Each year, Rhodes University proudly recognises its outstanding alumni who have excelled in their respective fields and significantly impacted society. The recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award 2023, chosen by the Old Rhodian Union selection committee, are exemplary individuals who embody the values of Rhodes University: excellence, leadership, and service.

Founded in 1911 by Sir George Cory and Professor Cullen Bowles, the Old Rhodian Union (ORU) administers bursaries for children of Old Rhodians and current University staff members. This year, the Union granted 31 bursaries to the value of R325 000.

Rhodes University Durban-based alumni came out strongly to support the much-anticipated foundation of alumni chapters nationwide. This sentiment was shared during last night's alumni reunion at the Umhlanga Rocks in Durban. Proud alumni of the institution came out in numbers to reconnect with each other and get an update on important matters concerning their alma mater. Members of the media were also part of this momentous occasion.

Rhodes University alumna and former Student Recruitment Officer, Tulisa Mondliwa, has received government recognition and a boost for her Afrikare beauty product business. The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) recently held awards for top-performing women farmers in the Sarah Baartman district.

Rhodes University’s international recognition was boosted last week when the South Korea Ambassador, His Excellency Chull-joo Park and administrative official, Jung In Myeong, visited Rhodes University.

Rhodes University welcomes the appointment of its Board of Governors Chairperson, alumnus and the Executive in Residence at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), Mr Andile Sangqu, to the position of the chair of the Transnet Board.

The Rhodes University community, its alumni network in its expanse - far-flung all over the globe - students, and employees of the University are in deep mourning over the passing of the respected alumnus, Mr Eusebius McKaiser.

Rhodes University Chemistry PhD candidate, Kristen Burgess, has been selected for the illustrious Gates Cambridge scholarship. Burgess is part of the Gates Cambridge Class of 2023, made up of 77 outstanding new scholars from across the world.

Intercultural Education China's Founder and Director, Ms. Linda Liao, and the Director of Overseas Recruitment, Ms. Talen Tan, visited the Rhodes University International Office and Career Centre to encourage Rhodes University final year and postgraduate students to consider teaching opportunities in China.

After suffering a catastrophic stroke while performing on stage in 2019, with only two months left for him to finish his master’s degree in ethnomusicology, Joe Makhanza had to pause his academic journey.

Graduation week at Rhodes University is a momentous occasion for graduates and their loved ones, as it marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. To ensure the smooth running of the prestigious event, the University relies heavily on the support of student helpers behind-the-scenes.

The Department of Higher Education and Training has awarded Rhodes University R13 497 000 to run three projects aimed at making a national impact on the higher education sector.

Rhodes University’s communications officer Velisile Bukula was one of hundreds of graduates capped this week at the institution’s autumn graduation which took place over three days.

During the 14h30 graduation ceremony of 30 March 2023, the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Community Engagement Award was jointly awarded to Professor Megan Campbell, Nqobile Msomi, Dr Duane Booysen, Christine Lewis and Mandisa Ndabula from the Rhodes University Psychology Department.

Rhodes University usually dresses up its campus during its annual graduation celebrations, but this year it boosted efforts to include an even wider area.

At its graduation ceremony on 30 March 2023, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on the Professor of Development Studies at Nelson Mandela University, Janet Cherry.

Rhodes University BSc alumnus, Nkululeko Ngqinambi has produced a biofertiliser to help lower production costs for farmers who have been battling high fertiliser prices.

At its graduation ceremony on 31 March 2023, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Professor Debra Roberts, who heads the Sustainable and Resilient City Initiatives Unit in eThekwini Municipality.

At its graduation ceremony on Friday, 31 March 2023, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Executive Director at Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute Professor Helen Rees.

At its fourth graduation ceremony on Thursday, 30 March 2023, at 14h30, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on its alumnus and Judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, Justice Mbuyiseli Russel Madlanga.

In an unprecedented follow-up, the upcoming Rhodes University graduation will see a substantial majority of women graduates. Of 1733 graduands, a staggering 1120 are women.

At its graduation ceremony on 29 March 2023, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on the Chairperson of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture and Chief Justice of South Africa, Judge Raymond Mnyamezeli Zondo.

Twenty-four years of uninterrupted service, dedication, and love for her job have earned Jayalakshmi Pillay a promotion to the Director of Residential Operations. ‘Jay’, as she is better known, arrived at the Institution in 1999 as the Food Services Manager. She was appointed as the Deputy Director of Residential Operations in 2013.

Relocating the seat of the high court would be nothing short of a death knell for this city. Makhanda would become a ghost town.

One of the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC) finest journalists and Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies’ (JMS) alumnus, Thami Dickson, has been appointed News and Current Affairs Editor for Channel Africa. Dickson is an experienced journalist with almost 20 years of working experience in radio and television news production.

Rhodes University recently bade farewell to one of its longest-serving staff members, outgoing Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Peter Clayton.

Dr Seeprarani Rath, who recently graduated with her PhD degree at Rhodes University, has been awarded a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto, Canada, to the value of approximately R800 000. Dr Rath, who submitted her doctoral thesis in 2019, was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Rhodes University Biopharmaceutics Research Institute (BRI) until recently.

Supervised by Associate Professor Eduard Jordaan, Gemma-Mae Hartley recently graduated with a Master of Arts degree at the October graduation ceremonies. Her tertiary journey began with uncertainty and after changing her degree multiple times, Hartley eventually found her calling in Political and International Studies.

Education should be at the forefront of the country to achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These were the sentiments shared by Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela during yesterday’s site visit by Nedbank for an update on the bridging programme they support through the Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust.

A recent international scholarship information session had Eden Grove Blue lecture theatre filled to capacity, showing Rhodes University students' interest in exploring opportunities abroad.

Recently graduated with her PhD, Dr Yolande Ikala Openda, is a Rhodes university PhD science graduate in Chemistry.

Nine years of consistent hard work and dedication have finally turned a dream into a reality for Dr Mikaela Oosthuizen. She finally received her PhD in Media studies from Rhodes university at the October graduation ceremony.

Two academics from Rhodes University, Distinguished Professor at the Environmental Learning Research Centre, Professor Heila Lotz-Sisitka and Computer Science Lecturer Dr Dane Brown, were inaugurated as Members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) at the annual Awards Ceremony. The two academics were among the 29 scholars and scientists that ASSAf inaugurated.

For the recently held October graduations at Rhodes University, two PhD graduates were gifted gowns from well-respected academics in their respective fields.

Rhodes University’s director of communications and advancement, Luzuko Jacobs, was among those who acquired their hard-earned doctorates at the university’s graduation ceremony on Friday.

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, last week hosted a legacy luncheon for the University bequestors at the Lagoon Beach Hotel, Cape Town

During Rhodes University’s reunion cocktail event with its alumni in Durban last night, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela made an unprecedented move when he paid homage to South African media. The cocktail was held at Cuba Lounge, Moses Mabhida stadium, to reunite Rhodes University alumni through social engagement. However, in the presence of Durban-based media, Professor Mabizela went off script and called for the protection of media freedom.

The Old Rhodian Union selection committee has chosen four worthy recipients of Rhodes University's Distinguished Alumni Award 2022: Million Belay Ali, Ann Burroughs, Kathleen Heugh and Raphael Tshimanga.

As part of a series of leadership conversations, Rhodes University’s Alumni Relations Office, Student Representative Council President Mr Botlhale Modisaotsile and Vice-President Ms Tinashe Hlako held an Inaugural Young Alumni Leadership Conversations with Mr Charles Faul and Ms Palesa Mcimbi in celebration of Freedom Month.

Rhodes University and its UK trust are set to establish a premier, high-value Ally Weakley Memorial Scholarship ahead of the 30th anniversary of the death of the legendary sportsman, teacher, and lawyer, Alastair Weakley.

Cancer incidence in South Africa and globally is on the rise and it is predicted that the burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer will overtake that of infectious diseases in Africa in the next decade. In the Eastern Cape, in particular, cervical cancer has a high incidence rate among rural women, who are underrepresented in terms of medical research and genetic analyses. Rhodes University Lecturer and Researcher in Biochemistry, Dr Jo-Anne de la Mare, hopes to change this. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has awarded her with funding made available by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), through the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships (SHIP) programme, to study cervical cancer based on tumour samples from Eastern Cape women.

At Rhodes University’s morning graduation session today, the festivities were heightened as Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza’s honorary Doctor of Literature (DLitt) was posthumously conferred, following the decision of the Rhodes University Senate and Council.

It is one thing to read about great historical moments in history books, but to be within history, as a critical participant, is something else altogether. In a graduation event full of 'firsts' for Rhodes University, the 09h30 ceremony today showed Rhodes University alumnus Professor Steve Olivier capping honorary doctorate recipient Lord Peter Hain.

The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) will mark its 50th anniversary by honouring 50 of its most distinguished alumni. The first ten will be celebrated at a graduation ball on Friday 8 April. This graduation season is a return to in-person events for Rhodes University and newly-minted journalism graduates will be capped at three ceremonies on Thursday and Friday.

At its graduation ceremony on 08 April 2022, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Literature (DLitt) (honoris causa) on the late cultural activist, diplomat and Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza.

At its graduation ceremony on 06 April 2022, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on poet, award-winning anthologist and short storyteller, Professor Nomakhosazana Xaba.

At its graduation ceremony on 08 April 2022, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) (honoris causa) on epidemiologist Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, who is well-known for her research on preventing HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women.

Nominations are invited for membership of Council at Rhodes University. Nominees should also be able to be considered for the Audit and Risk Committee of Council.

Thabo Seshoka is set to take over as Curator of the UJ Art Gallery in January 2022.

CEO Coaching International, the leading firm for coaching growth-focused CEOs and entrepreneurs globally, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Magennis to President. Magennis is widely known for leading YPO as Global President and COO for more than seven years.

As part of a series of its leadership conversations, Rhodes University’s President of Convocation, Dr Michele Ruiters held a conversation with the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awardee Ms Heloise Henning Emdon.

From climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world looks to scientists to pave the way toward a more secure and sustainable future. Last night, the National Research Foundation (NRF) gathered to celebrate South Africa's local research talent at the annual NRF Awards ceremony, where two of our own – Professor Tebello Nyokong and Dr Takudzwa Madzivanzira – were acknowledged.

Rhodes University's Siphokazi Msengana won first place at the national #3MT competition, securing the University's position at the top for the second year in a row.

On 26 November, Rhodes University 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awardee Bernard Agulhas discussed the future of auditing with Rhodes University Dean of Commerce, Professor Dave Sewry, as a part of a series of Rhodes University Leadership Conversations.

