The University of Venda paid a homage visit to the Tshivhase Royal Council over the weekend, to strengthen the relationship with traditional leaders.

Univen’s acting Vice-Principal, Dr Jim Leatte, said that the university recognized the role of traditional leaders in the development of institutions of higher education. “We have received funding from the national Department of Education to help us with the upgrading of the university and give life to the information technology system, and it is important to inform the traditional leader in the area about new developments,” he said.

Khosi Midiyavhathu Kennedy Tshivhase said it is important to be acknowledged by the university. “My appeal is that we work together for the better development of the country,” he said. He added that there is a shortage of skills in the Tshivhase Development Foundation, an organization initiated to help the residents of the Tshivhase area.

It is not the first time that the university tries to link with the community which it is operating in and has recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Mulenzhe Development Trust.