NendilaNEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VENDA

Creating future leaders

University of Venda

1

The top performing students at the University of Venda for 2012 collectively received R230 000 in the first-ever Vice Chancellor’s Student Academic Excellence awards.

Officially handing the awards to 26 students at the opening of the university’s academic year, Univen Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati said the awards – named the Thudwa awards - aim to promote a culture of teaching and learning.

Thudwa – Venda for giraffe – translates to ‘The one that is taller than trees’.

“It is fitting that top performing students be awarded accordingly. By not doing so, we could fall into the trap of mediocrity, while top performers are not stimulated to deliver even better to the benefit of the country and its people. The awards also underwrite the university’s slogan ‘Creating future leaders’,” Mbati said.

The top three performing students were Jubilant Sibanda and Walter Mutswari, both of the School of Management Sciences and Lillian Muchakubvura of the School of Human and Social Sciences.

Phuti Maremane was the top student in the Human and Management Sciences Foundation Programme

and Mukhethwa Ndou in the Science Foundation Programme.

Ten foundation year and first year students received R8 000 each, eight second year students received R9 000 each and eight third year students received R10 000 each.

The students received 20 percent of their awards value in cash with the remainder as tuition fees, book vouchers and accommodation, depending on the student’s choice.

Other award recipients were Muvhuso Mutshinyani, Mashudu Rambau and Nomsa Chimuti of the School of Agriculture, Tosifa Ashrafi, Tabassum Ashrafi and Mxolisi Zitha of the School of Education, Brilliant Ttivaone, Simbarashe Mutapanduwa and Abercon Mbedzi of the School of Environmental Sciences, Maphoko Phatlane, Frances Taylor and Pfungwa Mambanga of the School of Health Sciences, Mcdonald Matemera and Kamogelo Serage of the School of Human and Social Sciences, Vivian Mutyasira, Jorum Duri and Martha Mazango of the School of Law, Tshilidzi Makhado of the School of Management Sciences and Kausarbanu Delawala, Lucpah Nekati and Sedzani Mathoho of the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

A record number of 3 400 first year students have made the University of Venda their university of choice.

Univen’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati says the sustained efforts by the university’s staff to improve the academic output to a level that is expected by first year students are paying dividends.

“Prospective students are experiencing our commi tment to o ffe r ing them academic programmes that will prepare them for the challenging work environment in South Africa. We have taken a conscious decision to ensure that our academic product offerings equip students for their future.

“However, university life is not only about the academy. It is also our duty to ensure that the first campus experience of new students is positive. If they experience difficulties with registering, it does not auger well for future relations. I am proud of the team that delivered a seamless registration process for the 2013 academic year,” says Mbati.

Officially opening the university’s orientation programme, Univen’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Prof Xikombiso Mbhenyane said: “There are many opportunities for you to become engaged with our community.

“We encourage your active involvement in the academic, co-curricular and mission-driven programmes of the university. Adjust yourself

wisely in the transition from school to university.”

Student Representative Council President Mr Andisani Mathelemusa said students’ new campus life, which many regard as freedom and total independence, should be well managed.

“Work hard at obtaining your first post-matric qualification, as today a degree is regarded as a minimum qualification for a better life. Live healthily and know your health status. Use the council’s services in a fruitful manner,” he said.

Univen’s Director of International Relations, Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier invited all international students to ask his office for assistance when they encounter problems with issues like study permits or medical insurance.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

R230 000 to top performing students

A record of 3 400 students choose Univen

Read insideMake students living with disabilities feel welcome 2Learning about EUROSA’s opportunities 2Univen’s registration was seamless – Deputy Minister 2Think about different ways to conceptualise peace parks - transfrontier conservation expert 2New director for Research and Innovation 3HESA awards fellowships to Univen staff 3Alumni should constantly advocate for social transformation - Ramagoma 4Univen to participate in international exchange programme 5South African First Secretary in the USA on campus 5Our students from afar 5How will Univen operate the projects funded by the National Skills fund? 6R26 million for skills development at Univen 6R340m campus infrastructure development 6

University of Venda

Creating future leaders2

Univen’s registration process got a thumbs-up from the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana.

The minister visited Univen recently to evaluate and assess the impact of the ‘Apply now/Khetha’ career guidance campaign that encourages matriculants to apply early for admissions at institutions of higher learning.

‘’We are here to learn about challenges related to the registration of new students and also to show support during the registration process,” he said.

