University of Limpopo

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄 | 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

Phenyo Grace Selepe is a dynamic and driven young entrepreneur, currently pursuing a Master of Arts in International Politics at the University of Limpopo. She serves as the Deputy Chairperson of ULPOSSA and works as a Tutor in the Department of Political and Cultural Studies, demonstrating both academic excellence and leadership.

She is the founder of Gracious Store, a growing business that offers a diverse range of products, including men’s formal wear (suits, formal shoes, and shirts), branded footwear, and gadgets. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects a bold commitment to turning vision into reality.

Driven by the belief that “many people dream, but only a few have the courage to take risks,” Phenyo encourages others to move beyond planning and embrace the uncertainty that comes with pursuing success. She advocates for taking decisive action and stepping out in faith rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment.

Phenyo Grace Selepe represents a new generation of University of Limpopo entrepreneurs—bold, visionary, and committed to building impactful enterprises while inspiring others to do the same.

𝐔𝐋 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The University of Limpopo will host the Water and Sanitation Alumni and Convocation Sector Conference on 20 June 2026 at the Earth Science Building under the theme, "Victory in the Face of Adversity."

The conference will bring together alumni, academics, industry professionals, and key stakeholders, with Mr Kennedy Chihota, Director at ERWAT, serving as the guest speaker.

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐋𝐄𝐊𝐆𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 🌱

The University of Limpopo, through the Centre for Rural Community Empowerment in partnership with the National Research Foundation (NRF), hosted a Youth Lekgotla, bringing together young farmers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and emerging business leaders.

From livestock exhibitions to fresh produce stalls, participants presented the results of their work and shared practical ideas shaping the agricultural space. Beyond the displays, the Lekgotla created direct access to funders, government stakeholders, private sector partners, and experienced entrepreneurs. They learned from entrepreneurs who’ve walked the road before them. This is what happens when we invest in rural youth. This is the future of food, and it’s being built right here at the University of Limpopo.

Rural communities do not need rescuing. They need platforms that recognise and support what already exists. Youth Lekgotla 2026 created that space. Young people arrived with products, plans, and purpose, and left with networks, insight, and momentum.

Agriculture is not waiting for the future. It is being built now by young people who understand the land and the work it demands.

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩

The University of Limpopo is excited to invite nursing students to apply for the Short Learning Programme in Nurse Entrepreneurship, an empowering initiative designed to help you transform your nursing knowledge and skills into a thriving business venture.

Apply online: www.ul.ac.za

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐩𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐋

Retiring academic leaves behind a stronger research culture, a generation of mentored scholars and a faculty better equipped to meet the demands of knowledge production.

Prof Rafapa bows out after shaping Humanities scholarship at UL - University of Limpopo Prof Lesibana (JRL) Rafapa retires after seven years of service as Humanities Faculty Research Professor at the University of Limpopo. Photo: Malatji

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐓𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐢 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫

The University of Limpopo congratulates Professor Thobela Louis Tyasi on his appointment as Full Professor in Animal Breeding and Genetics.

Professor Tyasi is a distinguished academic in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, within the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Agriculture. His promotion is a testament to his outstanding contributions to teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, and academic leadership.

An established researcher specialising in livestock genetic improvement, Professor Tyasi's research focuses on the characterisation of animal genetic resources, the relationship between genetic variation and animal performance, the application of artificial intelligence in animal production and management, and the design and implementation of community-based animal breeding programmes.

His academic journey at the University of Limpopo reflects a commitment to excellence, having served as a Senior Lecturer from 2019, progressing to Associate Professor in 2022, and now attaining the rank of Full Professor. To date, he has authored and co-authored more than 200 scholarly publications and continues to mentor postdoctoral fellows while supervising doctoral, master's, honours, and final-year undergraduate students.

Professor Tyasi is a C2-rated researcher recognised by the National Research Foundation (NRF) for his sustained contribution to research. His achievements have earned him notable accolades, including the Best Mid-Career Animal Scientist Award from the South African Society of Animal Science in 2024 and the Vice-Chancellor's Best Overall Researcher Award at the University of Limpopo in 2022.

We celebrate this significant achievement and commend Professor Tyasi for his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, innovation, and excellence in animal breeding and genetics. We wish him continued success in shaping the future of agricultural research and developing the next generation of scholars and researchers.

The University of Limpopo Student Representative Council (SRC), accompanied by officials from Student Life, Governance and Development, commenced its three-day Leadership Engagement and Collaborative Programme with the University of Namibia (UNAM) in Windhoek, Namibia.

The programme serves as a platform for student leaders from both institutions to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen regional cooperation in student governance and leadership development. The engagement reflects a shared commitment to building capable student leaders who can effectively contribute to institutional governance and student success across the African continent.

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫

The University of Limpopo successfully hosted the Youth Agricultural Trade Fair 2026, bringing together young farmers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry stakeholders for a dynamic day of collaboration and growth.

The event created a vibrant platform to showcase products and services, explore emerging agricultural technologies, and foster meaningful connections within the sector.

A powerful celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven solutions shaping the future of agriculture.

𝐔𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚

The University of Limpopo Women’s Academic Solidarity Association (ULWASA) continues its commitment to empowering women in academia through its annual Welcome Function, a platform dedicated to supporting and integrating female academics and postgraduate students into the university community.

Bringing together female staff members, researchers, and postgraduate students, the event fosters academic solidarity, meaningful connections, and mentorship opportunities.

Delivering a message of support, the University of Limpopo Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele, emphasised the critical role ULWASA plays in advancing the status of women in academia, championing empowerment, representation, and excellence.

The event also featured an engaging panel discussion, where thought leaders shared insights on navigating academia, research, overcoming challenges, and building impactful careers. This was complemented by vibrant entertainment, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere that encouraged connection, reflection, and inspiration. A celebration of unity, growth, and purpose, shaping a stronger future for women in higher education.