By Anelisa Centani
In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation cannot be overstated. Rhodes University recently welcomed the Brazilian Association of Rectors of Provincial and Municipal Universities (ABRUEM), who have been visiting a selection of universities across South Africa, to its campus for the first time.
Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela presented to the guests from Brazil. “Rhodes University has a population of 8348 students, with 65% women and 35% men,” he said.
"Our vision as Rhodes University is that we want to be foremost in creating and advancing locally responsive and globally engaged knowledge that seeks to create a sustainable society," said Prof Mabizela.
Rhodes University has many departments; and all have the mission of creating and advancing knowledge that transforms society and humanity. Prof Mabizela mentioned that Rhodes University has several research units, research centres, and research institutes. He concluded his speech by emphasising that Rhodes is an intensive research university generating knowledge that advances the common good.
Professor Evanilda Souza de Santana Carvalho, Vice Rector of the State University of Feira de Santana (Uefs) addressed the group on the topic of diversity and inclusion in Brazil, sharing the challenges of holding a leadership position as a black woman in a country where minorities and the black population still struggle for equal opportunity.
Dean of Pharmacy, Professor Sandile Khamanga highlighted that the Faculty of Pharmacy focuses on four research divisions: “The Faculty of Pharmacy at Rhodes University is powerful in drug development information, which is pharmaceutical technology," said Professor Khamanga.
Professor Juma, Dean of Law, presented an overview of his faculty, emphasising that while it was the smallest, it provided prestigious qualifications, with very successful alumni all over the world.
The Deputy Dean of Humanities Professor Patrice Mwepu added, "The Faculty of Humanities is the largest faculty and includes the School of Languages. We offer French language, Chinese studies, African languages, German studies and Classical studies,” he said, and added that he would love to include Portuguese.
Deputy Dean of Commerce, Professor Lynette Louw shared the work of the Faculty of Commerce and one Brazilian university has indicated interest in collaboration on accounting and intercultural economies.
A Rhodes University Community Engagement (RUCE) academic, Dr René Oosthuizen, explained that Rhodes University is the Southern hub of UNESCO's Knowledge for Change consortium: "UNESCO is a global consortium that drives the agenda for engaged scholarship, particularly focusing on engaged research,” she said. Dr Oosthuizen believes that RUCE has proven highly beneficial for the Makhanda community, particularly for school learners.
The President of ABRUEM Odilon Máximo de Morais addressed the potential for academic cooperation between South Africa and Brazil. "ABRUEM has made a commitment of internationalism that will help us meet BRICS countries to share knowledge and new strategies for economic development," he said. “Our organisation is deeply dedicated to creating a fairer and more equitable society by actively participating in initiatives that empower marginalised communities and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity and fighting climate change.”
The President concluded that collaboration between South Africa and Brazil promises to amplify their impact on the global stage. By combining resources, knowledge, and experiences, they can craft innovative solutions to address social injustice more effectively.
Director of Internationalisation at Rhodes University, Orla Quinlan, added: “Brazil and South Africa have much in common and many of the issues you are addressing, as Brazilian universities, we are also addressing in South African universities.”