Performance, film, live music, a street market and a Rhodes University-published book will all feature at the 2021 Schreiner Karoo Writers Festival (SKWF) which takes place between 20-23 October 2021.

Leadership across the globe faces a crisis. Those meant to guide us through historical changes and challenges are failing. But this is not without exception. In August this year, the Old Rhodian Union Committee awarded four Distinguished Alumni Awards to outstanding University alumni, one of whom is the newly appointed Financial Sector Conduct Authority Commissioner, Mr Unathi Kamlana.

There comes a time in some people’s lives when the seeds they have been carefully planting throughout their careers, come together to form a beautiful tree. This is the sentiment of the recently-appointed Development and Fundraising Manager at the Division of Communication and Advancement, Ms Siyasanga Hompashe.

The Old Rhodian Union selection committee has selected four worthy recipients of Rhodes University's Distinguished Alumni Award 2021: Dr Roger N. Scoon, Mr Unathi Kamlana, Ms Heloise Henning Emdon and Mr Bernard Peter Agulhas.

Rhodes University alumni have entrusted Dr Michele Ruiters with the role of President of Convocation. Dr Ruiters is a senior lecturer at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), associated with the University of Pretoria. She teaches human and organisational behaviour courses, diversity, equality, and inclusion.

As women's month drew to a close for 2021, Rhodes University connected virtually with some of its inspiring alumnae, including Dr Mandy Hlengwa, Ayanda Mbanga, Janet Heard and Kim Cloete. Leboghang Nkambule, 2021 Student Representative Council President, also provided a current Rhodes University perspective, connecting past and present experiences.

August is not only a month of the celebration of womanhood and women in South Africa, but also a time to commemorate women who fought against the injustices of our societies.

The plan for the full return to campus of both staff and students took an important step on Wednesday, 18 August 2021, with the constitution of several technical Task Teams to conduct targeted assessments of the ‘COVID-19 lessons’ of the past year-and-a-half and accordingly facilitate preparations for the safe resumption of the normal University system.

The story of how a shy radio astronomer from the Eastern Cape came to be a central character in building of one of the world’s most sensitive scientific instruments involves a series of unlikely events, a startling amount of beer and popcorn, and a team fuelled by the stubborn conviction that South Africa could pull it off.

In an effort to revive and preserve indigenous African languages, Rhodes University has joined a consortium of universities to collaborate in a project funded by the European Union called BAQONDE.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela invites all Rhodes University Alumni to a Virtual Reunion

Earlier this month, the final year Pharmacy students were vaccinated against COVID-19 at the Faculty of Pharmacy, followed by approximately 200 second and third year BPharm students. Pharmacy students were included in the first cohort eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, as they perform Work Integrated/Based Learning in clinical platforms as an essential component of their curricula.

Vaccines are ultimately the only way to ensure that we beat COVID-19, yet vaccine hesitancy remains a threat to attaining herd immunity and protecting the whole community. In this series, Virologist at Rhodes University and member of the Provincial COVID-19 Expert Panel, Professor Rosemary Dorrington, will address queries, fears, and misinformation that many of our citizens face.

Rhodes University has joined other universities in the fight against COVID-19 by establishing an on-campus vaccination site situated at its Gavin Relly Postgraduate Village.

Rhodes University lecturer in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (HKE), Dr Jonathan Davy, has been elected President of the Ergonomics Society of South Africa (ESSA) for a period of three years.

The Rhodes University Drama Department will be presenting two works – Mafungwashe (drama) and The Witch’s Party (physical theatre) – at the 2021 National Arts Festival. Both productions will be available through video-on-demand streaming from 13-31 July.

Rhodes University’s academic and Associate Professor Julie Coetzee has been elected President of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA).

Rhodes University’s Department of Accounting has achieved an impressive 94% pass rate in this year’s Initial Test of Competence (ITC) set by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

The Rhodes University community was saddened by the news of the passing of one of its honorary doctorate recipients, Professor Mahavishnu Padayachee over the weekend.

Acclaimed SA music composer and academic Bongani Ndodana-Breen has been appointed a fellow at Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music.

Rhodes University alumnus, Unathi Kamlana, has been appointed a Commissioner of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Kamlana, who was appointed by Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, will head the FSCA for a period of five years.

For the first time ever, over 50 Gadra Matric School alumni graduated from Rhodes University in a single graduation ceremony, which marks a significant milestone in the journey to transform education in Makhanda.

The 2021 Rhodes University graduation ceremony marked a special day in Lindiwe Tsope’s life and academic career, as she became the first Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) alumni to graduate with a PhD.

Recent Master’s graduate Esihle Lupindo has earned himself the Fulbright Foreign Student Exchange Scholarship to study towards a Doctoral degree in the United States of America (USA) at the University of Nebraska. The scholarship will provide full funding for his tuition and boarding and allow him to participate in a cultural exchange programme, amongst other things.

When Dr Desire Chiwandire first joined Rhodes University in 2009, he had a dream of one day completing his PhD at the university and in 2021 his dream was realised.

With a global pandemic in our midst, universities all over the world have been forced to find new and creative ways to celebrate the students’ graduation day, robbing them of the normal ways of celebration. However, this is not the worst that the pandemic has done to students, as some are forced to celebrate graduation without parents, who were lost due to COVID-19.

Following the recent news of Rapt Creative opening offices in London and Kiev, the agency has expanded its services to include PR and influencer marketing.

The SA Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher won the Oscar for Best Documentary Film feature early on Monday morning.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, has in terms of section 61(1), read with section 63(1) of the Financial Sector Regulation Act No. 9 of 2017 (FSR Act), appointed Mr Unathi Kamlana as Commissioner of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

On its 72nd graduation ceremony on the 28th of April 2021, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on its alumnus and notable educator Mr William Smith.

On its 72nd graduation ceremony on the 28th of April 2021, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) (honoris causa) on researcher in natural products chemistry, Professor Berhanu Abegaz.

On its 72nd graduation ceremony on the 28th of April 2021, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) (honoris causa) on alumna and prolific author of fiction and non-fiction works, Dr Marguerite Poland.

On its 72nd graduation ceremony on the 28th of April 2021, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on community builder, Nontsikelelo Ntsiki Biko.

On its 72nd graduation ceremony on the 28th of April 2021, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on activist for political and human rights, Ms Mary de Haas.

Gino Shelile is the brains and creativity behind the rebranding of SABC3 which on 5 April launched the rebranded S3. Here he shares some of his memories as a student in Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies.

Pearce was a boy from Klerksdorp who could never quite believe that he was a partner in the world’s largest law firm, a member of the MCC and the Reform Club. Someone who had spoken to the Crown Prince of Japan in Japanese, even though he had not said “I hang upon your eye” as the courtliest Japanese demanded.

An initiative that started as a small idea in 2000 at Albany Museum under Nonceba Shoba's leadership has grown into a fully-fledged partnership between Rhodes University and GADRA Education.

After ten years at the helm of Development and Fundraising at Rhodes University, Qondakele Sompondo bowed out in February to take on a new challenge as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Sol Plaatje University.

Fintech and payment operator Net1 UEPS has named banking executive Lincoln Mali as the new CEO for its Southern Africa business.

Rhodes University would like to join the millions of South Africa in paying homage to a world-renowned opera singer and jazz music legend, Dr Sibongile Khumalo.

It is with great sadness that we record the passing of a former staff member in the Faculty of Law, Professor Emeritus Richman Mqeke.

The legacy of late Rhodes University Senior Alumni Relations Officer, Terryl Mc Carthy, lives on in a student bursary lovingly established by her family.

Rhodes University’s Director of the DST Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Distinguished Professor Tebello Nyokong, has been named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Rhodes University alumni continue flying the University flag higher and higher across the globe. They are a true embodiment of the University’s motto, “Where leaders learn” as they continue to show outstanding leadership qualities. One such alumnus is Professor Michael Bruton.

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the start of the national lockdown with effect from 26 March 2020, it meant a lot of industries would be negatively affected.

On behalf of our Chancellor, Council and the entire Rhodes University community, I offer you our warmest and proud congratulations on graduating with a Masters or PhD degree from Rhodes University. Without hard work, perseverance and a dogged determination, you would not have reached this important milestone in your academic pursuits.

Every year, the Mail & Guardian searches for the 200 most outstanding young South Africans and celebrates them. This year, the newspaper received about 8 000 nominations, and 10 current and former Rhodes University students featured on the list of 200.

Rhodes University Professor in Biotechnology, Janice Limson and Professor Emma Lubaale in the Faculty of Law were recently inaugurated as Members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) respectively.

Rhodes University Business School held its 6th annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Annual Lecture this week and due to COVID-19 protocols, this prestigious event was held virtually. Former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Mcebisi Jonas, was the guest speaker.

The Old Rhodian Union selection committee, under the Chairmanship of Professor Rod Walker, have selected three worthy recipients of Rhodes University's Distinguished Alumni Award 2020 namely, Professor Robert Morrell, Advocate Izak Smuts and Mr Brian O'Shea.

On this week’s Business Unusual podcast, Topco CEO, Ralf Fletcher, sits down with Lincoln, the Chairman of Diner’s Club South Africa who has been at Standard Bank for 19 years.

The Rhodes University community joins millions of South Africa in paying homage to one of the finest sons of the soil, Mr Monde Tabata, who passed away on Thursday.

Two Rhodes University alumni have been recognised by the World Bank for their innovation in the agricultural sector.

A team of final-year LLB students from Rhodes University has made it to the final round in the 18th edition of the prestigious John H Jackson Moot Court Competition, and member Hayley Camilla Warring was awarded Best Orator in the semi-finals. The semi-final took place online in late April.

Professor Steve Olivier, who started as a student at Rhodes University in 1981, has accepted the appointment of Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, Scotland. He accepts this responsibility despite the global Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges it poses to higher education.

Tributes have poured in after veteran journalist and Mandela Rhodes Foundation founding chief executive Shaun Johnson died on Monday.

South Africa has managed to clinch a massive victory at the African Union's (AU) summit in Ethiopia on Monday after Wamkele Mene was installed as the new secretary-general of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Creative big-hitter Tseliso Rangaka is returning as chief creative officer to the agency where he started his career, FCB Joburg, also assuming responsibility for the creative output of its specialist agency partner Hellocomputer.

Almost a decade since walking out of Rhodes University, with her Drama and English degree in hand, actress and now playwright Amy Louise Wilson is set to return to Makhanda after winning the 2020 Distell National Playwright Competition.

