The University of Venda (Univen) has appointed Andisani Mathelemusa as the new head of department (HOD) of student governance. Mathelemusa is one of Univen’s master’s graduates. He has served in various positions in student leadership, including serving as the president of the student representative council (SRC).

Speaking to Limpopo Mirror on Tuesday morning, Mathelemusa said the fact that he had been appointed during Youth Month was just a coincidence. “I believe I am one of the youngest people to be appointed as an HOD in the country at the moment. I know the issues that are affecting the youth as I am one of them. All I can say is that it is going to be all systems go when it comes to motivating the youth to be able to reach greater heights in life,” he said.

He added that, like other learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, he had used the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to be able to study at the university. “All that students need in order to make it in life is to work very hard. I would also like to thank the government for helping disadvantaged students with the NSFAS as some of us would not be able to attain university qualifications otherwise,” he said.