He joined students who were busy registering online and encouraged them to use this facility as it shortened the registration process and reduced long queues. Students confirmed that the registration process was much faster due to the online registration which was introduced for the

first time this year.

Univen’s Deputy Registrar, Mr Humphrey Mugwedi said 300 computer stations were made available for online registration.

“On 14 January alone 1 834 first year students were registered. A record number of 3 400 first year students were registered this year, totalling Univen’s student intake at just over 11 200.”

“I commend Univen for the growing student enrolment numbers, infrastructure development, as well as the increased graduation and pass rates,” the minister said.

“I also applaud the good relationship between the Student Representative Council and management. The student leadership must continue to engage management in a more responsible manner on issues that affect the student body.”

Univen’s Disability Unit is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities, says the unit’s Mr Azwitamisi Gadisi.

“We offer students comprehensive services that are responsive to their learning needs. Lecturers and tutors should appeal to students to consult them if they have any form of disabil ity or impairment which needs the intervention of the Center for Higher Education Teaching and Learning for alternative adjustments. Lecturers can send electronic learning materials for brailing or large printing and conversion to Azwitamisi.gadisi@univen.ac.za or Tshifhiwa.mbuvha@univen.ac.za.

“Do not drive more than 30 km per hour on campus. Partially blind people will misjudge your speed. Spinning and races is a dangerous game to both disabled and non-disabled people.

“Do not park your vehicle on the road. A white cane helps the blind to feel the pavement or ground only. How terrible is it to find a blind person colliding with protruding goods from a parked vehicle!

“Disability is not contagious. Allow students with disabilities to be members of your team or group. If you come across a disabled person, ask him or her if they will need your assistance, although some are quite capable or independent,” says Gadisi.

Internat ional peace parks have become a popular way of protecting biodiversity, while promoting international cooperation and regional development in southern Africa and beyond.

This is according to Prof Bram Büscher, Associate Professor of Environment and Sustainable Development at the Institute of Social Studies at the Erasmus University in the Netherlands. He is also visiting Associate Professor at the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg.

Speaking at a recent Univen public lecture about peace parks and the politics of conversation in southern Africa, Büscher said the successful promotion of peace parks as a win-win solution and their marketing as the global solution, makes them ill-fitted to deal with the contradictions of conserving nature in the 21st century.

“As currently put into practice – as instruments to further turn nature into markets – peace parks will not only live up to their enormous expectations, but actually worsen contradictions on the ground and in the long term make just and sustainable human-nature relations even more difficult to achieve.

“To bridge the increasingly contradictory realities in practice with the jubilant rhetoric of ‘peace parks’, a specific politics of neoliberal conservation is at work in transfrontier conservation. We need to open up space to think about different ways to conceptualise peace parks and their potential contribution to just and sustainable human-nature relations.”

Büscher’s research interests revolve around t rans f ront ie r conse rva t ion , deve lopment

interventions, green neoliberalism/capitalism, ecotourism, social media and the political economy of energy. He has published over 35 articles in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes and is in the process of publishing two books - Transforming the Frontier. Peace Parks and the Politics of Neoliberal Conservation in Southern Africa and ‘The Ecotourist/Extraction Nexus: Rural Realities and Political Economies of (un)Comfortable Bedfellows.

For more information and access to publications visit www.brambuscher.com.

Members of the university community, including academics, Student Representative Council members and senior students recently attended an information session about the Europe and South Africa Partnership of Human Development (EUROSA) scholarships.

The EUROSA project, coordinated by the University of Antwerp, promotes mobility for students, researchers, academic and administrative staff from South Africa to Europe.

It offers mobility grants to South African masters’ students, doctoral researchers and staff to spend time at one of the partner institutions.

Ms Merle Hodges, immediate past president and current member of the Executive Council of the International Education Association of South Africa said the project contributes to redressing past imbalances.

“It also improves the participation rate of historically disadvantaged individuals in higher education. Capacity building and human development, with specific attention to vulnerable groups and excellent academic potential, are at the core of the project.

“Talented students from different regions and different social economic backgrounds wil l receive the opportunity to travel abroad and benefit linguistically, culturally and socially from this intercultural experience in a new learning environment.”

Hodges is director of the office for international affairs at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the local coordinating university of the EUROSA consortium. Applications for the project must be submitted by 15 March. More information is available from the Directorate of International Relations on tel 015 962 8409.

