The principal of the University of Venda (Univen), Prof Peter Mbati has promised to partner Zimbabwean universities with books and learning material.

Mbati, who was on a familiarization tour in Manicaland in Zimbabwe where he and his delegation from Limpopo toured the newly established Manicaland College of Applied Sciences (Manicaland State University), said the Zimbabwean Government and leadership in Manicaland were "amazingly" insightful and consistent in taking the university to greater heights. He commended the remarkable progress as well as the province's tireless efforts to make the university a centre of excellence.

"There will be areas of synergy. The university is an exciting development. I wish you well and we will follow the project closely. We belong together. The (Beit Bridge) border is just a geographical boundary," he said.

Mbati was accompanied by, among other members of the delegation, the advisor to the university and director of international relations, Mr Cornelius Hagenmeier. The university has now enrolled 40 students since its inception 10 months ago who are studying for bachelors and honours degrees in mining- and engineering-related fields.

The university now has seven members of staff, including two permanent lecturers.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs, Mr Chris Mushohwe, said the university would play a critical role in the development of education in the country. He called on stakeholders to support the university materially and financially.

Univen has also, in the past, donated Venda books to the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) in Masvingo, following the introduction of Venda programmes at the institution a few years ago.