UJ Alumnus becomes Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni
Dr Nthambeleni was born and raised at a village called Madombidzha at Ha-Sinthumule, which is located about 70 km from the University in Thohoyandou, in the Limpopo province. Dr Nthambeleni completed his PhD in Sociology at UJ in 2008 after graduating with a master’s degree in the same field in 1999. Prior to that, he completed an Honours degree in Industrial Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, in 1994 and 1993, respectively, at the University of Durban. He spent several years working at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in Pretoria, which gave him the opportunity to acquire managerial experience. New challenges lie ahead He considers his appointment as the Vice-Chancellor of one of South Africa’s growing universities as a defining moment in his career. Yet, he is cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead. Univen faces challenges of underfunding, inadequate infrastructure development, and other service delivery issues. “I am familiar with difficulties in these areas, which are quite similar in nature. A lot of change has taken place in the area and a new set of challenges has arisen, which is different from the type of challenges experienced 20 years ago”, said Dr Nthambeleni. “I have been affiliated with the university due to my role as a member of Council appointed by the NRF, and I have been aware of the achievements by the university.
“This is a special occasion for me, my family, and my community”, he said. “I am humbled by the trust that the university has bestowed on me to lead this great institution”. Early career It is a historic occasion for the local community because
On 15 March 2019 University of Johannesburg (UJ) alumnus, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, was inaugurated as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda (Univen), making him the fifth Vice-Chancellor of Univen since it was established in 1982.
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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