“Treat people living with disabilities with dignity” - Azwitamisi Gadisi.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Mduduzi Manana gets the facts from students about the online registration process.

“The successful promotion of peace parks actually makes them ill-fitted to deal with the contradictions of conserving nature in the 21st century” – Bram Büscher.

“EUROSA partners share knowledge and expertise in various fields” - Merle Hodges.

Learning about EUROSA’s opportunities

Think about different ways to conceptualise peace parks - transfrontier conservation expert

Univen’s registration was seamless – Deputy Minister

Make students living with disabilities feel welcome

Creating future leaders 3

Professor Georges-Ivo Ekosse has been appointed as Univen’s Director: Research and Innovation. He will also serve as Professor of Applied Clay Mineralogy and Environmental Geology.

Before joining Univen he was the Director: Research Development at the Walter Sisulu University for over four years. Prior to that, Georges-Ivo was professor and coordinator of the Geology, Mining and Minerals Programmes at the University of Limpopo and before that the scientist in charge of the X-ray Diffraction Unit at the University of Botswana. Here he served as the Faculty of Science’s chief resource person, initiating new laboratories and the acquisition and installation of new high tech equipment.

As Visiting Research Associate at the Clay Minerals Research Laboratory of the Indiana University in the USA, he specialised in various laboratory analytical techniques to evaluate clays and clay minerals for different industrial applications. He also served as academic tutor for the Afro-American tutorial programme. He also worked at the Institute of Zootechnical Research in Cameroon and taught in high schools in Cameroon and Senegal.

Ekosse holds a PhD in Soil Mineralogy and a doctorate of Technology, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Geological Sciences, a higher diploma in Applied Chemistry and certificates in Strategic and Project Management, Governance, Risks and Ethics. He is a National Research Foundation C2 rated established researcher, fellow and member of the Governing Council of the African Academy

of Science, and a fellow of the Institute of Science Technology in the UK.

He is also a life member of the Geological Society of Africa and the Association of Geoscientists for International Development, a member of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, the Soil Science Society of Southern Africa, the International Association for the Study of Clays and the International Medical Geology Association.

Ekosse is the Executive Editor of Discovery & Innovation – the official journal of the African Academy of Sciences and the Developing World Academy of Sciences and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management.

He is currently research project leader of the UNESCO project on clays and clay minerals in Africa and the leader for the National Research Foundation’s project on Human and Enzootic Geophagia in Southern Africa.

Ekosse has published extensively in over 240 publications, which include two books, four book chapters, 120 refereed journal articles, 55 refereed articles in conference/workshop proceedings, six technical reports, 37 conference/workshop/seminar papers, one article in a popular magazine, seven posters, five edited works, two published book reviews, five articles in non-refereed journals and several manuscripts under review.

Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse to lead Research and Innovation Directorate.

New director for Research and Innovation

Nutrition

Healthy Lifestyle

Awareness MonthThis month is Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Month and is a month in the health calendar that highlights the importance of healthy living through nutrition. The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals each day to remain healthy and function properly and it is important to know how to fuel your body so that you get the right nutrients.

Vitamins and minerals are substances that are essential in certain quantities for growth and development. Most of them cannot be manufactured by the body, and must come from our diet or other supplementary forms. Vitamin supplements can serve as ‘buffers’ in the event that your diet does not meet your daily requirements fully.

Vitamins and minerals are essential to any diet, and research suggests that they prevent cancer and heart disease as well as various other health problems. Proper food consumption should be accompanied by the right vitamins and minerals, to allow your body to carry out day-to-day functions in its optimum form.

Beneficial vitamins and minerals

• VitaminAVitamin A helps cell reproduction and stimulates immunity. It also helps with vision and promotes bone growth, as well as helping to maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. It is found in tomatoes, carrots, spinach, pumpkin seeds, sweet potato, and oranges.

• BVitaminsThese vitamins help the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. B vitamins also help with the formation of red blood cells. B Vitamins are found in peas, watermelons, bananas, potatoes, peanuts, and green peppers.

• VitaminCThis is one of the most important vitamins. It plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, guavas, apples, cucumbers, cauliflower, and asparagus.

• VitaminDVitamin D is known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ since it is manufactured by the body after being exposed to sunshine. It is vital to the human body as it promotes absorption of calcium and magnesium, which are essential for the normal development of healthy teeth and bones. Apart from sunlight, vitamin D is found in salmon, tuna, milk, cod liver oil, salami, and some fortified cereals.