Rhodes University recently hosted a special luncheon to honour four of its outgoing governors as Honourary Life Members, at Le Petit Manor in Franschhoek, Western Cape.

Google South Africa today announced that Alistair Mokoena will take up the role of country director.

As a figurative artist, I use art to confront my inner conflicts as well as those of other people, randomly represented individuals in the urban context of New Brighton, where I live.

On 4 December 2019, Rhodes University’s Communications and Advancement Division, together with Terryl Mc Carthy’s son, Ryan, planted a tree in memory of their late colleague.

The five finalists of the Distell National Playwright Competition of 2020 have been announced.

Rhodes University School of Journalism and Sociology alumna, Andiswa Matikinca, has been awarded a regional Young Journalist of the year award by Vodacom, who held its 18th annual Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards across the provinces.

Allan Gray, the founder of the asset manager that carries his name and one of South Africa’s greatest philanthropists, passed away from a heart attack over the weekend in Bermuda. He was 81 years old.

Lisa MacLeod is Head of Digital at Tiso Blackstar Group, publisher of eight newspapers and 18 websites in South Africa.

Natasha Joseph is assistant editor for news and research, as well as commissioning editor for science and technology, at The Conversation Africa.

Further to the Director and management changes referred to in our financial results announcement earlier today, the Board is pleased to also announce the appointment of Mr V D Kahla as an Executive Director of Sasol with effect from 1 November 2019.

The friendly city of Cape Town welcomed Dr Sizwe Mabizela who hosted three alumni events on the 10th and 11th October. The Vice-Chancellor’s Dinner welcomed our donors and ambassadors; the Legacy Luncheon welcomed our established alumni and the Cocktail Reunion saw all ages of our alumni engaging and participating in the question and answer session.

Being an educator during apartheid was one of the most important careers that a black person could aspire to.

Sizi Matthews Botsime, popularly known as Afrika, was born at Bloemfontein in Free State and matriculated at Tsoseletso High School in 2005.

When Old Rhodians, Toni Parsons (37) and James Rycroft (36), decided to tie the knot just over a week ago, they asked guests to their wedding to consider donating money to settle students’ fee debts at their alma mater, Rhodes University, instead of the usual gift registries.

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela hosted the Durban Alumni events on Friday 27 September. The Director for Communications and Advancement, Mr Luzuko Jacobs made a captivating presentation on where our alumni are, the type of fields they work in and their fundraising trends. Dr Mabizela delivered the main address of the evening as he highlighted the efforts the institution has made in assisting the greater Makhanda community through the Makhanda Circle of Unity programme.

The construction industry has for a long time been perceived as the domain of men but thanks to pioneering women and organisations such as South African Women in Construction (SAWIC), this perception is being challenged.

Advancing agriculture in Mzansi through the use of the latest technology was at the forefront on the first day of the fourth Annual AFASA Young Farmers Summit held in Centurion, Gauteng.

Many women in SA and across Africa live in fear – fear of being robbed, raped, mugged, killed, harassed, mistreated, humiliated, discriminated against and even sold as a slave.

Rhodes University’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon was presided over by the Old Rhodian Union (ORU) Vice-President, Professor James Gambiza, who introduced each of the awardees.

Rhodes University held its 69th Annual Meeting of Convocation, together with its Annual General Meeting of the Old Rhodian Union at the Gavin Relly Postgraduate Village recently.

FELIXTON College headmaster Craig Neave has announced his intentions of not renewing his contract at the end of the year as he plans to embark on a new chapter in his life.

It was a night of glitz and glamour last night at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, as the former Rhodes University PhD student, Dr Teresa Pidduck, was awarded with a South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) 2019 Accountancy Top Achievers Award (PhD Taxation category).

What do you get when you cross biotechnology with computer science? Charles Faul, a young entrepreneur, the founder of Akili Labs and NOOTRO and a master’s student at the Biotechnology Innovation Centre at Rhodes University.

Multiple award-winning entrepreneur Johanna Mukoki graces the 2019 Rhodes University Student Entrepreneurship Week.

Two alumni and one Rhodes University lecturer have made the SAICA Top-35-under-35 finalists list.

Wine-ish is a dynamic group of 4 black women occupying the world of wine, one glass at a time. Palesa Mapheelle, Obakeng Monamodi from UCT and Buhlebezwe Ndaba and Hlumelo Williams, from Rhodes University, came together as friends on a casual Wednesday, also known as ‘Winesday’, to share their goals, dreams and everyday experiences.

A distinguished thought leader, a businessman, an Africanist, a public speaker and a lyricist.

A Pietermaritzburg man has secured a prestigious scholarship to London’s Loughborough University to read for his Masters in Global Communications and Development.

There aren’t many people alive who can proudly say that they are doing what they were born to do. Manas is an exception. The 44-year-old has dedicated a good portion of her life to TV presenting.

The Pretoria-based Dee Tempia, born Ndiadivha Sikhweni at Makungwi village in Nzhelele, is in the Top 25 of the Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa finalists.

Ads24 welcomes the appointment of Gayle Edmunds as the strategic projects editor of its new content hub.

Johannesburg - The DA’s former youth leader Mbali Ntuli has been honoured as one of five young leaders in One Young World’s annual ‘Politician of the Year’ awards. Ntuli, who is a member of the provincial legislature in KwaZulu-Natal and the party’s spokesperson co-operative governance and traditional affairs in the province, was announced as one of the winners on Thursday.

East London-born geologist Dr Rochelle Wigley has made history by being the first woman to lead a winning team in the Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE competition.

Prof Roy Lubke will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and will be presenting “A Review of some Ecological Rehabilitation Strategies in South Africa over the last 50 years” at the LaRSSA conference in July 2019.

A gala dinner was held on 29 June at Bantu Steve Biko Oppidan Dining Hall for Rhodes University’s Alumni classes of 1980 to 1995. The event was hosted by Dr Sizwe Mabizela and the master of ceremonies was the SRC President, Samkelo Mngadi.

A true son of Makhanda, Rob van Vuuren is back in town, celebrating 25-years of his delicious humour and creating a sense of awe for kids at a string of shows dotted around the town formerly known as Grahamstown.

Rhodes University’s Alumni Relations held a festival cocktail in honour of homecoming classes of 1980 to 1995 on 28 June at the Senior Common Room.

Becoming a provost was never part of Graham Oberem’s plan. He never expected to be an administrator of any type at Cal State San Marcos.

Veteran marketing communications specialist Rich Mkhondo is an alumnus of the JMS and completed his journalism degree at Rhodes in 1983.

Vocal powerhouse Sibongile Khumalo will grace the first annual Eastern Cape Jazz Festival in 2019.

Angie Motshekga, South Africa’s basic education minister, announced last year that Afrocentric history is set to be taught in schools across the country.

Neo Koza is an online content producer for Talk Radio 702 and CapeTalk. Previously she worked areporter for Eyewitness News.

Krivani Pillay graduated from Rhodes in 2001 and is known for her high-profile journalism at the SABC (Lotus and SAFM), Primedia (Eyewitness News), and eNCA.

In 1994, Frederick Brownell delivered on what may be the hardest and most consequential assignment any designer could receive: Design a flag to unite a nation—and do it in a week.

Msaki and Tresor will be to blame for the baby boom that the country will experience nine months post winter.

NAMIBIAN rower Maike Diekmann is fast improving and chasing her dream of qualifying for the Olympic Games.

The mathematics teacher that many South Africans grew up with, William Smith, was honoured with a National Order award on Thursday for his excellent contribution to the teaching and demystification of mathematics and science.

Celebrating 50 years after graduating with their Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rhodes University, the Pharmacy class of 1969 held a special reunion weekend in Cape Town on the weekend of the 5th April.

Growing up in central Africa in the '50s and '60s gave Duncan Clarke an early appreciation of his surroundings and the wider environment – but very little indication of the significance the oil industry would have in his later life.

The Rhodes University Postgraduate Hall hosted a dinner in honour of new Masters and PhD graduates on 13 April 2019 at the Bantu Steve Biko Oppidan Dining Hall.

It was the influence of a high school biology teacher that charted the course for David Gray into academia and a career in marine biology — but not without a change in flight plan.

Friday, 8th March was a very special day at Rhodes University, when nine former members of Hobson House returned to campus for a 50-year homecoming reunion. Organiser Yvonne Reynolds managed to entice two of the attendees, Sally MacEachern and Anne Summers, to fly all the way from the UK to attend this extraordinary day.

Konehali Gugushe, has recently been appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Land Bank

A showcase of local talent featuring art by Sarah Rose and Vix Newton-King.

Bridget Johnson needs little introduction in the ad industry. For the past 20 years, she's been building her career as a respected creative, who has made her mark on multiple brands, winning numerous local and international awards for both creativity and effectiveness.

Engelbrecht and his colleague John Midgley from Rhodes University in South Africa encountered this species, previously unknown to science, while exploring for National Geographic's Okavango Wilderness Project. This project aims to identify the biodiversity in the entire Okavango catchment of Angola, Namibia and Botswana, to inform sustainable conservation efforts

Siphiwe Sithole runs African Marmalade, an organic farming enterprise based in Krugersdorp in Gauteng’s West Rand.As a young girl, Siphiwe Sithole dreamed of being a singer. Images of gracing the international stages of the world, her gift for song had occupied her young heart until the reality of having to choose a career path her mother deemed more pragmatic came around.

How much do you know about your popular South African singer, actress and radio personality Unathi Msengana? Also known as Nkayi, Msengana is a face many want to see on big screens for the professional use of her gift as she hosts her shows on the popular youth station YFM as well as the drivetime show on Metro FM.

Associate Head of Rhodes University's Creative Writing Programme Dr Hleze Kunju, and alumna Lefatshe Moagi, have both been named as finalists for Avance Media’s prestigious 100 Most Influential Young South Africans in the Personal Development and Academia category.

The 2019 events calendar kicked off with a well-attended Orientation Cocktail function at Alumni House.

The Board of Trustees of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation has announced that after more than 15 years at the helm of the organisation, its founding Executive Director Shaun Johnson has expressed his desire to step down in the course of 2019 and to pass on the baton of leadership.

The technology market in South Africa is much smaller compared with the European and American giants. Tarsus Distribution Group CEO Miles Crisp uses that to his advantage.

Cape Town open water swimmer Andrew Chin loves the extreme in lakes, rivers and oceans. On 29th November 2018, he completed his fifth Swim for Rivers challenge on the Mtamvuna River in KwaZulu-Natal. He swam 70 km over a 6-day period, finishing at the mouth of river just south of Port Edward.

