University of Venda (UNIVEN) in Thohoyandou, Limpopo

The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is situated in Thohoyandou in the scenic Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It was established in 1982 and has experienced tremendous growth since then.

Creating Future Leaders 

UNIVEN’s mandate is to transform into a comprehensive University that offers academic, professional and vocational programmes.

The University has therefore become an important player in the South African higher education landscape, contributing significantly to the human resources and development needs of the region and the country at large.

Faculties

• Agriculture
• Education
• Environmental Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Human & Social Services
• Law
• Management Sciences
• Mathematical & Natural Sciences

Vision 

To be at the centre of tertiary education for rural and regional development in Southern Africa.

Mission

As a comprehensive institution, the University of Venda offers a range of undergraduate and post graduate qualifications in fields of study that are responsive to the development needs of the Southern African region, using appropriate learning methodologies and research.

Core Values

• Accountability, Transparency, Integrity, Respect
• Diversity
• Institutional Values
• Quality and Excellence 
• Social Responsibility, Community Engagement and Ubuntu 

Disabilities Unit

Since 2005 Univen has catered for people with disabilities such as:

• Visual, Hearing, Physical
• Speech Impairments, Chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy)
• Painful Conditions (e.g. back injuries & carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Psychological Disabilities (e.g. bipolar disorder & severe anxiety/depression)
• Temporary Disabilities (e.g. broken limbs) may request services for the period during which they require them.

History

UNIVEN was established in 1982 and from its inception, members of staff were sourced from various backgrounds in South Africa, but by 1994 they were recruited from abroad.

During this time the institution was a traditional University that offered a full-range of courses such as humanities, social sciences, natural and applied sciences.

In 1994, with new leadership at the helm Univen embarked on a process of accelerated growth.

From 1995 the university shifted its focus to science and technology, resulting in the introduction of new programmes with an increase in Student enrolment in the natural and applied sciences. 

In 2002, the Department of Education issued a mandate that required the Institution to transform into a comprehensive University that offers career-focused programmes