Plans are under way to reconnect former students and lecturers of the now-defunct Venda College of Education (Veco) through a reunion aimed at preserving the institution's legacy and contributing to community development.
The reunion, coordinated by academic Dr Ndavheleseni Albert Mbada, will take place at Marude High School on Saturday, 27 December. Mbada said the closure of Veco more than two decades ago had led to former students' and lecturers' losing contact, largely due to work commitments and the passage of time.
"Former students of any educational institution can keep the legacy of their institutions alive, even when those institutions no longer exist. The most important thing is to bring together the alumni and draw up plans to empower the communities in which they live," Mbada said.
He said preparations for the reunion had begun six months ago. "We have managed to bring together more than 50 former students who will be part of the reunion. It will not be just a gathering of former students, but a platform for us to come up with a programme of action to see how we can contribute to improving the standard of education in our society."
Former Veco academics have been invited to contribute to discussions on the day. "Our former rector, Mr Ernest Nndwamato Nthangeni, and former lecturers Mr Fhatuwani Sumbana, Mrs Josephine Nthangeni and Mr Mutshutshu Mammba, will be our main guests who will address us during the big day," Mbada said.
Marude High School was selected as the venue because it occupies the former Veco campus. "Where Marude High School is today, is the place where we used to attend classes as Veco students," he said.
Mbada encouraged former Veco students who may be unaware of the reunion to attend. "We still want more former students to join us in this historic move. Those who would like to be part can contact me directly on 060-9879248."