A logical place to begin is the man who is credited with setting up South Africa’s first TCP/IP link to the United States. In 1988, Mike Lawrie lead an informal team at Rhodes University which used donated equipment to salvage their own Internet gateway.

MyBroadband has strengthened its tech journalism team, with Jamie McKane being promoted to the position of senior journalist while Bradley Prior has joined the team as a journalist. Bradley has a BJourn from Rhodes University and, as you would expect, loves tech and is a PC gamer.

In July 1964, when he was twenty-four years old, Lewin was sentenced to seven years in prison for his activities in the African Resistance Movement, a small group of activists that executed acts of ‘protest sabotage’ against the apartheid state, targeting, as Lewin wrote in his 2011 memoir Stones Against the Mirror, victims ‘made of metal and concrete, not flesh and blood’.

Cameron Bellamy of South Africa has become the first person in history to complete the highly complex swim around the island of Barbados. His unprecedented swim began on Sunday November 11 at about 11:20 am. Hundreds of swimmers from around the world were already at the Carlisle Bay start as they were taking part in the annual Barbados Open Water Festival.

Rhodes University staff and students from the department of Geography have contributed to a Nature Communications journal synopsis about global permafrost temperatures.

MR ZAK HAWA, the man who recently scooped the Megafest Business Awards Southern Region Lifetime Achievement of the Year Award, believes success is about creating benefits for all and enjoying the process. He is one man who enjoys what he does. Born and bred in Bulawayo, Mr Hawa graduated from Rhodes University in South Africa with a law degree before joining the family business, Fazak Gift Centre, in 1993.

Zama T. Katamzi-Joseph will receive the 2018 Sunanda and Santimay Basu (International) Early Career Award in Sun–Earth Systems Science at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2018, to be held 10–14 December in Washington, D. C.

Athambile Masola “knows what poverty looks like” – the SSP Alum has taken her academic background as a Scholar and Teacher, and opened an all-girl, low-fee private school, Molo Mhlaba, in Khayelitsha, to focus on STEM skills and coding.

Meet Sibonakaliso Mavuka – Tshikululu Social Investments and Projects Specialist. His diverse role focuses on developing innovative new social investment solutions that speak to the dynamic realities and needs of the sector. As such, strategic research and analysis form a key part of Sibonakaliso’s work.

The company, run by Maria Ramos, said on Monday that it had appointed Charles Russon, an executive in charge of engineering services, to head its Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB), which is lagging behind its main competitors.

Recently appointed as deputy editor of COSMOPOLITAN magazine, Noxolo Mafu is the former deputy editor of Huffington Post South Africa. An experienced content producer and video presenter, Mafu is a Rhodes University journalism graduate, and produced and directed Soweto Rising, a short documentary that received international acclaim.

CONVERSATIONS in a hair salon have inspired actor, hip-hop artist, writer and producer Vakele Genu, also known as AG Akel, to write his debut song for digital platforms as a form of protest against femicide.“It is my dedication act against the femicide that is happening in our country right now. As men we need to stand up and say this is enough, no more mistreating of women,” said Genu.

Rhodes University Chancellor and former Supreme Court of Appeal president, Justice Lex Mpati, has been appointed to lead a judicial commission of inquiry into the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).

Rhodes University Political and International Studies Senior Lecturer, Dr Siphokazi Magadla, has recently been elected by President Cyril Ramaphosa to form part of a high-level review panel into the work of the State Security Agency (SSA).

Recent Bachelor of Social Science graduate and Rhodes University alumnus Kihara Muchiri, has been awarded a prestigious UNICAF Global Scholarship to undertake a postgraduate degree at the University of Nicosia.

Digitalisation expert e4 has appointed Masego Khutsoane, as its new divisional head of financial services. Khutsoane joins e4 with a wealth of experience having held senior positions within the JSE, Absa, Woolworths Financial Services and Nedbank.

Pietermaritzburg actor Zenzeli¬sphesihle “Sparky” Xulu puts the city on the map as he stars in one of Mzansi’s biggest shows at the moment, The Herd.The Maritzburg College old boy, from Imbali Unit 18, said he discovered his acting gift when he was in high school. “I was never really into sports and academics so my love for acting came during my quest to find my true calling. I was quite intrigued by story-telling and being able to play different characters,” he said.

In 1947, Bill Mills travelled from a town called Umtali in the Southern Rhodesian highlands, to South Africa to study for a B.Com degree at Rhodes University.

Two East London-born comedians have been handpicked by Trevor Noah to feature in his first Showmax series titled Trevor Noah presents NationWild. Mbu Msongelwa and Old Rhodian, Virgil Prins were selected to feature in Noah’s 13-part, 23-minute comedy showcase, where each episode presents one of South Africa’s funniest comedians – as picked by Noah. The show will air for the firt time on Heritage Day, Monday, September 24.

Rhodes University has appointed Dr Zethu Mkhize as its first-ever Harassment and Discrimination Manager in the Directorate for Equity and Institutional Transformation. The highly qualified Dr Mkhize started in her new role at the University this week. Her responsibility includes transformation, advocacy and awareness-raising in respect of harassment, discrimination, sexual assault and violence. She is in charge of the coordination of all complaints and the development and monitoring of related policies, programmes and training.

Spring day brought with it a reunion and the 68th annual Rhodes University Convocation Meeting, held jointly with the annual General Meeting of the Old Rhodian Union, at the Gavin Relly Postgraduate Village at Rhodes University.

Cameron Bellamy’s attempt at swimming around Barbados is just a few weeks away and the highly anticipated event is causing a huge stir among the passionate swimmers and the wider community on the island. It’s estimated that about 70% of the population in Barbados are not proficient swimmers so the notion of someone swimming 96K around the island is mind-boggling to most of the residents.

At a Gala dinner on 28 June, the Mail & Guardian announced a list of 200 Young South African Achievers. Of these, 15 are graduates of Rhodes University, some currently registered for further degrees. Of the 15, 13 hold postgraduate degrees from Rhodes, and 10 were funded through the Postgraduate Financial Aid Office at Rhodes. This speaks volumes of the value of a Rhodes postgraduate qualification, and the financial support that our graduates receive to enable them to achieve high recognition.

Twenty-eight hard-working students received bursaries totalling R225 000 from the Old Rhodian Union this year.

The Rhodes University Faculty of Law has the pleasure of celebrating the award of the US Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship to its alumnus and former Andrew W Mellon Lecturer, Mr Tladi Marumo.

Professor Lungisile Ntsebeza’s name is associated with land reform, which is appropriate given that he grew up in a rural area and was banished to the small town of Cala in the Eastern Cape during apartheid. He is now the holder of the National Research Foundation research chair in land reform and democracy in South Africa, as well as the AC Jordan chair in African studies and director of the Centre for African Studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

On the chilly night of 3 July 2018, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Peter Clayton addressed “Rhodians old and established”, as he put it, at the annual Old Rhodian Festival Cocktail Party that took place at Alumni House at Rhodes University.

Several students, staff and alumni from Rhodes University are among this year’s Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2018.

Cape Town – SABC3’s "Presenter Search on 3", is entering the next phase of the competition to find new presenters for some of the TV channel’s shows. In Thursday evening’s 8th episode, the top 10 contenders were announced.

Three Old Rhodians have been selected to participate in the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship of the Young African Leadership initiative (YALI. They will participate in a six week academic and leadership program at the University of Iowa, USA and attend a three day summit in Washington with US leaders. They will form part of a cohort of 700 leaders across the African continent.

Rhodes University on Thursday said Director of the Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics (AGCLE), Professor Pedro Tabensky, had developed a learning module for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under its Education for Justice (E4J) initiative

Nicky Quekett: an inspirational life. By any standards, Nicolette (Nicky) Quekett has lived a remarkable, and for those fortunate enough to know her, an inspirational life. Although she would not think so, she has been a role model of how to live life to the full for many.

Rapula was selected to participate in the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). He will participate in a 6 week academic and leadership program at the University of Iowa, USA and attend a 3 day summit in Washington with US Leaders. He will be part of a cohort of 700 leaders across the African continent. Rapula is Founder & CEO of Tantalum Group which is a private healthcare group of companies that is promoting private healthcare access to augment the over reliance and dependence on public health systems.

Currently living and working in Johannesburg Beth Diane was born in South African in 1985. In 2010, she completed, with distinction, her Masters of Fine Art at Rhodes University. Rhodes bought her BFA exhibition, Hibernation, for their permanent collection. Armstrong has partaken in several solo exhibitions, a number of group shows and projects locally and internationally, as well as being included is various private and public collections

Lisa MacLeod, head of digital at Tiso Blackstar Group, South Africa has been elected vice president of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers during the 70th Wan-Ifra's annual congress in Estoril, Portugal on Thursday, 7 June. Seven executives from leading news media companies were also elected to new terms on the board of Wan-Ifra.

Nicolas Haralambous, 34, better known as Nic Harry, is the perfect model of a young entrepreneur in South Africa. His story ought to be a mandatory case study for school learners, university students and young entrepreneurs, especially in the technology sector. To learn from Nic about technology entrepreneurship, you have to look at his businesses, which cut across industries with tech as a common thread.

Rhodes University alumna Joanna Pickering was recently awarded the prestigious Skye Foundation scholarship to complete her second master’s degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action at the Paris School of International Affairs, a graduate school within The Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), in Paris, France.

Silvanus Welcome has been appointed as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Walter Sisulu University. His passion for his career started in 2009 when he was a student leader at Rhodes University and volunteered to assist in campus initiatives organised by the Department of Development and Alumni.

Old Rhodian, Marc Schroeder launched his debut novel, Sleeping with Dogs: A Tale of Madness, in Grahamstown at NELM (National English Literacy) on the 31st May.

Zoliswa “Zoe” Nhleko studies white rhinos in South Africa. So why is she 8,000 miles away at the University of Florida? Nhleko, a junior scientist with South African National Parks, came to UF to study wildlife ecology and conservation. She’ll use what she learns in her doctoral program to protect the species from extinction. Rhinos were brought back from the brink of extinction in the 1960s, and now they’re threatened again. To think we've let it get to this point is devastating,” she says.

Nelson Mandela Bay talent is, once again, in the spotlight as one of the city’s favourite songbirds is in the running for this year’s tru-Talent Search competition presented by Eastern Cape radio station truFM. Kwazakhele seasoned jazz singer Sikelelwa “Siki Jo-An” Qwazi has cemented her name in the top 14 of the competition’s music category.

