Romesa's resilience leads to tertiary education triumph
Romesa Muhammad's story is a vivid testament to resilience and hope, set against the rugged beauty of the Eastern Cape's wilderness, where her journey began. Born into a close-knit family in the serene expanse of Kwantu Game Reserve, Romesa was the elder of two siblings who thrived under the nurturing care of her mother and stepfather. Despite their modest means, her family's unwavering support was her beacon of strength, illuminating the path towards her dreams. However, as Romesa grew, so did the financial challenges that threatened to dim her aspirations for higher education.
Where Science meets Art: Unveiling the power in different ways of storytelling
In the wake of contemporary digitalisation, the launch of the science and art exhibition by the NRF-SAIAB IMIsEE Project, in collaboration with the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology, took the Makhanda community by storm in bridging the gap between community-engaged research, science, music, and art. The Sound Postcard Exhibition Launch promotes digital methods and tools for collaborative research in Humanities.
Decoding the Legacy: Well-known historian Paul Maylam delves into Rhodes University's 120-year intellectual odyssey
Accomplished historian, Emeritus Professor Paul Maylam, author of six books and co-editor of a seventh, will on 1 March 2024 give a seminal lecture on the intellectual history of Rhodes University as part of the university’s 120th anniversary celebrations.
When RATT met PARROT – a peculiar pulsar
The motion of the planets through the night sky has captivated humanity since prehistoric times. The Great Saturn-Jupiter Conjunction of 2020 was particularly special. This remarkable astronomical event, which brought these two gas giants closer together than they had been for nearly four centuries, offered an enticing spectacle for stargazers worldwide. Professional astronomers, with telescopes capable of seeing well beyond the relative “backyard” of our solar system, also couldn’t resist the temptation to look.
Shining bright: How Lilitha Masizana's journey from Sinenjongo High to Rhodes University lights up the path for aspiring scholars
In the heart of Dunoon’s Ekupholeni informal settlement, a story of remarkable determination and academic excellence unfolds, emblematic of the indomitable spirit of youth. Lilitha Masizana, a recent matriculant from Sinenjongo High School, has emerged as a top achiever amidst challenging circumstances and set a precedent for aspiring scholars nationwide. Her journey from a one-room shack, shared with her mother and younger brother, to securing a place at one of the country’s prestigious universities is a testament to her resilience and hard work.
[RU120] Pioneering Educational Excellence: a blueprint for South Africa's future
In pursuing knowledge, pioneers often draw inspiration from the Chinese proverb that it's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. There is no doubt that darkness surrounds us as a society – inequality, poverty, crime, ignorance and prejudice – to name but a few. However, instead of retreating to defeat, all it takes is a moment of awareness, reflection, and resolve to light a candle in the midst of the darkness. Lighting a candle forces us to focus on the sphere in which our influence lies. Its flicker and gentle glow are signs of hope and warmth.
Rhodes University's bold leap with male warden at the helm of a female residence
The appointment of a male House Warden for Robert Sobukwe Residence, a female residence, at Rhodes University is a decision that may seem unconventional to some, considering the dysfunctional stereotypes that permeate university residences and halls across the globe. However, this choice reflects a progressive step towards gender neutrality and inclusivity, challenging the narratives associated with leadership roles in academic institutions. It underscores the importance of capability over gender, promoting a culture where leadership qualities are not confined to or defined by one's gender.
Nanotech pioneer Prof Nyokong to receive sixth Honorary Doctorate
Rhodes University's Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong is set to receive her sixth honorary Doctor of Science degree later this year, this time from Imperial College in London.
[RU120] Makhanda Education Summit: Paving the way for a new era in educational excellence
The Makhanda Education Summit, held at Rhodes University over the weekend, has resolved to build on the tremendous success already achieved in reshaping the city’s educational terrain.
Rhodes University Lecturer & MA Coordinator honoured with esteemed Carnegie Corporation of New York Recognition Award
Rhodes University proudly spotlights the ground-breaking work of one of its lecturers, Dr Chikezie E. Uzuegbunam, whose research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa has garnered international recognition. Funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this journey began with a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cape Town and has now reached an inspiring milestone at the 2023 African Studies Association (ASA) Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
[RU120]: Rhodes University Spearheads Transformative Makhanda Education Summit
Rhodes University is delighted to announce the hosting of the transformative Makhanda Education Summit, led by Vice Chancellor Prof Sizwe Mabizela. Scheduled for the 27th and 28th of January, this pivotal event is set to enhance the educational landscape of Makhanda, focusing primarily on early childhood development (ECD) and primary and secondary schooling phases.
Rhodes University and Allan Gray align shared vision for better tomorrow
A visit by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) to Rhodes University provided an opportunity for the AGOF team to meet with the champions of innovation, leadership and community engagement initiatives at Rhodes University, and together explore ways to strengthen the partnership between AGOF and the institution 'where leaders learn'.
Remembering Andrew Tracey: African music scholar & advocate
Andrew Tracey was born in Durban, South Africa on 5 May 1936 to Ursula Tracey (nee Campbell) and Hugh Travers Tracey, who was then Director, SABC Durban. When Andrew first heard African music as a young boy, he jumped up to join in with the competing teams of Zulu dancers.
Rhodes University gears up for a jam-packed #RU120 anniversary year
A year-long celebratory programme packed with diverse activities, including reunions, high-level societal debates, unveilings, exhibitions and cultural activities, kicks off later this month with a seminal education summit to further strengthen quality education as Makhanda’s unique selling point.
Professor Mohapeloa receives esteemed award for educational leadership
In academia, it is not every day that we witness a blend of exceptional leadership, unyielding commitment, and a deep-rooted passion for education. However, Professor Tshidi Mohapeloa, from the Rhodes Business School exemplifies these traits so steadfastly, she earned a prestigious award for her unwavering service as the Deputy Chairperson of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Community of Practice for Teaching and Learning. This accolade was presented to her at the EDHE Intervarsity Studentpreneur finals in Johannesburg late last year.
"Indlela Yokuphila" wins Golden Zebu at Madagascourt Film Festival
Empatheatre's animated film, "Indlela Yokuphila," has been honored with the prestigious GOLDEN ZEBU award at the 18th edition of the Madagascourt Film Festival. This remarkable achievement celebrates the film's excellence in the PAN-AFRICAN ANIMATION COMPETITION.
[Opinion] Ramaphosa’s smallanyana Phala Phala skeleton just won’t go away
One precarious day almost exactly a year ago, we were expecting Cyril Ramaphosa to resign over the Phala Phala scandal at any moment.
Lessons in self-mastery from Rhodes University alumnus and Google SA Head, Alistair Mokoena
In his new book, Servings of Self-Mastery, alumnus and Google South Africa Director, Dr Alistair Mokoena shares a powerful message of personal empowerment and growth.
Rhodes University's CSyndicate emerges as top performer at national cyber security challenge
In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, it is often the dedicated educators and passionate students who drive innovation and excellence. Dr Stones Chindipha, a lecturer in Computer Science at Rhodes University, has been instrumental in nurturing cybersecurity talent as evidenced by his group of students at the South African National Research Network (SANReN) Cyber Security Challenge earlier this month.
African ergonomics research excellence under global spotlight
Recognition in the field of Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) can be a defining moment for any researcher, especially in Africa. This year, Rhodes University Senior Lecturer and Researcher Dr Jonathan Davy and University of Ghana’s Dr Augustine Acquah became the first two African recipients of the International Ergonomics Association’s Kingfar Early Career Award.