The progress of the recovery plan at the University of Venda impressed Minister of Education Naledi Pandor and she promised to ask for more funds to support the University to help address the backlog in maintaining the physical infrastructure at the university’s campus.

The university, which was meant for a student population of 5 500, is now overflowing with more than 10 000 students registered. The university is one of the institutions of higher learning in the country that is classified as previously disadvantaged and formed part of her intended visits to such institutions

Pandor also met student leaders, workers and the university management and shared ideas on how best they could improve the university. An amount of R130 million was put aside for the improvement of infrastructure and the recovery plan on campus in 2005 by the national education department. During her visit, Pandor was impressed with the progress that the university has already made.

"I am pleased with the progress made by the Uuniversity of Venda through the funding we gave them for university recovery plans. We will also set aside some funds for the university to improve the residences of the students and revamping the university library, amongst others," Pandor said.

The minister said she was glad about the changes the university has made and applauded the management of the University for using funds profitably for the benefit of the university community. She also commended the university management for having changed the university into a comprehensive university which could offer technikon-orientated courses which prepare students for the job market.

The minister also called upon the public sector to assist her department and pump in funds for the improvement of the university´s environment. She said what the university had done so far was a good beginning and she was hopeful that the university would be able to comfortably house more than 10 000 students by 2010.

Pandor called on students and staff to make good use of the revamped facilities and new ones and also to take care of them.

She said her department had a programme to support the previously disadvantaged universities in the country and the University of Venda is one set to benefit.

The acting vice-chancellor of the university, Dr Jim Leatt, said the recovery plan was on track and was working in three phases. He disclosed that an amount of R26 million had already been used since December 2006 and the university has already been refurbished, with a computer centre also built. "We still have a long way to go, but with the support we are getting from government, we will soon be counted amongst the best in the country, if not in the world", he said.

Students who spoke to the minister said they were very happy about the development on their campus and have high hopes for the future.