Yusuf Omar, mobile journalist and founder of 'Hashtag Our Stories', and his wife Sumaiya, 31, spent the last eight months travelling to over 40 countries on four continents, teaching media companies how to do mobile journalism – shooting, editing and distributing content using cellphones.

Adrian Ciesielski is Twitter's Sales Manager for Greater Africa and one of the key speakers for #SMWNairobi 2018. Adrian started his career as a start-up enthusiast building and managing various digital portfolios. He studied sustainable business at Rhodes University where he obtained his MBA and proceeded to work for a digital consultancy specializing in online strategy. With a strong affinity for strategic thinking and hard work, his objectives are to advance Africa's role as a global digital leader.

Nomkhita Mona, the recently appointed head of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber (NMBBC), wants the organisation to play a key role in boosting investment and fast-tracking development in the region. The 51-year-old and a mother of three, who joined the chamber as CEO in December, is passionate about her home town’s economic prospects.

THERE is a saying that old teachers never die; they simply lose their class.” This is according to Natalie Stear, the guest speaker at Riebeek College Girls’ High School Founder’s Day which was held recently in Uitenhage. “Now that we’re living in an age of spreading social media via facebook, twitter, Instagram and so many apps coming into their own, we have wonderful opportunities of staying in touch with each other. So we teachers haven‘t lost our class after all!” said Stear.

Lukanyo Mnyanda succeeded Tim Cohen as Editor of Business Day on 1 May. Mnyanda joined Business Day from Bloomberg in Edinburgh. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes University, and an MSc in international development from the University of Bath.

Caxton Magazines has announced the appointment of Gugulethu Mhlungu as the new deputy editor of Bona magazine. Mhlungu is the current Nightalk host on Radio 702. My media career began at the age of 17 when the radio bug bit in Grahamstown at Rhodes University’s campus radio.

Longtime University of Wyoming faculty member Donal Skinner, the first dean of UW’s new Honors College, has been inducted as an honorary member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. It’s only the eighth time in the past 40 years that UW’s Phi Beta Kappa chapter has awarded an honorary membership. Former UW President Tom Buchanan received the honor last year.

Jo-Ann Pohl was appointed Group CFO of Bowmans in November 2017. Jo previously worked as Finance Executive for Standard Chartered Bank Africa and insurance group Telesure. She is also the chairperson for Africa at Hansal International. She is a CA (SA) having complete her articles with KPMG. She has worked in various positions at Barclays Africa and Middle East before taking up a CFO appointment at UBank

Naufiku Hamunime, became Standard Bank Namiba’s Economist, after starting off her career at the Bank through its graduate programme two years ago. She is part of the young people who joined the bank through various developmental programmes, such as the Standard Bank Graduate programme, through which the Bank employs young graduates who rotate through the Bank’s various departments learning new skills.

AUB Group Limited (ASX:AUB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Shanahan as Chief Financial Officer, effective 12th April 2018. Commencing his career at KPMG, Mr Shanahan has over 25 years' experience in Chief Financial Officer and senior operational roles across Australia, Asia and Europe.

Webber Wentzel re-appoints Michael Denenga, one of South Africa’s leading experts in finance and investment funds. Denenga joins as equity partner in the firm’s funds practice from April 2018. Recognised by a number of international ratings agencies, including Chambers Global, Best Lawyers and IFLR1000, Denenga joins Webber Wentzel from Dentons where he served as chairman of their Africa banking group and head of their South Africa banking practice.

Malawi’s Rachel Sibande’s “Light from Maize” won in the climate category for her idea of using maize cobs to generate electricity. Dr. Conrad Tankou won in the personalized health field for invention of a digital microscope that connects a smartphone to scan for cervical and breast cancer remotely, uploading the data on to the cloud for doctors kilometres away for analysis. Professor Abdoulaye Banire Diallo’s precision genome analysis project won in the deeptech category.

Welekazi Ndika, the recently appointed Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, joins Sanral's Southern Region with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Ndika has spent 28 years in the public service, the first 14 years of which she was a high school teacher in Mdantsane. In 2006 she joined the Office of the Premier in the Eastern Cape as the Assistant Director for Policy and Planning where she later specialised in Strategy Development and Planning for the entities in the Office of the Premier in the Eastern Cape

Please access the quick links below for the Alumni Website:

Jacobs is a qualified chartered accountant and holds a BCom degree in accounting, commercial law and business administration, as well as a H.Dip.Acc from Rhodes University. “With over 20 years’ commercial experience, Mr Jacobs has the required financial competencies for the acting CFO role,” Altron said.

Razor-sharp and politically and socially poignant, Rebecca Davis is one of the country’s favourite writers and currently shares her pithy insights on the Daily Maverick. She’s just published her first book – a collection of humorous essays called Best White (And Other Anxious Delusions), which tackles all of life’s trickiest issues with the author’s usual hilarity, grace and shrewdness.

It is not often that the curator of an exhibition is keen to point out that no one has heard of the featured artist. Nevertheless, Christopher Till (1972) is a little excited that Brian Bradshaw is practically unknown because it has meant his oeuvre is not spread across homes around the world, and he has the privilege of undoing its obscure status.

The World Rowing Federation (FISA) and Filippi Lido S.R.L. are pleased to announce that Micheen Thornycroft from Zimbabwe is the winner of the 2017 Filippi Spirit Award.Thornycroft is a two-time Olympic rower for Zimbabwe and is currently studying at Rhodes University in South Africa. She plans to graduate in 2019 with a masters degree in human kinetics and ergonomics, focusing on elite athlete performance centres specific to Africa.

As a female consultant, being underestimated can work in your favour, says Laura Poultney, relationship sales support manager at BSG. Careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are the driving force behind innovation and the technological transformation the 'Information Age' promises. In South Africa, only 13% of graduates in those fields are women, despite South Africa being ranked 19th out of 144 countries in the 2017 Global Gender Gap Report.

Thabo Seshoka is the recently appointed Assistant Art Curator for Absa. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Absa Gallery, while concurrently curating one of the largest Corporate Art Collections globally. His present achievements include being appointed acting chief curator and head of a museum and enrolling for a PhD, both at the ripe old age of 23.

CAPE TOWN - On February 1, 1978, Roy Cokayne stepped into the offices of the Pretoria News, with an honours in journalism from Rhodes University in the bag. Four decades later, he’s Business Report’s most seasoned reporter, specialising in property, motoring and construction.

Mail & Guardian freelance journalist Sarah Wild won the gold award at the 2017 international AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards. In a moving series on forensic science and the quest to identify hundreds of unidentified dead who pass each year through the mortuaries of a single province in South Africa, Sarah Wild told the stories of both the professionals trying to improve the identification process and the families seeking to know what happened to their loved ones.

EE Publishers is pleased to advise that Pierre Potgieter has been appointed as the editor of PositionIT magazine with effect from 13 November 2017. He has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Rhodes University, and has been with EE Publishers since 2013 in the position of assistant editor of PositionIT.

Wesgro, Cape Town and the Western Cape's official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of Palesa Morudu and John van Rooyen to the Agency's board. In terms of the Western Cape Investment and Trade Promotion Agency Law, 1996, Wesgro is governed by a board - with directors representing both the public and private sector of the province.

A grand prize of R120,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Silicon Valley in the US has been awarded to Rhodes University graduate Bandile Dlabantu whose Mobile Fly Farm was announced as the winning innovation in the 2017 Global Cleantech Innovation Programme in South Africa (GCIP-SA).

Launching the party Korea Garden lodge in Lilongwe with gold and green colours, Kumwenda said Malawi politics is “deceiving” and she want to bring “fresh ideas” hoping to be elected the second female Head of State after Joyce Banda.

In the stand-up world, the situation is no less gender-skewed. Last year, all 10 of the highest-paid comedians — collectively netting a cool $173-million — were guys. By our count, of the 683 people big enough to warrant inclusion on Wiki’s list of “American Stand-up Comedians,” just 92 are women. That equates to a not-so-funny 13%,” according to a HuffPost blog, ‘Why the Gender Gap in Comedy Isn’t That Funny’.

Jan-Bart Gewald (1963) is the new director of the African Studies Centre Leiden. He was born in the Netherlands but was raised in Zimbabwe, Congo, Botswana and Namibia. He did a BA in African Political Studies and African History at Rhodes University (South Africa), he did his MA in History at Leiden University and his PhD at Leiden University under the supervision of Prof. Henk Wesseling and Prof. Robert Ross.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) has appointed the new Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Nosisi Nellie Feza with effect from 1 October 2017.

A trained lawyer and an experienced chartered marketer, Ogilvy SA chairman Moss Mashishi says Mokoena brings to the agency a “deep passion for client-centricity”.His illustrious career includes a stint at SAB, Unilever, Tiger Brands, Mondelez and Absa, where he was head of marketing for the Retail & Business Bank, among others.

Rhodes University graduate Golda Schultz is making her Metropolitan Opera debut under the baton of esteemed conductor James Levine on September 27th as Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

Former Rhodes University journalism student Brendon Peel is now a fulltime “magician mentalist” after he honed his skills at seven successive National Arts Festivals. Those skills resulted in a mind blowing show at the Alexander Bar, which is one of the many venues for the Cape Town Fringe Festival

Stacey Brewer, SPARK’s Co-Founder and CEO is a true innovator who has actively disrupted the norm. Dedicated to making a difference and solving South Africa’s education challenges, Stacey launched the SPARK school network in 2012 and has been intricately involved in its evolution and growth ever since.

Edgar “Chappie” Chaplin has seen the world and swum in lakes and seas across the globe. He remembers the days they had to travel by ox-wagon. He drove his own car until the age of 99 years. And now, at the age of 100, he has a clear and fond memory of “an amazing century to have lived through.”

Former Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor and first Head of the Department of Microbiology, Dr David Woods is a fitting scholar to unpack in a public lecture

School Principal, St Claire Adriaan of Academia Avance, a charter school in Highland Park in Los Angeles speaks out on the arrest of Romulo Avelica-Gonzales who was arrested by federal immigration official while dropping off his daughters at school

The African Development Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Trevor de Kock as Director Financial Management with effect from 1st July 2017.

Rhodes University congratulates Simphiwe Tshabalala, an alumnus of the University, on his appointment as the first black Standard Bank sole Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA), in conjunction with headline sponsor Sasol, has announced the winners of the 37th annual Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Congratulations to our Old Rhodian Alumni who were amongst the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2017. Please click to view:

Congratulations to Daneel Knoetze, who will be heading to Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ from August 2017 to June 2018. He has been awarded the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, which is a Fulbright program that brings accomplished young and mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate study and related practical professional experiences.

