EUROSA PhD AESOP

2.5
2

1.5
1

0.5
0
GIRDT PhD
Fellowship

Incoming Student and Staff Exchanges/
Internationalisation at Home

40

35

30

25

20

Participation
15

10

5

0

Internationalisation at Home Incoming Exchange visits (up to two

months)

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Visiting International Delegations

4.5

4

3.5

3

2.5

2

1.5

1

0.5

0

Botho University of Warwick HAWK United Nations Russian

University, Ibadan, Nigeria University, UK University, Field Office Embassy

Botswana Germany Musina

INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE (IPQA)

Application for accreditation conditions
Following a representation from Univen regarding the non-accreditation of the
Bachelor of Science in Biokinetics by the Higher Education Quality Committee
(HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) in January 2016, the HEQC has
in its meeting of the 7th July 2016 overturned its decision from non-accreditation
of the programme to accreditation with conditions. The two short conditions were
with regard to the conceptualisation of learning activities in the programme as a
mechanism to support student learning, and evidence that demonstrates the
implementation of the ethical policies and procedures for research projects
involving human subjects in the research project module in the 4th year of study.
The conditions have since been addressed and the response sent back to the
CHE for consideration.

Accreditation of a new programme
Univen submitted the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences for
accreditation by the HEQC of the CHE in September 2015. The CHE reverted back
to the university with the response that the programme has been accredited
without any conditions. Subsequently the letter confirming the accreditation was

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sent to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) by the CHE for registration
of the programme in the National Qualification Framework. The IPQA is in contact
with the relevant SAQA officials with regard to the registration process and the
programme has since been placed in the public domain within the SAQA website
which is the last but one step before the registration of the programme (Between
QC recommendation and NQF registration).

Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) update

The alignment of academic programme and qualifications to the Higher
Education Qualifications Sub Framework (HEQSF) has been a long, robust and
consultative task between higher education institutions and the CHE and the
DHET that spanned a period of no less than six years starting in 2011. This process
resulted in Institutional PQM’s that are aligned to the HEQSF and incorporated the
following:

x Qualifications that are deemed accredited by the CHE
x 2015 qualifications codes as specified by the HEMIS
x Major fields of study in which each qualification is offered
x SAQA qualification/learning programme (LP) identification codes and
x Mode in which each qualification Is offered

Following numerous communication and meetings between the IPQA and the
CHE and DHET, the University of Venda’s Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM)
has now been finalized and signed by the minister of Higher Education and
Training. Univen may now offer academic programmes and confer qualifications
in accordance with the New HEQSF aligned PQM. The former Ministerial
Approved PQM will also be applicable until such time that the teach- out date of
each qualification has been reached, which is 31 December 2019. It should be
noted that the 2016 HEQSF-Aligned PQM represents the status as at August 2016,
however the PQM is a living document, this means that the University of Venda
can continue to make amendments to the 2016 HEQSF –Aligned PQM where
necessary.

Alignment of teacher education Qualifications to the Minimum requirements on
teacher education qualifications (MRTEQ)

Following the Department of Higher Education and Training Alignment of teacher
education qualifications to the Minimum Requirements on teacher Education
Qualifications framework (MRTEQ), the IPQA is working with the School of

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