• VitaminELike vitamin C, vitamin E plays a significant role as an antioxidant, protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. It is also important for the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin E is present in blackberries, bananas, kiwi fruit, almonds, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

• CalciumCalcium is one of the most important minerals in the body. Our bodies need calcium to maintain the healthy formation of bones and teeth. Calcium is also important for other functions such as muscle contraction and the prevention of osteoporosis. Milk, yoghurt, cheese, salmon, tofu, and baked beans are all good sources of calcium.

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• IronIron is critical for the proper functioning of red blood cells and the prevention of anaemia. Iron helps our cells ‘breathe’ and works with protein to make haemoglobin in red blood cells. Haemoglobin carries oxygen to all parts of the body so it can perform its normal functions. Liver, giblets, oysters, soybeans, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds all have a high iron content.

• MagnesiumMagnesium helps with the formation of bones and teeth, and assists the absorption of calcium and potassium. Where calcium stimulates the muscles, magnesium is used to relax the muscles. It is further needed for cellular metabolism and the production of energy. Magnesium is found in bran (rice, wheat, and oat), molasses, sunflower and sesame seeds, pumpkin, and dried herbs.

Symptoms of deficiency

Symptoms of a deficiency in vitamins and minerals usually appear when the lack is already at a relatively advanced stage. For instance, people who do not have enough vitamin A or B vitamins suffer from recurring tiredness, mental or emotional disturbances, loss of appetite, chapped lips, and so on.

The common causes of these vitamin deficiencies include poor eating habits, alcoholism, emotional stress, the improper absorption of vitamins and minerals (usually due to liver or intestinal disorders), the intake of medicines that interfere with the ingestion of vitamins, and lack of exposure to sunlight.

Guidelines for taking vitamin or mineral supplements

Before supplementing your diet with any vitamins or minerals, you should consult a doctor. A doctor will be able to recommend a multivitamin instead of a supplement that only contains one vitamin or the exact minerals that you require, or are lacking.

It is important to note that some people should not take supplements if they have been diagnosed with certain medical conditions. For example, people with kidney problems are often advised against taking magnesium.

Although supplementary vitamins and minerals may be helpful, no supplement will replace the value of a healthy diet. Most major medical establishments recommend that healthy adults get their vitamins and minerals from food rather than relying solely on supplements.

Nutrition

Two Univen staff members - Mrs Mushoni, the Director of Library Services and Dr Tshilidzi, the Vice Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Head of the Department of Psychology - were awarded the Higher Education Leadership and Management fellowships by Higher Education South Africa. The

2013 fellowships were awarded to 32 outstanding professionals in middle/senior management positions in the South African university sector. Recipients demonstrated management and leadership potential in their universities and professions.

HESA awards fellowships to Univen staff

Creating future leaders4

Alumni should constantly advocate for social transformation - Ramagoma Univen alumnus Mr Thendo Ramagoma is the General Manager: Heritage Management at the National Heritage Council of South Africa.

Nendila asked him about his career development.

Nendila: When did you study at Univen?

Ramagoma: From 1991-1993.

Nendila: Which qualif ication(s) did you obtain at Univen?

Ramagoma: BJuris.

Nendila: Did you play any student leadership role at Univen?

Ramagoma: I was my class representative and leader for Law of Evidence.

Nendila: What are your other achievements, academic and professional?

Ramagoma: I obtained an LLB and an LLM in Environmental Law from the Univers i ty of Nata l , now the University of KwaZulu-Natal. I was admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, currently on a non-practising attorneys’ toll with the Law Society of the Northern Provinces.

Nendila: How do you think alumni can help their former university?

Ramagoma: To advocate for soc ia l t rans-formation of higher education. This should be rooted in community development for sustainability and be the face of the university in resource mobilisation initiatives. This should all be to the benefit of the university community and its immediate localit ies within Limpopo.

Nendila: What other successful stories can you share with Univen?

Ramagoma: I am a member of the South Af r i can Geograph ica l Names Council, served in the Heritage Transformation Charter Drafting Task Team and was the company secretary at two schedule 3A public entities listed in the Public Finance Management Act. I also served as a military legal practitioner and commissioned off icer for seven years and served articles of clerkship with the Office of the State Attorney. I cut my teeth in academia as junior lecturer for Commercial Law at the University of Natal in Pietermaritzburg in 1996 and 1997. Healthy lifestyle

Managing change

In today’s rapidly changing world we all have to deal with, and manage, change in our lives. Change is a reality in all areas of our lives – at a personal, family, social, and professional level.

