28/08/2026
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐งโ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฉ๐จ๐ญ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ: ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ค๐ก๐ฎ โ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฌ
This Womenโs Month, the University of Venda celebrates Ms Doreen Morukhu, a Lecturer in the Department of Human Resource Management and Labour Relations, whose work reflects a strong commitment to student development, empowerment, leadership and social impact.
Ms Morukhu joined UNIVEN in 2022 through the New Generation of Academics Programme (NGAP) and specialises in Industrial Psychology, with academic interests including Human Resource Management, Talent Management, Transformational Leadership, Employee Retention, Entrepreneurship, Employability and the Future of Work. She is currently awaiting her PhD graduation in Human Resource Management, scheduled for 11 September 2026.
Her contribution to student development extends well beyond the classroom. As the Coordinator of the UNIVEN SABPP Student Chapter, she has played an important role in creating professional development and mentorship opportunities for students. The chapter was recognised as the Best Student Chapter in 2024, while Ms Morukhu received the Best Supporting Lecturer Award from SABPP in the same year. She was also shortlisted among the Top Three in the category in 2025 and nominated for the 2026 SABPP Awards.
Her passion for empowering students is also reflected in her involvement with Enactus, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and international initiatives such as the Map the System competition at Oxford University. Through these platforms, she encourages students to think innovatively, engage with real-world challenges and confidently represent UNIVEN on broader platforms.
For Ms Morukhu, being an academic is more than teaching and research. It is about inspiring confidence, creating opportunities and preparing students to make a meaningful contribution to society.
Her message to women and young women is one of courage and empowerment: โBelieve in yourself, know your worth, and never be afraid to take up space.โ
Her personal philosophy, โLift as you rise,โ reflects her belief that success should create opportunities for others. She encourages women to share their knowledge, open doors and support those coming behind them.
As UNIVEN celebrates Womenโs Month, we honour Ms Doreen Morukhu for her dedication to academic excellence, mentorship, student empowerment and creating opportunities that transform lives.
โWhen women rise, they should not close the door behind them; they should hold it open for those coming next.โ
