University of Venda

The University of Venda (Univen), situated in Thohoyandou in the scenic Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province of South Africa was established in 1982. The university has ever experienced tremendous growth and change. From its early years, staff members were drawn from various backgrounds in South Africa but by 1994 staff members were increasingly recruited from other African countries and overseas. With the advent of democracy in 1994 and a new leadership at the helm, Univen embarked on a process of accelerated transformation.

From 1995 the university shifted its focus to science and technology, resulting in the introduction of new programmes with an increase in student enrolment in the natural and applied sciences.

In 2002, the Department of Education mandated the institution to transform into a comprehensive university that offers career-focused programmes. Prior to its new mandate, Univen had already taken a step to establish some career-focused programmes with emphasis on science and technology.