Are you ready for change?

It is one thing to want to achieve something but a totally different matter as to whether you are ready to set about achieving it. The road to change has several phases to it, and here we examine each one.

PHASE 1: Pre-contemplationYou know you need to change something in your life but you have plenty of excuses.

PHASE 2: ContemplationYou have experienced a ‘light-bulb moment’ when you realised you must do something about your situation.

PHASE 3: PreparationYou are more active in exploring your options and are seeking out others who are on similar journeys.

PHASE 4: ActionYou are actively employing strategies for change and making it a priority.

PHASE 5: MaintenanceYou have achieved your goals and have replaced your negative thoughts with positive ones.

PHASE 6: TransformationYou have made positive changes to your life and are proud of your achievements.

There is no set amount of time that each phase lasts for. What matters is that you just progress from one phase to another.

Are you handling change well?

If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed by a lot of changes around you it may be time to turn to a professional counsellor for help.

Some signs that may indicate you need to see an expert include:

• Your emotions are getting out of controlYou may start crying for no clear reason, fly into a fit of rage, or you may feel depressed, lonely, or full of despair.

• Your everyday routine may be affectedYou may be eating more or less than usual, perhaps you have difficulty concentrating during the day, or you may even experience memory loss.

• Your relationships may be sufferingYou may have withdrawn from life or don’t feel like being with anyone else, or perhaps you are taking your frustrations out on those around you.

• Your sleeping patterns have changed You may find it hard to sleep, or you might sleep more than usual, or even try to stay in bed to avoid the rigours of everyday life.

Millions of people seek counselling help every year for a range of differing problems. The important thing is to seek help when you need it.

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Tips to cope with change

No matter who we are, we all are subject to changes and challenges in our lives. During traumatic, difficult, or trying times there are many simple things you can do to help you to cope.

• Positive self-talk Using some positive self-talk can be useful as well as focussing on your strengths and the things you feel confident about.

• Look after your physical healthEnsure you eat a well-balanced diet, get 7 to 8 hours sleep a night, and some moderate exercise on most days. Avoid over-indulging in alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.

• Get organisedIf you are dealing with numerous changes, it can help to get organised by creating timetables and schedules and doing tasks in advance where possible.

• Take time outMake sure you schedule time for you to do whatever relaxes and re-charges you.

• Talk to someoneSometimes having someone else to talk to can help you get perspective or find a solution, so seek out a trusted friend, family member, or colleague.

• Seek helpThis may be as simple as asking family members or friends to help out with household chores.

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Creating future leaders 5

South African First Secretary in the USA on campusMr Alu Museisi, First Secretary: Political at the South African Embassy in the USA, visited Univen recently.

Museisi discussed future engagements of Univen stakeholders in the USA with the university’s Director of International Relations, Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier Furthermore, he met with Mr Theodore Mahosi, representative of the Department of Development Studies to discuss opportunities for international relations graduates from Univen.

Univen’s Directorate of International Relations conducted for the first time a special orientation session for its international students. Both the first year full-degree students as well as the exchange students were oriented about issues which are specific to international students.

Univen’s Student Representative Council, the university’s inter-national student association UNISU and the Association of Students on the Zimbabwean Presidential Scholarship co- organised

the session.

The SRC Minister for External Relations, Communi-cations and International Relations, Mr Mashudu Radzilani, explained the council’s operations in context of the region. The chairperson of UNISU, Mr Bob Siansole, explained the activities of his organisation and the support to all new international students at Univen.

Mr Wiseman Ndlovu, Secretary General of the Association of Zimbabwean Students on

the Presidential Scholarship, spoke about the experiences of being an international student in a country away from home. Univen’s Director of International Relations Mr Hagenmeier shared practical information on Univen and discussed issues like residence permits, safety issues, money matters, medical insurance and local transport. Dr Cathrine Selepe of the Center of Higher Education Teaching and Learning explained the counselling and therapy services available to students.

Univen has the opportunity to participate in an exchange programme, thanks to the collaboration between the Catholic University Limburg in Belgium, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Univen’s School of Education.

A delegation of the Catholic University College visited Univen recently. Coordinated by Univen’s Directorate of International Relat ions, the delegation, led by Francis Loyens, Vice Pro-Rector for Educational Policies at the university college met with Dr Jannie Zaaiman, Univen’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations and with senior

staff members of the Schools of Education and Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

Prospects for intensifying the collaboration between the universities were discussed with focus on projects in the field of computer science and teacher education.

