Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø suspends lectures as concern deepens over Makhanda water outages
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø will temporarily suspend part of its academic programme, including formal undergraduate lectures, tutorials, and practicals, on Friday, 30 August 2024, amid severe disruptions to its municipal water supply.
Empowering future scholars by amplifying the suppressed voices of African intellectuals
Earlier this month, the Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø School of Languages and Literature hosted the book launch of Jonas Ntsiko: Hadi Waseluhlangeni Collected Writings (1873-1916). This event marked the release of Volume 9 of the Opland Collection of Xhosa Literature, a series of books collaboratively edited and translated by Professors Jeff Opland and Pamela Maseko. Professor Pamela Maseko, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Nelson Mandela Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, Visiting Professor and former academic at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø. Maseko was also the keynote speaker at the book launch.
From ‘weird’ to world-renowned: Professor Julie Coetzee’s reflective journey in entomology research
Earlier this month, Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø hosted the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Senior Research Award Lecture, which recognises exceptional research contributions within the Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø. This award was presented to Professor Julie Coetzee from the Faculty of Science, a distinguished scholar who has made significant strides in the field of biological control, particularly in understanding the interactions between freshwater aquatic plants and insects.
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø mourns the passing of alumnus Dr William Smith, teacher of the nation
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø mourns the passing of education giant, alumnus, and Order of the Baobab recipient, Dr William Smith.
Former Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø of Appeal condemns appointments of Malema and Hlophe to the JSC
On 6 August 2024, Retired Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø of Appeal Azhar Cachalia delivered a compelling public lecture at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, where he criticised Parliament's questionable decision to appoint individuals with known unethical conduct to serve on the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter to Speak at the 10th Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Development Trust Annual Lecture
We are pleased to announce that SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter will deliver the keynote address at the 10th Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Development Trust Annual Lecture on Values-Based Leadership. The event is set to take place on Monday, 26 August 2024, at 18h00 at Eden Grove Red, Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø.
Comprehensive institutional audit demonstrates effectiveness at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø recently participated in an institutional audit conducted by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and while the report highlighted both the strengths and areas for improvement, Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø showed commendable results overall.
Historic SRC Inauguration at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø: A celebration of leadership, participation, and inclusion
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø recently celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of its 2025 Students' Representative Council (SRC). This year's elections and the subsequent inauguration were marked by unprecedented student engagement, a record-breaking voter turnout, and a commitment to inclusivity that reflects the university's core values.
[#RURises]: Unlearning and transformation central to combating Gender-Based Violence
The recent #RURises GBV Workshop hosted by the Office of Equity & Institutional Culture in collaboration with Not In My Name International highlighted the intricate and essential process of unlearning as a cornerstone for effective leadership and community transformation. Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) requires a multifaceted approach that challenges not only existing behaviours but also redefines societal norms, particularly around masculinity.
Dr Ashley Westaway joins Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Council
Dr Ashley Westaway, a prominent South African education and community development champion, has been nominated to the Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Council.
Triple win as Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø's new centre sets to benefit students, communities and the economy
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø has recently embarked on several ambitious entrepreneurship projects with the aim of not only up-skilling students but uplifting the Makana community and economy. These have culminated in the preparation of a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Incubation, funded by SEDA, which will be housed within the Student Hub, Steve Biko Building.
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Distinguished Professor Charlie Shackleton earns A1 rating by NRF
Distinguished Professor Charlie Shackleton, holder of the SARChI Chair in Interdisciplinary Science in Land and Natural Resource Use for Sustainable Livelihoods at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, has been awarded the prestigious A1 National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, the highest in the South African national system of research innovation.
What sustainable community development looks like - Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s Masakhe Programme leads the way
‘Ubuntu’ is often used to describe a sense of shared responsibility and humanity, perhaps even virtues that underpin shared development. But when Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø officially launched the Masakhe Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme (MESDP) recently, it was clear that Ubuntu is a lived experience grounded in vision.
[RU120] Capacity building as a driver for women's retention in Physics
In her plenary talk at the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) Conference held at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, Department of Physics & Electronics last month, Professor Raesibe Sylvia Ledwaba highlighted the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and support networks as key elements in empowering women to embrace physics as a career path in their lives.
Visionary teacher transforming Indigenous music education honoured at Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø recently honoured Dr Boudina McConnachie with the Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award (2023). This accolade, awarded annually to educators with fewer than ten years of teaching experience, recognises exceptional contributions to teaching excellence, innovation, and dedication.
Enthusiasm BEEyond words at isiXhosa Spelling Bee
After a riveting few months of preparation and build up, the final round of the Makhanda isiXhosa Spelling Bee took place in the last week. Nine eager Grade 3 learners were seated on the stage with their first-year student mentor behind them for comfort and support.
Another clean audit for Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø in its 120th anniversary year
Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø Council has welcomed a clean audit with no findings for the 2023 financial year. The results further extend the institution’s established impeccable financial performance and stewardship record.
[RU120] Moving beyond spa days: Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s Women’s Month efforts highlight GBV gains
One of Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø’s #RU120 Big 5 focus areas is Transformation & Leadership. As such, the Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø is committed to fostering a safer, more inclusive environment. Since 2016, we have undertaken substantial reforms, including revising our GBV processes and policies, fortifying our collaboration with law enforcement, and empowering our staff and students through workshops and dialogues.
Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø leads in supporting AI in Higher Education
ChatGPT has dominated news headlines since the release of ChatGPT 3.5 in November 2022 and has been followed by an explosion of GenAI tools and services. These AI tools and services will likely grow and continue to develop new capabilities in the future. How can the academic community stay up-to-date about the latest developments and be supported to leverage AI for academic purposes?
Californian-based Old Rhodian Trevor Hastie donates $5000 to Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø
Applied statistician and author of the best-seller “Elements of Statistical Learning”, Professor Trevor Hastie, has donated $5000 to Rhodes Å·ÖÞ±×ãÇòÍø_ÍâΧÂòÇòappÍÆ¼ö-Ͷע|¹ÙÍø, bringing the combined donations from North America and the United Kingdom to over R1.5 million in seven months.