After matriculating from Stirling High School he graduated from Rhodes University with a drama degree and now up-and-coming actor Ryan de Villiers, 24, is appearing in a fresh new play at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown called jack and jill.Can you remember the moment you knew you wanted to be an actor?

Kampala, 21st June, 2017 – The Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda (HRMAU) hosted a leadership dinner featuring a keynote address by internationally renowned motivational speaker and leadership coach, Mr. Lincoln Mali from South Africa. Lincoln, a professional banker with over 18 years of experience currently works as Standard Banks Group Head of Card and Emerging Payments across Africa in Personal and Business Banking.

Two artists from the Eastern Cape are part of a collective of 13 artists from South Africa whose work will be shown at the Theoule Expo 2017 in France later this month. The expo was created by Nomaza Nongqunga Coupez, a South African living in France whose company, Undiscovered Canvas, creates a platform to promote emerging contemporary South African and African artists in Europe.

This is a good story – a typical story – one of 100’s, 1000’s, of similar stories…… BUT not one that is part of our SA narrative. Olwethu “I was born on 10 August 1991, in the village of Nontshinga, Centane District of the Eastern Cape, an area previously known as the Republic of the Transkei, South Africa. I live to this day, in the same rural village, where we still have no access to running water, and very little in the way of community services.

Besieged by frequent lawlessness, xenophobia, fading democratic values and almost daily stories of corruption, bribery, looting, abuse and wastage of state resources, Brand South Africa is slowly fading. Actually, the Rainbow Nation’s image has never been in as serious trouble as it is now. As country, we have a serious image problem.

A lecturer in the School of Chemistry and Physics, Dr Nolwazi Nombona, will attend the 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany in June. Nombona, selected for the trip by the African Academy of Science (AAS), joins fellow UKZN representative Dr Mark Williams-Wynn, who is being sent by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

Dr Robin Drennan, Director of Research Development at Wits, has been awarded by his southern African peers for his contribution to research management. The Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) gave Drennan the Distinguished Contribution to Research Management Profession Award at the SARIMA 2017 Annual Conference held in Windhoek, Namibia from 22-25 May 2017.

Simphiwe Tshabalala is joint Chief Executive of the Standard Bank Group and Chief Executive of Standard Bank South Africa. Tshabalala was born in Hlabisa, a poor area in rural KwaZulu Natal. He grew up in Soweto and obtained his matric from the Sacred Heart College in Johannesburg.

Regional Head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, EC, National Prosecuting Authority, Old Rhodian, Chris Ndzenga, received his LLD from NMMU. The Thesis Title is: “A Comparative Analysis of Aspect of Criminal and Civil Forfeitures: Suggestions for SA Asset Forfeiture Law Reform.”

Alumni House and the Post Graduate Hall held a special celebration to further congratulate the PhD and Masters 2017 graduates. The event was held at Oakdene House and was well attended by Post Graduates and guests which included the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizella.

A SENIOR member of the Society of Advocates of Namibia, Harold (Harry) Geier, has been appointed as a judge of the High Court. President Hifikepunye Pohamba appointed Geier to the High Court bench on a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission with effect from April 1,

The national law firm of Quarles & Brady LLP recently announced that Adriane Hofmeyr has joined the firm’s Tucson office as a partner in its Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group. She focuses her practice on commercial litigation, appeals, administrative litigation, and administrative hearings.

Kirsten Hall is a regulatory project manager within Global Markets at State Street, and is responsible for driving and implementing regulatory change projects. With an interest in the exercise of both social and economic power,

Judy Mann has been with the South African Association for Marine Biological Research(SAAMBR) in Durban since 1992. She started in the Sea World Education Department, which she ran for almost 10 years, she was then the Director of uShaka Sea World for 10 years,

South African Internet pioneer Mike Lawrie (1966) has built an internal ADSL network at the retirement centre where he lives, which offers residents unlimited Internet access at R40 per month. Lawrie is known for establishing the first Internet network in South Africa at Rhodes University in 1988.

Sarita was invited to contribute to a Commonwealth Writers anthology of African Creative Non-Fiction. Her contribution, “Border Crossings”, reflects on a childhood growing up under apartheid in the context of the anti-apartheid struggle in Cape Town, engaging with race, gender, sexuality, class and formative journeys and encounters into adulthood.

Nic Haralambous (2003) and Lauren Edwards (2007) have been nominated in the Top 31 entrepreneurs under 40 making waves in South Africa (Digital All Stars)

ODIFENTSE Lehasa (23) from Naturena is one of the finalists of Miss Commonwealth SA to be held at Summer Place in Boksburg on Thursday, November 24. Miss Commonwealth South Africa runs and produces the Miss Commonwealth South Africa pageant annually. The nation-wide pageant runs over a seven-month period in search of the winners across South Africa. The pageant focuses on charity, empowering young South African women to become change agents in their communities and bring about sustainable development in the country.

One of the latest recruits at The World Bank is an Alumna of Rhodes University and the Environmental Science Department. Mercedes Stickler (2008) has just joined the Bank and Shafick Hoosein (2001) has been assigned as her mentor in the Environmental and Natural Resources Global Practice. What a pleasant surprise for Shafick to have a fellow Rhodes graduate at the Bank and moreover in the same Global Practice.

Rhodes University honoured some of its illustrious alumni who were presented with the 2016 Distinguished and Emerging Old Rhodian Award at a luncheon that was hosted at the University on Saturday, 27 August 2016 in Grahamstown.

JOHANNESBURG – In the run-up to its comical debut at the International Arts Festival, comic Tyson Ngubeni has set out to give audiences a preview of his show The Dark Ages later this month with the aim of raising over R20,000 for the Tsebo Bursary Fund. Directed by Donovan Goliath, The Dark Ages is an almost autobiographical telling of

Tribeca Public Relations has appointed Sumaya Ismail to its content development team, expanding the agency’s capacity to create original content that opens doors, starts conversations and builds relationships for its clients.

Catherine Townshend firmly believes the best way to grow economies and create jobs is to support and develop high-growth businesses. However, having worked with many high-impact entrepreneurs over the past decade, she is acutely aware of the challenges they face during the growth lifecycle of their businesses. This is why joining Endeavor SA in 2012 was such a natural move for her. It would allow her to work with some of the country’s most innovative entrepreneurs in assisting them to realise their

Monde Tabata has been appointed as Executive Council member. The body which reports to the General Council (made up of representatives of the 14 provincial unions) – was constituted at the beginning of 2011 as a consequence of the merging of the old amateur and professional arms of SA Rugby. Tabata is a graduate of Rhodes University and holds an honorary degree from Australia’s

Cape Town - International advertising agency network M&C Saatchi has acquired local digital agency Creative Spark. Creative Spark is a the five-year-old digital agency founded by Matthew Buckland. It has over 40 employees with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg and annual revenues of approximately R20m, according to technology news website Memeburn.

Professor of Law Avinash Govindjee – an accomplished researcher and lecturer, with a high level of involvement within the community – is the new Executive Dean in the Faculty of Law at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Prior to his appointment as Dean, he was Head of the Department of Public Law and Deputy Head of the Labour and Social Security Law Unit within the Faculty.

Congratulations to our two Old Rhodians from across the border, Andrew Peebles and Micheen Thornycroft for selection to represent Zimbabwe Rowing at the Olympics in Rio! Lets show them what Africa can do.

As Sunday’s Comrades Marathon draws nearer, a former Rhodes student is gearing up to defend his title. Lindsey Parry - who coaches reigning women’s champion Caroline Wöstmann - as well as last year’s runner-up, Charné Bosman, is confident that the former can become the first athlete ever to win both the Two Oceans and Comrades Marathons in successive years.

The 2016 Old Rhodian Union Bursary (ORU) Awards were hosted by the Vice- President, Prof James Gambiza and the Old Rhodian Union Committee on the 12th May 2016 at Alumni House. 26 Bursaries, totalling R200 000, were awarded to students whose parents or grandparents are Old Rhodians. Administered by the ORU committee, the bursaries awarded are based on a means test and academic achievements.

Sinegugu is a current student at Rhodes University and when she heard about former student, Anelisa Dulaze’s disappearance, she became increasingly concerned that not enough was being done to find her friend. She joined the Facebook page, #HelpFindAnelisa and raised awareness of her disappearance with the current student body at Rhodes via social media.

He may be the new CEO of the Two Oceans Aquarium (he officially entered his new office in mid-December 2015), but Michael Farquhar isn’t new to the Aquarium. Like quite a few other staff members, Michael was an Aquarium volunteer (he started in 1994) before we opened to the public (in November 1995).

SINCE she started helping matriculants two years ago to fill in forms and apply for bursaries, Pumla Stuurman has seen eight students into university.

Bryony Winn is a Partner in McKinsey and Company’s Chicago office and a leader in both the Healthcare and Deals and Transactions practices. She joined McKinsey in the London office where she served a range of private and public sector healthcare and pharmaceutical clients across Europe and Africa.

The Reverand Doctor Simon Gqubule is being honoured with the Order of Luthuli: Silver for his excellent contribution in the liberation struggle and in the fields of education and religion. The Order of Luthuli is a South African honour. [1] It was instituted on 30 November 2003, and is granted by the president of South Africa,

Janet has been at The DG Murray Trust since 2011 and as Portfolio Manager she was responsible for developing portfolio strategy, identifying key projects, monitoring and supporting leadership interventions and establishing sector-support mechanisms. Responsible for driving the development of the Activate! Leadership and Public Innovation programme

While I think that’s very important, I do think you can be a little bit kinder to yourself – Nomkhita Nqweni – Barclays Africa.

Patrick completed a BSc at Rhodes University in 2002 and a LLB in 2004 and is currently working on an LLM in environmental law at the University of Kwazulu-Natal. Patrick joined Garlicke & Bousfield Inc as a candidate attorney in June 2011 and after completing his articles remained on as a professional assistant.

A variety of emotions and personal experiences were all translated into art at the 2016 Cape Town Art Fair last month.

Prof Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela has recently been appointed as Adjunct Professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Prof Msengana-Ndlela has had a long professional association with UCT’s Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice (GSDPP) and she spoke to us about the challenges of fostering exemplary leadership in public institutions.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helped 186 150 university students with financial aid totalling R7 billion in 2015.

