GADRA Graduates Shine: 107 Students Graduate at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Through Local Partnerships
This graduation season, 2,063 students received their qualifications from Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø. Among them, 107 came through targeted access pathways supported by GADRA Education, the Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Bridging Programme, and the 9/10ths mentoring initiative. That is 5.2% of this year’s graduating class—one in every nineteen students—who began their academic journey not through conventional routes but through community-rooted partnerships that are changing what access to higher education looks like in Makhanda.
[RUResearch] Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø PhD student wins African astronomy prize for solar interference breakthrough
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø doctoral student Victoria da Graça Gilberto Samboco has been awarded the 2024 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) MSc Prize, a prestigious honour recognising her exceptional contributions to the field of radio astronomy. The award was announced during the AfAS General Assembly and Conference.
Turning the Page: Dr Tracy Kitchen’s Mission to Rewrite South Africa’s Literacy Story
Dr Tracy Kitchen’s doctoral journey stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to equality and equity in education. Balancing the challenging roles of academics, mothers, and wives, she has emerged not only with a PhD in hand but with a research project that holds real promise for addressing South Africa’s literacy crisis.
Sinomhlobo Ndlela, the first Black female Cox in the Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Rowing Club
Sinomhlobo Ndlela’s journey to graduation was anything but straightforward. From being forced to take a gap year due to financial constraints to emerging as a respected leader, athlete, artist, and educator, her story reflects the essence of Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s ethos: “Where leaders learn.”
SAS maths project donation for CM Vellem Primary kicks off in collaboration with Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
A recent report from the Fourth Edition of the 2030 Reading Panel shows only 32% of teachers currently demonstrate high levels of mathematics proficiency. Coupled with recent reports showing South African learner maths proficiency being amongst the lowest in the world.
Makhanda’s outlier literacy rates rise again
In a country battling a literacy crisis, Makhanda is witnessing an exceptional spike in literacy rates.
Botswana joins growing African radio astronomy network with latest TART telescope installation
In what has been a remarkable run since the first installation last year, another Transient Array Radio Telescope (TART) instrument has been deployed in an African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) partner nation – this time, Botswana.
More Than a Ball: Celebrating Hearts Behind the Degrees
Some events tick boxes, and then some remind you why community matters and why we come together, celebrate, and keep going. The Postgraduate International Graduation Ball, held on the evening of Friday, 5 April 2025, was the latter.
A Mother's Mission: Tina Sisanda Bikitsha’s Graduation Honours the Voices of Parents Raising Autistic Children
For Tina Sisanda Bikitsha, graduating with a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø is not simply an academic achievement but a triumph of love and resilience. As a mother to a non-verbal 10-year-old child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Tina’s research journey was highly personal, filled with moments of both emotional anguish and hope.
The Williams Sisters' Academic Legacy: A Sisterhood Forged in Resilience
On the 2nd of April 2025, sisters Dr Alyssa Shawntay Williams and Loryn Michelle Williams once again shared the Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø graduation stage, sharing another defining milestone. This time, Alyssa hooded her younger sister while wearing the distinguished red gown of a doctoral graduate.
“Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Is the Way Out”: Ripfumelo Chauke’s Inspirational Rise from Soweto to Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
Ripfumelo Pascalia Chauke’s graduation from Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø is more than a personal accomplishment, it is a symbol of hope for her community in Soweto and beyond. The first in her family to obtain a university degree, she has defied the odds, opposed expectations, and inspired many with her story.
Centre for Postgraduate Studies receives prestigious British Council Grant for Emerging Career Researchers
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS) has secured £30 000 from the British Council to offer publication support for emerging researchers.
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s Physics Professor Makaiko Chithambo elected Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences
Physics Professor and Head of the Department of Physics and Electronics at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Makaiko Chithambo has been elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), marking a major recognition of his contribution to physics on the continent.
[PROFILE]: Justice Lex Mpati, Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø's first alumnus to serve as its Chancellor & lead the Supreme Court of Appeal
After years of distinguished service, Justice Lex Mpati is retiring as the Chancellor of Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, transformation, and unwavering commitment to justice. Appointed in February 2013, he became the first former student of the Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø to hold the position. Throughout his tenure, Justice Mpati championed inclusivity and excellence, embodying the institution's values and inspiring future generations. His tenure has been marked by a dedication to academic excellence, social responsibility, and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives.
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Celebrates Its Own During Autumn Graduation
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s Autumn Graduation Week was not just a celebration of academic achievement but a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and success of its broader community – including students, staff, and families. Among those who crossed the stage were SRC members and colleagues whose perseverance was celebrated with great institutional pride. The week was filled with stories of triumph and inspiration.
Overcoming the Odds: Inspiring Graduation Success Stories from Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
Against a backdrop of social and economic inequality, Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø's 2025 Autumn Graduation Week marked a celebration of resilience, grit, and achievement. A total of 2,062 graduates crossed the stage—each story a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity.
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s journey of transformation continues to unfold as Chancellor bows out
As Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø celebrates its Autumn Graduation, Chancellor Justice Lex Mpati is bowing out from the role he has assumed for the past 12 years. Justice Mpati, the first former Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø student to become Chancellor and second Black student to graduate with an LLB from the Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, championed judicial integrity, education, and transformation. His tenure as Chancellor marks an era of profound impact.
Foundations of Education in Focus: Minister Gwarube’s Engagement at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø welcomed its alumna, Minister of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, on the 31st of March 2025 for a visit aimed at discussing key education initiatives and engaging with students. The event, which took place at the Big Lecture Theatre in the Faculty of Education, underscored the Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with national education authorities.
Testament to the Power of One: Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Robes Dr Ntsiki Biko
In an intimate and profoundly symbolic ceremony, Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø formally robed Dr Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Biko with the academic gown befitting her Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa), conferred during the Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s virtual graduation in 2021. The robing, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, occurred at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsberg.
‘Asazinto ngaye’: Re-centering the Life and Contributions of Nontsikelelo ‘Ntsiki’ Biko (née Mashalaba)
“Today I would like to salute you, Sisi Ntsiki, for being a woman that you have been to all of us. A woman of integrity. You lived an exemplary life and you became a role model for all of us. I know some of us will never do, in our lifetime, even half of what you have done for your people.” - Sibongile Qaba, 2021