Construction started in 1977 with P East and P West residential area/location as R293 town, a shopping centre and Venda Government buildings.

They were forcefully removed from this area between 1960 and 1970 by the apartheid government of the Venda Bantustan under khosi vho Mphephu Ramabulana.

The former Venda president built his palace and his ministerial resident at Tshiluvhis chiefs kraal as they were already moved by the apartheid government.

Thohoyandou is situated in the south of Vhembe district, north-west of Malamulele on the R524 main road between Louis Trichardt and the Kruger National Park.

Thohoyandou is the main development node in Thulamela Local Municipality with a total of approximately 70,000 residents within the boundaries of the town.

Thohoyandou's CBD was originally designed as a super mall with large walkways and water fountains, flowers and green areas.

Surrounding locations and villages include, Maniini, Muledane, Shayandima, Tswinga, Itsani, Manamani, Maungani, Tshisahulu and Duthuni.

The campus also houses the Art Gallery, which has a display of carvings, paintings and clay pots made by both students and local community members.