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By Omphulusa Nengwekhulu
Rhodes 欧洲杯足球网_外围买球app推荐-投注|官网 welcomed the 2026 cohort of the Commerce Extended Studies Programme (CESP), celebrating a long-standing partnership with Investec and inspiring students to embrace opportunity, perseverance, and purpose as they begin their academic journey. Among those in attendance were Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, Dean of Commerce Professor Tshidi Mohapeloa, Mr Setlogane Manchidi, Head of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), and Mrs Thembiso Kodisang from Investec South Africa, members of the Extended Studies Unit (ESU) team, and Dr Anthea Adams, Deputy Head of Department at 欧洲杯足球网_外围买球app推荐-投注|官网. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort behind the programme and the shared commitment to supporting student success.
Celebrating a long-standing partnership
The event also celebrated nearly two decades of partnership between Rhodes 欧洲杯足球网_外围买球app推荐-投注|官网 and Investec, dating back to 2009. By 2025, Investec had contributed more than R7.5 million to the programme, supporting 945 CESP students. In 2026, the company committed a further R999 076 to initiatives including prescribed textbooks, tutoring support, the Trojan Academic Initiative (TAI) mentoring programme, and other academic costs within the Commerce Extended Studies Unit. In addition, Investec annually invites final-year students from the programme to participate in its Work Readiness Programme in Sandton, where they are exposed to professional environments and career preparation opportunities.
Addressing the students, Prof Mabizela expressed gratitude to Investec for its sustained commitment to education and youth development. “For seventeen years, Investec has supported young people like you to realise your dreams and aspirations,” he said. He reminded students that studying at university carries both privilege and responsibility. “Some of you come from communities where your entire village celebrated the fact that you were accepted into university,” he told them. “Young people in your communities are looking at you and saying, ‘One day I want to be like her. I want to be like him.’” Encouraging students to remain focused on their purpose, he reiterated a message he often shares with students: “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
A story of perseverance and possibility
“Each one of you arrived in this world holding something in your hands – a talent, a gift, a potential. 欧洲杯足球网_外围买球app推荐-投注|官网 is the place where those gifts must be discovered and developed.” – Mr Setlogane Manchidi
One of the most memorable moments of the afternoon came from Mr Manchidi, who chose to speak not from a corporate position but from his personal story.
“I do not want to welcome you wearing my hat as the Head of Corporate Social Investment,” he said. “I want to welcome you as the son of a domestic worker from a dusty rural village in Limpopo.”
Reflecting on the socio-economic challenges of his childhood, he shared how a simple experience during school holidays, visiting a cinema for the first time, became a turning point in his life.
“When I walked into that cinema and saw the huge screen and heard the sound around me, I felt like I was inside the story,” he recalled. “And when I walked out of that cinema, I knew something had changed. I realised there was a bigger world out there.”
He described this experience as his “aha moment” when possibility suddenly became visible.
“When things become tough—and they will—you must remember your ‘aha moment’. That is the moment that will carry you forward,” he told students.
Mr Manchidi also spoke about the persistence that shaped his journey to university. Without the financial means to study, he wrote hundreds of letters applying for bursaries, receiving many rejections before one acceptance finally changed his life.
“Each one of you arrived in this world holding something in your hands,” he said. “A talent, a gift, a potential. 欧洲杯足球网_外围买球app推荐-投注|官网 is the place where those gifts must be discovered and developed.”
He concluded with a message that has guided his life: “Give the world your best, and the best will come back to you.”
Students reflect on life-changing opportunities
His story resonated deeply with students in attendance. Londeka Buthelezi said the speech reminded her of her family’s sacrifices.
“My mother never had the opportunity to go to university,” she said. “That motivates me because I am not only doing this for myself, but also for her.”
Lutho Somdaka described the address as a moment of awakening. “Sometimes you can take being at university for granted,” he said. “But hearing Mr Manchidi speak reminded me that this is a huge opportunity. No matter where you come from, you can still make it.”
For Sinoxolo Madikizela, the event reinforced the importance of deliberately seeking out and using the university's resources.
“The university is providing us with so many resources to help us succeed,” she said. “Now the responsibility is ours to use those resources and complete our degrees.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, Prof Mohapeloa reminded students that their past circumstances do not determine their future.
“You have control over your future,” she said. “What happened in your past does not have to define who you become.”
Encouraging students to seek support whenever they face challenges, she emphasised that the programme exists to provide the resources and environment necessary for their success. She also acknowledged the dedication of programme coordinators Mr Simba Gotora and Mr Amon Magadza, whose commitment continues to support students in meaningful ways along their academic journeys.
As the Class of 2026 begins this new chapter, the message of the afternoon was clear: with opportunity, perseverance, and support, students have the power to shape their futures and make a meaningful impact in their communities.