In a telegram dated 29 April 1963, twenty-nine-year-old Afrikaans poet Ingrid Jonker thanks André Brink, a young novelist of twenty-seven, for flowers and a letter he sent her. In the more than two hundred letters that followed this telegram, one of South African literature’s most famous love affairs unfolds

Recipient of NSFAS funding at Rhodes donates money to help others

Seven Old Rhodian movers and shakers were named in the Mail & Guardians top 200 Young South Africans for 2016. Congratulations to Claire Waterhouse, Harriet Etheredge, Buhle Ngaba, Krivani Pillay, Baba-Tamana Gqubule, Siviwe Gwarube and Sian Ferguson.

Announced as one of the four 2012 winners of the Theatre Arts Admin Collective’s Emerging Theatre Director’s Bursary, Nicola will be given a platform to write, direct, cast and perform plays over during the year, under the mentorship of the Theatre Arts Admin Collective,

As CEO of one of SA’s big-four banks, Sim Tshabalala is driving expansion into Africa Sim Tshabalala, the chief executive of Standard Bank South Africa and one of three deputy CEOs of the Standard Bank Group (Africa’s largest banking group, with assets of R1.34-trillion and earnings of

Cameron Bellamy (2001), Ryan Palmer (2001), Greg Pienaar (2000), Gordon Simpson (2000) Micheen Thornycroft (2006), Sam Wells (2000), Richard English (2002) and Thato Mabelane (2001) are all participating in the Ubunye Challenge with the aim of raising £250 000 (almost R3 million), the campaign hopes to give half of the funds raised to the Angus Gillis Foundation and the other half to the Africa Foundation to assist in early child development. At the moment, Cameron and members of the Angus Gillis Foundation are choosing five different sites around the Eastern Cape at which to place five Edutainers to act as crèches.

After Rhodes Hans spent 5 years working in Johannesburg; first as an analyst programmer in logistics at UTi Worldwide, then as a developer in online gaming at Dariel Solutions, and finally as a consultant at Mint Management Technologies. In 2006 he was recruited by Microsoft and moved to Seattle to work on the Internet Explorer team.

Gregor Röhrig spent a good part of his 20s capturing street life across the globe – watching people and their daily going-ons. His fascination with ordinary people has translated into his exhibition, Streets of Our Lives, which you can see at the Alliance Francaise Du Cap Art Gallery in the Mother City.

'Kwani?' Managing editor Billy Kahora has been shortlisted for the 2012 Caine Prize for African Writing . The 13th Caine Prize shortlist was announced by Ben Okri OBE, the new vice president of the Prize. Billy has a Bachelor of Journalism degree and post-graduate

Steve Linde – Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post Steve Linde was appointed editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post in July, 2011, after serving as managing editor, news editor and night editor at the paper over the past 14 years.

Paula Heron has just been awarded the NCAS (National Consortium for Academics and Sports) 2012 Steps Award for her work as a civic leader. Her tireless efforts with the Tri 4 Freedom organization, which raises awareness of human trafficking,

A committee of University of Wyoming Student Alumni Association (WyoSAA) members has selected Donal Skinner, Department of Zoology and Physiology associate professor, as this year's Outstanding Faculty Award recipient

As a director of Prinsloo, Tindle & Andropoulos Inc, a commercial law firm, Michael Denenga has helped a number of international banking groups including boutique offshore hedge funds to set up their operations in SA.

The Wits Justice Project has started 2012 with several new members and a plan that will see it become more active in advocacy, writes Tshepo Tshabalala. With Iranian-born Nooshin Erfani as newly appointed project coordinator, the team aims to do nothing less than improve the justice

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) had a unique event at the Los Angeles Museum featuring Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and an Honorary Graduate of Rhodes, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu in conversation with Robert V. Taylor, author of the recently released book, 'A New Way to Be Human.'

Carte Blanche producer, Kim Cloete, has won this year’s Brandhouse Responsible Drinking Media Award for best broadcast for her story on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Kim was also named Brandhouse Journalist of the year.

Two-time SAMA nominee Pebbles is back with another soulful offering featuring Zubz who is also an Old Rhodian (1996) , Nothende, Kabomo and RJ Benjamin.

Africa Celebrates SKA Bid Outcome: Two of our Old Rhodians were spotted at the SKA media press conference. Prof Justin Jonas, Associate Director: Science and Engineering at the SKA South Africa Project and Dr Adrian Tiplady is the Site Bid Manager.

Adam has been writing about the international bunkering and shipping market since 2010, when he joined the Bunkerworld news service. He is the current editor of the Bunker Bulletin - Petromedia's print title focused on the global bunkering sector. In this capacity Adam has expanded upon his

Liam Pedersen was born in Cape Town, South Africa before moving to the squats of London, thence to the Greyhound bus terminals of the USA before being deported from Mexico and ending up in Colombian jungle where he avoided school and spent idyllic days fishing from a dugout canoe. Eventually polite society caught up with him and he went to Chile, learning

Triathlete Chris Felgate (2002) and Rower Micheen Thornycroft (2006) have qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Six Old Rhodians were nominated for the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2012. Bailey Snyman,Daniel Friedman, Michael Markovina, Lindile Mpanza and Melini Moses.

Cablekiosk.co.za, a new online store which launched this week, was conceived when Rhodes University student, Andrew Lynch was looking for a replacement iPod charging cable. "I looked online and in stores and received such poor service and ridiculous prices - I felt like I was being ripped off." He searched abroad for alternatives. "I convinced a company in China to manufacture a small batch of cables and ship them to me, for a lower price than a single cable in South Africa! I kept one cable and put the rest on

"Thando Zono brings South African roots to streaking UMass field hockey". Brought up in Grahamstown, her field hockey career began at the age of eight and whilst at Rhodes, she was recruited by former UMass coach Justine Sowry, who convinced Zono to come to Amherst without ever seeing the campus.

Alistair Mokoena, previously head of marketing at ABSA Retail & Business Bank, has joined Drftfcb Johannesburg as managing director. Making the announcement, Draftfcb CEO, John Dixon, said he regarded the signing of Mokoena as a 'big signing' for the agency, which has scored several other goals over the course of the year.

Lisa MacLeod has won Woman in Business of the Year in the South African Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2012. Currently an assistant editor at the Financial Times Lisa has been involved in most of the strategic newsroom integration projects at the FT over the past nine years, and been part of the senior management team for the past few years

Rob competed in the World Canoe Marathon Championships, 13-23 September, 2012 in Rome. Paddles from 40 nations took part and whilst Rob was unable to repeat the successes of 2011 with 2 gold medals, he did manage to bring back some 'tin' in the form of bronze and silver medals, coming 3rd in the K1 and 2nd in the K2 (Masters) events that he competed in.

Rebecca Davis studied at Rhodes University and Oxford before working in lexicography at the Oxford English Dictionary. After deciding she’d rather make up words than define them, she returned to South Africa in 2011 to write for the Daily Maverick. Source: Daily Maverick

Nikiwe was awarded the Hubert Humphrey’s Fellowship and has taken special leave from eTV's News Night, which she co-anchored with Jeremy Maggs. Each year, up to 15 Humphrey Fellows arrive at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University

LIAM Pedersen spent much of his childhood with no electricity, plumbing or books. Now he is building space exploration robots for Nasa in the search for life beyond our planet.

Congratulations to Judith who has been appointed as a Judge in the Western Cape High Court. She obtained her BA degree from the University of Cape Town in 1983 and her LLB from Rhodes University in 1985. As an articled clerk and attorney until 1994, she gained experience predominantly in the areas of civil and criminal litigation. Her main area of interest has been family law and she

COMING to the Midlands, fresh from a successful performance at the Musho! International Festival of One and Two-Hander Theatre in Durban, is Tristan Jacobs' Hambre Del Alma.

Ryland Fisher has more than 30 years of experience in the media industry as an editor, journalist, columnist, author, senior manager and executive.

New head of AFU in Eastern Cape inspired by apartheid injustices to study for career in law.

Everyone will have a voice on TV' THE queen of radio is going to tackle big issues on the small screen again! SAfm presenter Siki Mgabadeli will present a 10-episode current affairs show called The Big Debate.

Executive Director, Daniel Galloway was ecstatic that The Fugard Theatre received a staggering ten nominations for the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards for productions presented and housed at The Fugard in 2012.

The invitation extended this year to SA born composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen by the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival (JIMF) is of significance, especially in the context of SA classical music.

SUN INTERNATIONAL has appointed Graeme Stephens, its director of new business development, as chief executive from February next year.

Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela has been appointed the municipal manager of Nelson Mandela Bay. Dr Msengana-Ndlela, 47, who was born in Cala and has three grown-up children, will be returning to her home province.

South African born Tony Granger has been admitted as a freeman of London. Individuals who have made a significant impact in their field are invited to take up the Freedom to acknowledge their contribution.

Anyone paying attention to the triathlon scene in Taiwan in recent years is sure to have noticed the rise in participation among female athletes, some of whom are earning endorsement deals for their healthy beauty. A local cycling magazine recently featured several accomplished young triathletes on its cover, looking every bit as good as professional models (but far healthier and more radiant).

IT was the sort of dream deal that the shareholders involved won't forget. But for Rod Baxter being at the centre of the famous Consolidated Minerals bidding war of 2007-08 was an experience he never wants to repeat.

Director and Chief Investment Officer of Foord Asset Management. Dave Foord founded Foord Asset Management in 1981 with Liston Meintjes and has built it into the company it is today. He began his career at Old Mutual in 1978 and then started his business three years later.

Van Wyk Smith celebrated for lifetime contribution to language. A RETIRED Grahamstown English professor who spent more than half a century teaching thousands of students – and wrote several acclaimed books – has received a top award for distinguished service to language.

Chris and Nikki got married on the 15th December 2012 and had been together for 5 years prior. They are currently living in Johannesburg and had their wedding in Kenton on Sea in December. Chris has retired from professional triathlon now

A NEW ERA AT STANDARD BANK Headline earnings grew 10%, boosted by its operations in the rest of Africa, which posted a significant 69% rise STANDARD Bank Group joint CEO Ben Kruger said at its annual results presentation yesterday the bank expected its offshore operations to turn profitable this financial year

STANDARD Bank Group CEO Jacko Maree, who has been at the bank for more than 32 years, shed a tear yesterday as his newly appointed successors, Ben Kruger and Sim Tshabalala, and a packed house bid him farewell at the annual results presentation.

Talented alumni, Ms Natasha Joseph, Mr Stephen Grootes and Ms Verashni Pillay, are flying the Rhodes University flag high in the South African media industry. The three are among the top achievers recognised by The Media magazine under the banner: top 40 under 40s editors in South Africa.