Two students from the Catholic University will be at Univen until May before going to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology for three weeks before returning to Belgium - and two Univen staff members have been invited to their university.

The two students, Lisanne Vandormael and Tim Vanherwegen, are working with students from Univen’s School of Education. Dr Philip Kutame, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education; is the academic coordinator of the project while logistical support is provided by the Directorate International Relations.

A delegation from the Catholic University Limburg, led by Mr Jan Schrooten who is responsible for the university’s outgoing students’ Teacher Training visited Univen recently to formalise the tripartite collaboration.

Univen to participate in international exchange programme

Our students from afar We would like to hear from you!

If you spot anything out of the ordinary on campus – contact the tip-off hotline - 0800 212 755, e-mail univenhotline@tip-offs.com

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Univen’s international students listen tentatively to what awaits them in the year ahead.

Dr Jannie Zaaiman, Univen’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Operations (third from left) meets with the tripartite team.

Creating future leaders6

The University of Venda’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati has announced details of the infrastructure developments of R340m on the Univen campus.

“The developments, approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, include two new student residences, a student centre, a new Health Sciences building and the second phase of the School of Education building.

“They also include a language and media laboratory, a music studio, extensions to the Disability Student Unit, an animal biotechnology laboratory and upgrades to roads and parking, storm water systems, water storage and reticulation, the sewage system and lighting.

“More than R132m will be used to build two new residences of 152 beds each, as well as R10m to refurbish existing residences. A total of R9,6m will

be used for extensions to the Disability Student Unit, including the building of additional walkways and ramps.”

Mbati says more than R37,7m will be used for a new Health Sciences building which will house four departments – Advanced Nursing Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition and Psychology, while over R33m will be used for the construction of the second phase of the School of Education building.

“More than R15,5m will be used to upgrade the media and language laboratories and the music studio, while more than R9,1m will be used to establish an animal biotechnology laboratory and a centre of excellence in animal assisted reproduction.

“The erection of a student centre and the upgrades to roads and parking, storm water systems, water storage and reticulation, the sewage system and lighting will come to more than R63,2m.”

Mbati thanked the minister for the continued support to upgrade Univen.

“Our plans to position the university as a regional centre of excellence and to meet our commitment to the communities that we serve, are not for the faint-hearted.

“The official opening of other new campus buildings worth nearly R210 mill ion by the Univen Chancellor, Kgalema Motlanthe last year, as part of a multi-million Rand refurbishment project, is proof of our commitment to create interest in the university from both local and global stakeholders.

“It cannot be business as usual if we have the survival – and growth – of Univen at heart. While we welcome the fund allocation for the new developments, we will work tirelessly towards further developments. These include, for example, two more student residences, an information technology centre and a new mining engineering building.

“Other planned infrastructure includes a Science Park, additional lecture halls, a new health clinic, an academic community training centre, an indoor sports centre and other improved sporting facilities.

“I therefore call on university staff, students and stakeholders alike to join me in further reposition-ing Univen as a national educational asset critical in the socio economic development of our people,” says Mbati.

Nendila: What does the discretionary project with support from the National Skills Fund entail?

These are needs-based projects determined by the Minister of Higher Education and Training to address skills challenges in the country. It is targeting individuals who ordinarily would not have access to higher education training. The project entails both short course and learnership training, scheduled to run for three years. This joint project between Univen and other training institutions in the district emerged as we realised that most community based projects are under the leadership of individuals who require certain critical skills to make their projects succeed. After the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Vhembe District Municipality and the university, the municipality collaborated with us and other partners to determine the skills gaps in the district. The grant is a huge milestone towards addressing the skills challenge in the district and improves the partnership between further education and training colleges and Univen.

Nendila: The Department of Higher Education and Training has approved the university’s application to roll out phase one of the project. How do you feel about the approval?

The university is humbled as it is a vote of confidence that we can mount a project of this magnitude. We and our partners are committed to ensure that we produce the best outcome and a unique training model which other institutions and districts in the country would like to emulate. We also hope that it will open other opportunities for the participating institutions and we hope to come up with a participatory model that universities and training institutions can adopt towards tailor-made training for local economic development.

Nendila: What motivated the Department of Higher Education and Training to provide this funding?

