Students told to make a meaningful contribution to the country

More than 500 students from different disciplines were rewarded for their hard work when they attained their qualifications during the September graduation ceremony of the University of Venda that took place at the university auditorium last Friday.

Friends and relatives ululated at the top of their voices when their loved ones ascended the stage to receive their qualifications.

Univen’s chancellor, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, officiated at the event. He said that the qualifications should assist the students in making an impact in the mainstream economy and being of benefit to the community.

He commended the students for their dedication and hard work, saying their achievements symbolize hope.

A young scientist and part-time lecturer at Univen, Dr Muendi Sigidi, received a doctorate in microbiology. The title of her research is Selection and evaluation of ten medicinal plants used in the Vhembe district for life-threatening infections. The 33-year-old scientist from Thohoyandou Unit D says the study investigated claims by traditional healers to treat HIV/Aids by evaluating the in-vitro cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory potential of 10 selected medicinal plants.

"The study has demonstrated that plant extracts are indeed an alternate source of therapy against some life-threatening infectious agents. These extracts can also work indirectly against pathogens by boosting the immune system," she said.

Date:07 October 2017

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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