By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
Rhodes University’s Division of bet36体育投注_bet36体育在线—激情赢盈中√ and Development (DSSD) proposed the creation of the Rev Dr Simon Gqubule Student Leadership Award in collaboration with the Gqubule Family, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), and critical leaders supporting student leadership. The award was launched at the Rev Dr Simon Gqubule Memorial Lecture during the annual Leadership Week organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC), where Dr Mamphela Ramphele delivered an Annual Lecture.
The life and legacy of Reverend Dr Simon Gqubule remain profound sources of inspiration, not only for those who knew him but also for future generations aspiring to ethical leadership, education, and activism. Dr Gqubule was an exceptional figure whose journey from humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape to becoming the first Black PhD graduate from Rhodes University in 1978 symbolises resilience, intellectual rigour, and a commitment to social justice. His life is a testament to the power of education as a tool for liberation, particularly for Black South Africans under the oppressive apartheid regime.
Colonialism and apartheid left indelible scars on the African continent, eroding the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage of its Indigenous peoples. Yet, Dr Gqubule and other leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, and Oliver Tambo found a pathway to resist this humiliation and reclaim their dignity in education. For Gqubule, education was not merely about personal advancement; it was sacred. He believed sincerely in the equal right to quality education for all South Africans, regardless of race. This was evident in his advocacy for a unified education department that served all racial groups equally, something that was anathema to the apartheid government's segregationist policies.
Dr Gqubule’s commitment to education was not only theoretical but deeply practical. Even in his retirement, he mobilised volunteer tutors to teach disadvantaged youth, helping many achieve outstanding academic results, especially in critical subjects such as mathematics and science. His efforts led to schools for the poorest children achieving 100% pass rates. This remarkable feat reflected his unwavering belief in the potential of young people, even in the face of systemic deprivation.
Dr Gqubule’s leadership extended far beyond education. He was a formidable theologian and an advocate for Black Theology. This movement sought to present the Christian gospel that resonated with Black South Africans' experiences, particularly within the context of their liberation struggle. His teachings emphasised the need for theology to engage with the lived realities of oppression and struggle, pushing for a theology that would serve as a tool for liberation rather than a justification for apartheid's racial hierarchy.
In his leadership roles, including his presidency at the Federal Theological Seminary (FedSem) and his involvement with the South African Council of Churches (SACC), Dr Gqubule remained steadfast in his commitment to non-racialism, social justice, and community development. His time at FedSem, particularly, was marked by tumultuous challenges, with the apartheid regime relentlessly persecuting the institution due to its radical theological teachings and its production of politically engaged ministers. Despite these challenges, Dr Gqubule exhibited resilience, moving the seminary multiple times to ensure its survival. Under his leadership, FedSem became a symbol of inter-denominational collaboration and a breeding ground for progressive theological thought and activism.
For Dr Gqubule, leadership was deeply rooted in Ubuntu's values, an African philosophy emphasising communalism, interdependence, and the inherent dignity of all people. His leadership was marked by ethical integrity, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to his community. Whether in the church, academic circles, or broader political activism, Dr Gqubule’s life was a servant leadership model, where his success was always linked to the upliftment of others.
In recognition of his immense contributions to leadership and education, Rhodes University has honoured Dr Gqubule by establishing the Rev. Dr Simon Gqubule Memorial Lecture and the Student Leadership Award. The award honours outstanding student leaders committed to social justice, engaged citizenship, and ethical leadership. The launch ceremony included a candle-lighting event led by the Gqubule family, symbolising a commitment to ethical leadership, followed by the presentation of the leadership awards by Dr. Pakiso Tondi, Director of bet36体育投注_bet36体育在线—激情赢盈中√ and Development?, who had this to say:
“These initiatives aim to preserve his legacy by inspiring future generations of leaders to embody the values he stood for—ethical leadership, social justice, and a commitment to community service. The Student Leadership Award seeks to recognise student leaders who exemplify collaborative, values-based leadership, champion social justice, and engage meaningfully with the community, especially the Makana area surrounding Rhodes University.”
According to Dr Tondi, the Student Leadership Award aims to instil in these young leaders a sense of responsibility for the greater good, mirroring Dr Gqubule’s selflessness and his dedication to the upliftment of others. The award also emphasises the importance of mentorship, allowing recipients to be paired with experienced leaders who can guide them in their personal and professional development.
Also linked to the award is the Young Leader's Bootcamp that was recently launched, which offers a focused, interactive environment where young leaders from schools around Makhanda can hone their skills, learn from one another, and benefit from the rich legacy of figures like Dr Gqubule. Through this initiative, the university hopes to build a generation of leaders who, like Dr Gqubule, can break new ground, navigate challenges with resilience, and lead with integrity and purpose.
The legacy of Rev. Dr Simon Gqubule is also an urgent reminder of the unfinished work in South Africa. While the country has made strides since the end of apartheid, many socio-economic inequalities that Dr Gqubule and his contemporaries fought against persist. Racism, poverty, and systemic inequities continue to plague the nation, and the values of Ubuntu, which Dr Gqubule so passionately advocated for, are more needed than ever. In many ways, the generation of young leaders being groomed through the Memorial Lecture and Student Leadership Award will need to take up the mantle Dr Gqubule carried throughout his life—fighting for a society where the dignity of all people is recognised and respected.
Rev. Dr Simon Gqubule’s life and work offer invaluable lessons for today’s leaders. His belief in the power of education, his commitment to social justice, and his unwavering adherence to ethical leadership serve as a blueprint for those who seek to lead with purpose and integrity. His legacy inspires, challenging us to reach our full potential and contribute to creating a more just and equitable society.
“Racism, oppression, and hatred are three of the most valuable weapons of the weak; as leaders, we must teach our people to always embrace love over racism, forgiveness when oppressed and hope in the face of difficulties.”
– Rev Dr Simon Gqubule