APRIL 2021

UNIVEN values Read inside UNIVEN values 1 and celebrates Freedom Day and celebrates amid difficult times

Freedom Day Message from 2 the Chancellor of the University of amid difficult Venda Mpho Matodzi 3 crowned Miss times Limpopo Plus Size

UNIVEN 4 On Thursday, 22 April 2021, the University In his Keynote Address, Cllr Avhashoni “For almost three decades since of Venda (UNIVEN) held Freedom Day Tshifhango, Mayor of Thulamela freedom was born, we are yet dedicates a Celebration under the theme ‘Valuing our Municipality said this year’s Freedom Day freedom in Difficult times’. This Freedom marks almost 27 years since the country to see our country (Republic of series of Virtual Day Celebration was held on Microsoft witnessed its freedom in 1994. He said, ) experiencing full teams and all University social media before 1994, South Africans, particularly Health Awareness platforms, including UNIVEN FM from black people were living in difficult freedom. We need to continue 10h00-11h30. situations because they were oppressed by to fight for full freedom. presentations to the government. “There was no freedom for black people, and we need to Even though the country is celebrate World be grateful for this day and the freedom that experiencing challenges, there Health month was born on this day.” are many things that were Cllr Tshifhango said even though we have 2021 freedom in our country, your freedom achieved post 1994.” should be practiced responsibly, and people When concluding his keynote address, should always remember that no one is Cllr Tshifhango said the government is above the law. The Constitution of the faced with a challenge to teach people Republic of South Africa that was adopted in how to take care of themselves when Vuwani Science 6 1996 outlines the Bill of rights that preserve fighting Covid-19 pandemic. He also spoke all the rights that we have as a country. He about a young High School girl who was Resource Centre said Chapter 2 of the Bill of Rights outlines recently assaulted by a fellow learner until the rights that comes with freedom that was she committed suicide. He encouraged inducts new born in 1994. students and learners to stop bullying each other because bullying is another form volunteers and Among other things, he spoke about of depriving another person their own Chapter eight (8) of The Constitution of freedom. He encouraged students to go interns the Republic of South Africa where he and vote in order to protect their freedom highlighted matters of the Judicial authority. and democracy.

1 UNIVEN values and celebrates Freedom Day amid difficult times continued... Message from the Chancellor of the University of Venda

In his Message, UNIVEN SRC President, Mr Gift Chauke, said this freedom did not happen automatically but it was fought for UNIVEN History Lecturer, Mr Seane by a lot of current and previous political Mabitsela gave an overview of the struggle activists some of whom are still alive even against apartheid in South Africa, 1948 to today. Mr Chauke further spoke about high 1994; threats or risks during postapartheid; rate of unemployment in South Africa and the definition of the concept of freedom; and issues of free education. He highlighted that, the reasons why freedom should be valued. “having freedom for the past 27 years, we When explaining the meaning of apartheid, should no longer be speaking about issues he said apartheid means apartness and this of land, poverty, free education and other apartness was established by the National challenges. We should be free from all these Party government of Malan in 1948. He said challenges.” this National Party governed South Africa He said even when we say we have freedom until 1994. “Apartheid ensured the survival in South Africa, we are still oppressed. Chauke and kept different races separate at all advised young leaders to check themselves societal levels. When talking about Freedom.” on what is it that they are doing to change Mr Mabitsela said the word freedom refers to the situation because they still have a long the power or right to act or speak freely. He way to go. He further advised them to cast said freedom is there even in the Holy Book, their votes during election times because on 2 Corinthians 3: 17 – For the Lord is the that is another way to make the change. spirit and where the spirit of the Lord is, there “Even though you don’t like politics, when is freedom. He said even Galatians 5:1 talks you are given an opportunity to vote, go more about freedom. there and cast your vote to make the change “Today, in South Africa, everyone is entitled that you want to see.” to rights and freedom set forth in the May I take this opportunity to welcome easy decision to arrive at, because the declaration Article 2; Article 13; Article 18; you to the 2021 academic year at our challenges faced by students are real. Article 19; Article 20 which are : everyone University, UNIVEN. I am honoured to join Let me express my profound gratitude to has the right to freedom of movement and the community of UNIVEN at this stage, the Academic and Support staff for their residence within the borders of a State; when the global community has to adjust dedication and for continuing to assist everyone has the right to freedom of thought, to what has been termed the “new normal”. students to succeed in their studies. I conscience and region; everyone has the Please allow me to extend my deepest want to commend the University Vice- right to freedom of opinion and expression; condolences to all who have lost loved Chancellor and his Management Team for everyone has the right to freedom of ones to the Covid-19 pandemic and wish a ensuring a smooth registration process peaceful assembly and association.” speedy recovery to those afflicted. despite the challenges across the higher The Vice-Chancellor has updated me on education sector and crippling national the progress made with regard to the student debt. Currently, the University conclusion of the 2020 academic year, is owed about R92 million. Government which was concluded in March 2021 due grants remain the key source of revenue to a number of challenges. I am pleased for UNIVEN. Over 11 879, which is 78% of to learn that the University is now ready to our students, are funded by NSFAS and commence with the 2021 academic year. other government departments. About 3 I am optimistic that despite the Covid-19 459 students are in the ‘missing middle When introducing the Guest speaker, pandemic, 2021 will be yet another category’. These are students whose family University Registrar, Advocate Edward productive academic year. household income exceeds the maximum Lambani said this freedom didn’t come I am aware that registration for 2021 amount required to qualify for NSFAS but cheap, it came at a price hence it has to be started on March 1, 2021 and was initially are still unable to fund university studies. celebrated every year. scheduled for two weeks but had to be I am willing to work with all stakeholders extended due the request made by the to raise funds for the ‘missing middle’ Minister of Higher Education, Science and students to fund their studies. I would Innovation. The University also took a also like to invite other more privileged When opening and highlighting the purpose decision to re-open the online application contributors to do likewise because, as system for first-time entering students of this event, Director Student Affairs, Mr the African saying goes, it takes a village until 31 March 2021, to fill the remaining Lufuno Tshikhudo, explained why UNIVEN to raise a child. This country needs leaders. limited spaces in the Schools of Agriculture, and the country annually celebrate Freedom This Continent needs leaders. Day. He further highlighted that this day is Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, worth celebrating because the price has been Human and Social Sciences, Management As I conclude, you will recall that, at the beginning of the year 2021, the University paid by the blood of fellow South Africans. Sciences, and Mathematical and Natural started with the implementation of the Mr Tshikhudo told attendees that, although Sciences. Other than these challenges, 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. This Strategic South Africans are free, they should always everything regarding online applications Plan was developed through an inclusive remember that this freedom did not come and registration processes for first time process and shared with the University inexpensive, but with a lot of sacrifices and at entering students went well. community and strategic stakeholders to high price. Therefore, it should be celebrated I would like to take this opportunity to familiarise themselves with the change responsibly. commend the UNIVEN SRC for showing that is about to take place. I urge all exemplary leadership in ensuring that the Messages of support came from student stakeholders to support this Plan. Change University continued with its operations; political structures. Mr Sipho Mavhungu is good if it is embraced to its fullest; and and by allowing students to finish writing representing ANC Youth League and Mr it assist us to grow individually and as a their 2020 academic year final examinations Gudani Tshamano representing the Economic When concluding the programme, Speaker without any disruptions, despite the recent University. Freedom Fighters Student Command who of Student Parliament, Afrika Somthi National Shutdown of tertiary institutions. Once again, I wish you a very successful echoed that this freedom did not come encouraged young generation to practice I know that this could not have been an 2021. cheap, it came at a high price. their freedom and rights responsibly.

