UNIVEN Vice Chancellor, The University of Venda Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Ndanduleni Bernard Nthambeleni as new Vice- Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda with effect from 01 January 2019. Dr Nthambeleni succeeds Prof Peter Mbati whose term expired on 31 January 2018 after serving in this position for two five-year terms. After the departure of Prof Peter Mbati, the University Council appointed Prof Jan Crafford as Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal from 01 February 2018 until 31 December 2018.
Dr Nthambeleni is an accomplished and successful executive with more than 22 years’ experience in the higher education sector relating to teaching, management, research management & research administration, capacity building programmes, research and development. He brings to this portfolio a wealth of experience and a breadth knowledge and relevant experience that will enable him to successfully lead the University of Venda to becoming a powerful vibrant regional player in the higher education sector and a major academic and research outputs contributor to the South African National System of Innovation.
Dr Nthambeleni currently holds a senior management position at the National Research Foundation of South Africa as the Executive Director in charge of the Grants Management and Systems Administration directorate.
Before joining the National Research Foundation, he worked as a Lecturer at the former Vista University East Rand Campus, Johannesburg and a Researcher in the research project sponsored by the South Africa-Netherlands Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), Amsterdam Human Science Research Council, Kurt Lewin Institute and the Vrije University of Amsterdam.
Dr Nthambeleni is also a member of the following professional bodies: Institute of Directors in Southern Africa since 2014, the South African Research & Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) since 2009, the South African Sociological Association (SASA) since 2008 and the International Sociological Association (ISA) since 2007.
Mr Serobi Maja, Chair of UNIVEN Council said: “The appointment of Dr Nthambeleni is important to the University of Venda at a challenging time for South African Higher Education sector. I have no doubt that he would crystalise the University of Venda vision and be instrumental in driving it into reality. With the challenges of transformation in the Higher Education sector, it is to our great advantage to have an
academic leader of international standing, someone with the strategic vision to see through the myriad matters locally, nationally and globally. He will help us through setting ambitious goals which include raising the expectation and performance of UNIVEN for globally impactful research and position the University among the top South African universities”.
Dr Nthambeleni says: “despite challenges facing the Higher Education sector, I am confident and optimistic that through effective stakeholder management tactics, the future of UNIVEN would be delivered upon pillars of its strategic intent of research and innovation, quality teaching and learning and community engagement. I’m indeed honored to inherit a stable and well-operating University. With active participation
and commitment by all strategic stakeholders, UNIVEN will be taken to yet another level”.
Issued by:
Takalani Dzaga-APR
Director Communications and Marketing
University of Venda
P/bag x 5050
Thohoyandou
0950
Tel : 015 9628670
Fax : 086 652 3003
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