The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding all-round students at the University of Oxford, and providing transformative opportunities for exceptional individuals. The Rhodes Trust provides the Rhodes Scholarships in partnership with Second Century Founder, John McCall MacBain and other generous benefactors.

A pair of former Rhodes University students are using their personal experience of living in student residences - and their strong business partnership - to change the face of student living in Port Elizabeth.

Marikana Commission evidence leader Advocate Mbuyiseli Madlanga has been appointed as the new Judge in the Constitutional Court.

A RHODES University graduate is among a group of eight entering their final phase of preparations today in a Guinness world record attempt to row more than 8000km – from Australia to Durban. The trans-Indian Ocean expedition – described as a display of sheer bravery and a test of ultimate endurance – is said to be a world first. The crew will set out from Geraldton along Australia’s west coast.

Chris Butler is professor of primary care and Professorial Fellow at Trinity College. His main research interests are in common infections (especially the appropriate use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance), and health behaviour change (especially motivational interviewing in health care).

Seeing scores of people unable to defend themselves and being needlessly imprisoned motivated Judge Lex Mpati to study law in Grahamstown at the age of 30. This set off a course of events that would see the young Mpati go from petrol attendant, furniture sales clerk and barman to one of South Africa’s most respected legal minds, and president of South Africa’s second highest court. But he nearly gave up on his legal studies at one point.

Rhodes University alumna, Ms Efemia Chela’s short story “Chicken” in Feast, Famine and Potluck published in South Africa 2013 has been shortlisted for the 2014 Caine Prize for African Writing yesterday (22 April 2014) in Nigeria. Nobel Prize winner and Patron of the Caine Prize, Professor Wole Soyinka made the announcement as part of the opening ceremonies for the UNESCO World Book Capital 2014 celebration in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

NEW Afro-soul artist ZolaSoul is making waves in the music industry with the release of his debut album, Thando Lokwenene. ZolaSoul, real name Zola Futshane, has been singing since his primary school days but was given an opportunity to record his music two years ago.

Professor Nick Binedell has been at the helm of the business school since it was founded in 2000. Having led the business school for more than a decade, Binedell regards this as an opportune time to step down from his current role as Dean.

A broken wrist and altitude sickness could not stand in the way of Ballito resident Harry Botha finishing his Everest marathon adventure.

MOTHERWELL-born Thina Maqubela has proved that success has nothing to do with where one comes from, winning a regional businesswomen’s award last week. She’s achieved this while working on her PhD in statistics education at Rhodes University.

Time magazine described Thuli Madonsela as "an inspirational example of what African public officers need to be". Dubbed the “Thuli Madonsela” of SA sport, Graeme Joffe is a courageous journalist, instrumental in exposing fraud and corruption in SA sport in an unprecedented manner.

The 5FM team would like to welcome one of their own back into the fold, as former Marketing Manager Justine Cullinan returned to SA’s youthful station this week to take on leadership of the award-winning station.

The Standard Bank Ovation Awards provide a valuable incentive for artists on the Festival’s fringe programme to strive for excellence, experiment with innovation and to challenge and shift the boundaries of creativity”, said Ismail Mahomed, the Artistic Director of the National Arts Festival.

A seven-person rowing crew has broken two world records for the fastest-ever crossing of the Indian Ocean in a rowing boat. The Rossiter’s Avalon also achieved the longest rowing record having arrived in the Seychelles at 14:58 GMT (18:58 local time) on August 7.

This year's acclaimed Mandela Rhodes scholarship was awarded to 40 outstanding young South Africans who have the potential to make a difference in society. Rhodes University came out tops with six scholarships followed by the University of Cape Town with five.

DroneDeploy, a startup that makes it possible for just about anyone to fly small drones and analyze the images they capture using a tablet or smartphone, has raised $2 million in seed funding, Chief Executive Mike Winn told Venture Capital Dispatch.

Leading SA scientist meets the elite of Germany’s sustainability researchers Kerry Bobbins, a South African researcher at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), is amongst the 25 winners of the international Green Talent Awards who have just begun a tour of hot-spots of sustainable development in Germany.

Former South African rowing team member and Johannesburg resident, Thato Mabelane, will attempt a 30 day row across the Atlantic Ocean with seven other multinational rowers. They are expected to leave on Monday 19 January.

Wits University Press is pleased to announce that the English Academy of South Africa’s 2014 Thomas Pringle Award for Best Short Story / Play has been awarded to Anthony Akerman, the author of Somewhere on the Border published by Wits University Press in 2012.

The Presidency has pleasure to announce the appointment of Ms Lakela Kaunda as Chief Operations Officer, (COO), with effect from 1 November 2014.

Encouraging students to take responsibility for their educational success and career aspirations are core roles of university academics, according to Professor of Accounting at The University of Notre Dame Australia's School of Business and 2015 Order of Australia Medallist, Derek Parkin OAM.

The winner of the 2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature was announced at the Intercontinental Hotel Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday the 15th of March. South African Songeziwe Mahlangu emerged winner – beating Nigerian Chinelo Okparanta, author of ‘Happiness, Like Water‘ and South African Nadia Davids, author of ‘An Imperfect Blessing’.

Journalists and academics are combining their forces to produce magic, said editor Caroline Southey after the introduction of The Conversation Africa news site in South Africa in early May.

The SETH MOKITIMI METHODIST SEMINARY inaugurated it’s very first Grand Chancellor the REV DR. SIMON T. S. N. GQUBULE at the Opening Ceremony in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 1 February 2015.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—NCLR (National Council of La Raza) is pleased to announce that 15 stellar educators from California, Colorado, Utah, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Missouri, Texas and Washington, D.C.

The International Commission on Physics Education is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2014 ICPE Medal for outstanding contributions to physics education is Professor Cedric Linder

Mick Davis,(first year at Rhodes in 1976) head of the Jewish Leadership Council and the chair of David Cameron’s Holocaust Commission, launched last year was given a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours. He received the honour for supporting the commission’s international engagements. The cross-party, multi-faith group was set up by the Prime Minister to investigate

Young choreographer celebrated for two dance pieces. Rising star choreographer Nomcebisi Moyikwa, winner of an unprecedented two ovations in one day at the National Arts Festival, started dancing as a 10-year-old in Grahamstown’s community halls.

Pietermaritzburg - If at first you do not succeed, dust yourself off and try again. That is the message from Nhlakanipho Mkhize, the Pietermaritzburg student awarded a Rhodes scholarship to study towards a PhD in Materials Science at Oxford University in England.

"READ and read and do more reading," renowned Xhosa writer Peter Tshobisa Mtuze said on Monday, when he was honoured by the Eastern Cape government for his lifetime’s work.

Jabulile Ngwenya is a versatile communicator and content creator with a keen eye for strategy and detail. Born deaf, Jabulile Ngwenya has a gift for words and language

The children of South Africa deserve an education that best serves their needs without any compromise. SPARK Schools aims to provide a model that is affordable to the country and produces internationally competitive scholars.

Thirteen Old Rhodians in the top 200 Young South Africans 2015! "Each year Mail and Guardian find 200 young people, aged 35 and under, who were born here or have made South Africa their home, and who are full of talent, dreams and drive”.

Galbraith Named Cape Town Business Woman Achievers Award winner in the Professional Category

Stuart is a co-founder of Intellidex and its executive chairman. He has 14 years’ experience covering financial services across Africa, first as a financial journalist and later as a financial analyst. As a journalist he received multiple awards for his investigative work on banks and the financial markets. As an analyst his work ranges from valuations to political analysis

Joining her as acting deputy editor is the M&G‘s Phillip de Wet. Verashni cut her teeth on digital journalism with Media24 for several years before joining the M&G in 2009.

As a result of their generally negative impacts on recipient ecosystems, alien invasive species are an issue of global concern. In aquatic environments, the negative impacts of alien invasive organisms (fungi, plants, invertebrates and fish) include habitat alterations, disease and competition with and predation on native organisms. As a result, these introductions require management.

BARCLAYS Africa has appointed Nomkhita Nqweni its head of wealth, investment management and insurance. She takes over from Willie Lategan, who is leaving for insurer Hollard. The bank declined to comment on whether she was always in line for the new role, or if her appointment followed a recruitment process.

He is no stranger to Rhodes University and its lecture theatres, which is perhaps part of the reason Eusebius McKaiser held his audience captive throughout his talk at Eden Grove Red

National Arts Festival announces 2016 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners. Five of South Africa’s brightest creative stars were named as recipients of the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards on Wednesday 28 October, recognising and honouring their dynamic and outstanding contribution to the vitality of the arts in the country.

Both of the Zimbabwean Rowers who competed at the FISA African Olympic Qualification Regatta in Tunisia last month have qualified for the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Calls of “Come forth to give five!” rang across the Kaif all week long, drawing students and staff into the community of giving and reminding us to contribute to the annual campaign

The Walter Sisulu University’s (WSU) search for a new Vice Chancellor has finally ended following the announcement on Tuesday of Prof Rob Midgley as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor and Principal.

The Rhodes University ELSA Moot team, consisting of four final year LLB students, has won the African Regional Round of the European Law Students Association (ELSA) Moot Court Competition on Friday 1 April.

President Jacob Zuma bestowed the 2016 National Orders Awards and Author Marguerite Poland was honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

Simeon Shaanika has now qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the global Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) – the world’s leading body for professional accountants.Having the ‘ACCA’ letters after your name links you with a tradition of excellence, drive for innovation and high global ethical standards that is recognisable to employers around the world.

The French Institute of South Africa is proud to support REALNESS, a pioneering residency initiative presented by URUCU South African Production Company. REALNESS was conceived as a way of addressing a need for promising African film projects to be resourced and supported in the development phase in order to be competitive in the global film market.

Dr Imogen Wright, a SANBI post-doctoral research fellow, will be heading for the USA at the end of the year to attend the Techwoman programme in the United States, which is an initiative of the US Department of State, launched by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2011. Techwoman aims to empower, connect and support the next generation of female leaders in Science, Technology

Rhodes Drama department won the best student production for Nyanga a devised play that transposed Arthur Miller’s Crucible to the Eastern Cape.

Tanya Poole is the curator of the exhibition, "Emerging Painters: The Graduate Show" at the Turbine Art Fair 2016. Over 50 galleries and exhibits from across South Africa will be showcasing the finest contemporary and emerging African talent. TAF16 aims to promote new work and talent and to create a new art audience and collector base.

Over the past two weeks print and electronic media have reported on what has been characterised as a ‘financial crisis at Rhodes’. I thought it would be appropriate that I contextualise the recent reportage on Rhodes University.