2 Mpho Matodzi crowned Miss Limpopo Plus Size

A 23-year-old University of Venda (UNIVEN) Media Studies final year student has recently been crowned Miss Limpopo Plus Size. Mpho Matodzi was crowned Miss Limpopo Plus Size after winning a beauty contest that took place on Saturday, 10 April 2021at Meropa Sun International, Polokwane. Mpho’s modelling journey started when she took part in Miss UNIVEN thick size in 2019 where she was crowned Miss Personality. Mpho further entered Miss Venda 2019/2020 competition where she was crowned Miss Venda Plus Size Public Choice and Miss Venda Plus Size Queen. In 2020, she entered Miss Limpopo Plus Size where she became Miss Limpopo Plus Size Public Choice and Miss Limpopo Plus size Queen. She is currently a reigning Queen of Limpopo Plus Size. “What motivated me to be a Plus Size Model is that growing up as a plus size, I went through so many challenges and I had to face bullies because of my body size”. She added that modelling to her is a platform to show young women like herself that, being plus size should never be a reason not to follow their dreams. She continued to highlight that we are living in the era of social media pressure where young women often fall victim to the standards of beauty set by social media. “Some even forgot how to love themselves properly because of the external pressure from social media. I want to be constantly reminding these young women that, there is nothing wrong with them or with their bodies. They should love and embrace the blessing that God gave them.”

Photos supplied

3 UNIVEN dedicates a series of Virtual Health Awareness presentations to celebrate World Health month

Photo credit: A photo from Dreamstime.com illustrating various types of exercises

On April 07 every year, the world celebrates Why is it important for people to take care The following topics were identified by “Every part of your life World Health Day. The University of Venda of their health? Taking better care of our Campus Health Clinic for 2021 Health (UNIVEN) noticed a need to dedicate the bodies means increased energy levels, and a awareness week: Identifying depressed relies on you having whole week to its employees and students better ability to accomplish our daily goals. students on campus; Signs and symptoms good health. You by organising a series of health awareness It means better ability to concentrate on any and prevention of Tuberculosis (TB); Pre- given task, and that our tasks will take less presentations from Tuesday, 20 April to exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Diet and cannot climb higher time to complete. Friday, 23 April 2021. These series of health lifestyle modification. in all the other seven Head of UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic, awareness presentations took place on She highlighted that, the knowledge Mrs Faith Mashau said our health is at areas of your life if you Microsoft teams. gained, and early identification of signs the centre of our life. “Every part of your do not have enough The theme for this year’s World Health life relies on you having good health. You and symptoms could prevent infections on is ‘Building a fairer, healthier world for cannot climb higher in all the other seven campus, poor performance, dropout, suicide physical and mental everyone’ and was launched by the South areas of your life if you do not have enough and could further improve physical and energy to devote to African Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize physical and mental energy to devote to mental wellbeing of both UNIVEN staff and on the 07 April 2021. each of them.” students. each of them.”

