NZHELELE - The University of Venda for Science and Technology last week honoured Thovhele Toni Mphephu Ramabulana for supporting the University during its conflict against the National Working Group's idea of merging Venda University with Medunsa and the University of the North.

Prof Gessler Nkondo, vice-chancellor of Univen leads a delegation to the Mphephu Royal Kraal on Wednesday to present a gift to Mphephu Ramabulana.

Nkondo said that the victory of Univen in its fight against merging was due to the support from traditional leaders. "Should the University merged, other tribes would have undermined the Venda tribe", he said. "We are serving African interests and solving African problems. The University started working hand in hand with the traditional leaders in 1982 during the reign of Toni's father, Paramount Chief Patrick Mphephu".

Thovhele Toni Mphephu Ramabulana said that the victory of the University of Venda is the victory of the Venda tribe. Mphephu said that the University must produce men and women who could represent Venda in the field of technology. Communities around Nzhelele should be equipped with technology skills.

Mphephu said that traditional leaders would support the University in its efforts to enlighten and liberate the communities in Venda.