Vhembe took an init iative to own its ski l ls development problems and engaged relevant stakeholders to develop a district skills development plan. Univen got huge support from the executive mayor who presented a plan and a proposal for partnership to the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

The Vhembe District is said to be one of the most organised municipality in terms of addressing the unemployment, poverty and skills challenges in the country. It is the manner in which partners are organised towards achieving a common goal that inspires anyone.

Nendila: Which programmes will be covered by the project?

About 17 short course programmes were approved for funding of phase 1. These include. For example, Animal and Plant Production and Financial Management.

Nendila: Who will benefit from the project and how?

Members of existing cooperatives and SMMEs who are focusing on agriculture and farmers and unemployed youth who are aspirant entrepreneurs and who are interested in agricultural related ventures. They will benefit through training, nurturing and support. They will also be linked to the markets and the value chain through the work of different agencies. The focus is on skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling, placements, nurturing and support.

Nendila: How will the prospective beneficiaries know about the project?

Recruitment process wil l be done through collaboration with the office of the executive mayor. Beneficiaries will be identified by the local municipalities. Mobilisation, coordination and recruitment will be done through the local economic department offices of the municipalities.

Nendila: What is the duration of the project and what will happen after the end of the project particularly if there are candidates who are yet to exit the system?

The project will run until 2015, running a series of different skills programmes. It is envisaged that at the end of training trainees would have acquired both theoretical and experiential knowledge from this training. The municipalities will through the hosting of learners provide close mentoring to all learners.

Nendila: Which mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the intended objectives

are achieved?

All modules will be done in accordance with the requirements of the relevant SETA. Learners will be placed at the relevant municipalities for experiential learning. All modules will be moderated and facilitators will have to comply with the requirements of the relevant SETA.

Nendila: Who are other partners in the project and how will responsibilities be distributed?

All the public training institutions in the district. The responsibilities of the Vhembe District Municipality as the host employer are to provide the placement site, create an opportunity of employment for learners and to provide a data base of cooperatives and SMMEs.

Univen as the lead training provider will provide relevant facilitators, coordinate the project activities, provide training venues and related facilities and report progress to the executive mayor.

The further education and training college as lead training provider for the artisan programme will provide relevant facilitators and training venues and related facilities.

Madzivhandila as the training provider for plant and animal production will provide relevant facilitators and training venues and related facilities.

Relevant training agencies such as the Small Enterprise Development Agency and the Limpopo Business Support Agency are also included in the partnership.

Nendila: How will the project contribute to the national skills shortage?

This project is a result of a broad realisation of the skills challenge in the district. The Vhembe District Municipality together with the university developed a detailed skills plan. for the municipality. On the basis of this challenge and the quest to contribute to skilling and re-skilling of people of the district,

• Observat ions were made and research conducted which show that community projects are run by people who do not have the necessary technical, business and soft skills to run the projects.

• the people of the district should be supported to acquire the skills requisite necessary for the success of the project,

Apart from the beneficiaries, this project states that there is a positive way through which graduates from Univen - or anywhere in the country - can best be assisted to acquire the relevant experience needed by the market. This can best be done through internship placement of graduates.

We hope to place graduates to cooperatives and community projects to expose them to community development work for them to achieve skills before they go into cooperate world. We also believe it will promote responsible citizenship and allow them to learn entrepreneurial skills.

Furthermore, it will allow them opportunities to thrive through multi-stakeholder settings and engage appropriately in such settings and learn soft skills such as communication, team building and common purpose engagements.

Infrastructure development - details announced

The Department of Higher Education and training has granted Univen more than R26m to offer skills development courses.

The biggest amount of R11,4m goes towards skills development for plant and animal production and financial management, which will accommodate 1 200 learners.

The development of plumbing and pipe fitting skills received more than R4,5m and will accommodate 40 learners, while skills development in the welding industry received R5 800 and will accommodate 40 learners.

For the construction industry an amount of more than R1,2m has been allocated for skills development in bricklaying and plastering and road construction and 136 learners wil l be accommodated.

For motor mechanic skills development, R620 000 has been allocated which will accommodate 40 learners.

In the fields of communication, negotiation and conflict resolution R462 000 has been allocated to accommodate 132 leaners, while career guidance at four sites received R800 000.

The project is scheduled for three years and is funded from the National Skills Fund.

R26 million for skills development at Univen

How will Univen operate the projects funded by the National Skills fund?Nendila spoke to the Director of Community Engagement Prof Netshandama.