The University of Venda (UNIVEN) is accelerating its regional engagement efforts, as showcased by its dynamic participation in the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). In alignment with Strategic Objective 15—aimed at enhancing the University’s local, regional, and global visibility—UNIVEN dispatched a dedicated delegation to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from 21 to 26 April 2025.
The delegation, representing the Directorate of International Relations and Partnerships as well as Marketing, Branding, and Communication, included Matome Mokoena, Mirero Makhado, Tsundzuka Hakamela, and Mphinyana Nemasitoni.
This year’s ZITF, held under the theme “Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Eco-nomic Landscape,” attracted over 400 exhibitors from across Zimbabwe, the re-gion, and globally. The event gained further prestige with the attendance of region-al leaders, including His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and His Excellency President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique. The Limpopo Premier’s office was also present, with UNIVEN standing out as South Africa’s sole high-er education representative in Hall 3—designated for institutions of higher learning.
The fair presented a unique opportunity for the university to strengthen its region-al presence and to actively recruit international students in line with both its stra-tegic objectives and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Pro-tocol on Higher Education. The UNIVEN team engaged with a diverse array of stakeholders, including prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, rep-resentatives from the business sector, and other higher education institutions.
Prof Doreen Zandile Moyo, Gwanda State University (GSU) Vice Chancellor, posing for a picture at the UNIVEN
Exhibition stand
Throughout the event, the delegation highlighted UNIVEN’s academic offerings, ad-mission processes, student support services, and areas for research and collab-oration. Information provided included undergraduate and postgraduate pro-grammes across four faculties: Science, Engineering, and Agriculture; Management, Commerce, and Law; Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education as well as Health Sciences.
The team also emphasised the university’s commitment to community engagement and ru-ral development, positioning UNIVEN as a hub for both academic and societal transformation.
During engagements, the delegation underlined the university’s cutting-edge infrastruc-ture, including modern laboratories, fully equipped libraries, and state-of-the-art ICT fa-cilities—offering students a dynamic and globally competitive learning environment.
UNIVEN’s visible presence and proactive engagement at ZITF not only under-scored its role in promoting South African higher education across borders but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships. As the university continues to im-plement forward-thinking internationalisation strategies, it is well-positioned to at-tract top-tier students and academic collaborators from across the continent.
By expanding its footprint in Southern Africa, the University of Venda is active-ly contributing to regional integration and socioeconomic development, rein-forcing its vision to become a leading institution of higher learning in Africa.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
