The vice-chancellor of the University of Venda, Prof Peter Mbati, has called for committed and dedicated stakeholders to prevail in order for the university to reach greater heights.

Speaking at the official opening of the university for the new term on Monday, Mbati reminded everyone that the national plan for higher education expects the university system to produce academics and researchers needed by the growing economy through their teaching, learning, research and community engagement activities.

He said he hoped for an eventful year with everyone starting the new year with vigour. “From 2007 to date, we have received substantial capital from government towards addressing our dire infrastructure needs on campus. Our council has supplemented a significant amount of money towards these and other infrastructure projects. These projects are at various stages of construction, with completion dates for some anticipated in this year such as the lecture hall complex, an extension to the Environmental Sciences building, extension to the School of Agriculture, and the Council- funded Office Complex,” he said.

He added that there was a dire need to upgrade the piggery, stores for feeds and other farm implements and animal-holding facilities. “This is to ensure the school delivers on the core business of quality teaching and learning, and to enhance its ability to adequately align itself to the needs of the broader agricultural community in the region,” he said.

He said the university would upgrade the water system; improve the water-efficiency capacity by doing a thorough analysis of the entire water reticulation system, improve the efficiency of the existing boreholes and probably commission an extra borehole.

He also said he was aware that lighting on campus was a cause for concern as many lights in walkways had been damaged. “As a matter of safety for students who go to the library at night and for general patrols on campus, all walkway lights need to be recommissioned and we will open up a patrol road around the perimeter fence for police and security staff in order to curb cases of assault and theft.”

Forty staff houses will also be upgraded.