4 UNIVEN dedicates a series of Virtual Health Awareness presentations to celebrate World Health month contunued...

Mr Edward Dongola, who is a Senior Professional Nurse at UNIVEN Campus Health Clinic made a presentation on the A Professional Nurse at UNIVEN Campus A presentation on PrEP was made by Ms A presentation regarding Diet and Lifestyle prevention and identification of depressed Health Clinic, Mr Joseph Neluheni highlighted Maggie Hlungwani, who is an HIV/AIDS Modification came from Ms Tshilidzi Masia, students on campus, highlighting that early Coordinator. Ms Hlungwani indicated groups a Professional Nurse from UNIVEN Campus the importance of identifying early signs and identification will avoid drop out from the of people who qualify and those who do not Health Clinic who said living a healthy University, prevent suicide, prevent poor symptoms of TB to prevent further infection qualify to get PrEP. She further highlighted lifestyle can prevent chronic diseases and performance and will improve mental health. on campus since it can be treated. about the minor side effects of PrEP. long-term illnesses.

TEMS 911 is the Emergency Medical Service provider at the University of Venda. In case of emergency Dial: 079 901 9305 • WhatsApp: 081 463 0343 Speed Dial: *57014 (landline)

5 Vuwani Science Resource Centre inducts new volunteers and interns

On Wednesday, 14 April 2021, Vuwani Science Resource Centre hosted the induction for Volunteers and interns in collaboration with Community Engagement Directorate. This induction took place at Muofhe Graceland Lodge.

When talking about skills, Prof Netshandama , told volunteers and interns that, there is no qualification that doesn’t need additional “Show everyone skills on completion, even if they are not related to their degree. “Mental health has respect and become a skill mandatory for everyone to In his opening and welcome message, the have, understand how your mind works.” kindness. At the Deputy Dean of the School of Mathematical She further emphasised the importance of and Natural Sciences, Prof Peter Tshisikhawe asking questions, do not assume that you elevator, school thanked attendees for considering UNIVEN know people because they are from your as a University of their choice. He told community, colleagues and so forth. kids, the shabby volunteers and interns to make use of this When talking about how to engage with opportunity which is intended to assist them communities, Prof Netshandama highlighted looking guy, with experience needed when applying that there are no blueprints but there is a for jobs. “Make sure that at the end of set of principles anchored from respect. because the this programme you would have gained . Even when people do not understand experience that will assist you in future.” Director Community Engagement, Prof each other due to language barrier and reward comes Vhonani Netshandama shared with the so forth respect is the language that will volunteers, the importance of Community always be understood and felt globally. “She as a result of Engagement and its approach. concluded the session by telling the interns She urged the interns to be open-minded and volunteers that, “life is tough but do not having touched and be appreciative of the opportunity to make a habit of complaining, stick it out and be part of this session. Making an example always look at the glass as half full.” and impacted a based on Mr Juniper’s testimony, that your next big break could be from anyone or life. Be conscious anywhere. “Show everyone respect and kindness. At the elevator, school kids, the about every shabby looking guy, because the reward comes as a result of having touched and interaction that impacted a life. Be conscious about every interaction that you have with yourself and with your surroundings because you cannot you have with give what you do not have,” she told them. yourself and with Prof Netshandama encouraged them to check their emotions, fix themselves as their your surroundings daily commitment. She said one thing she has learnt as an adult is that positivity is everything, “you can’t expect to get what you because you can’t give.” She told them that, “the universe A radio personality, Wonder Juniper from gives you what you have on your state of cannot give the motivated the mind (things she wishes she learnt earlier in newly inducted student assistants under the life). It is a lifelong commitment, and it plays UNIVEN Schools Liaison Officer, Mr Takalani what you do not concept of Science Communication skills a huge role in our start-up career journey. Nyelisani gave very detailed and insightful where he was enlightening them about the There is no skill that you will learn in 30 tips about Writing skills with particular focus have.” power of Science in this modern world. minutes, give yourself time.” on CVs and Project Proposals.

6 Vuwani Science Resource Centre inducts new volunteers and interns continued... Ms Jessicah Mamabolo from Vuwani Science We Resource Centre gave a response to all presentations while Dr Sophie Mulaudzi from UNIVEN Department of Physics gave a vote of thanks.

Among attendees, there were twelve (12) would interns from Vuwani Science Resource Centre, twelve (12) Student Assistants from Community Engagement Directorate and three (03) Postgraduate students from UNIVEN Department of Physics. The like to internship is externally funded by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) and Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). hear from you!

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