Rhodes University historic graduation off to a good start

Rhodes graduation got off to a smooth start this morning to mark the start of a programme in which six ceremonies will be held in three days to confer degrees and diplomas to over 2400 students.

This year’s graduation includes a number of highlights in the attendance lists and programme. Eastern Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle, former first lady, Ms Zanele Mbeki, Archbishop emeritus Njongonkulu Ndungane and esteemed author, Professor Peter Mtuze are part of a glittering line up of dignitaries.

Graduating students include almost 60 percent women, over 1120 postgraduate qualifications including 82 PhD qualifications – up from 67 in 2016. Over 20 percent of the graduates are international students.

The University is celebrating a new record of 26 PhD degrees for the Faculty of Humanities, up from the previous record of 19 achieved last year. The Faculty of Science has produced 34 PhD graduates, the Faculty of Commerce 5, the Faculty of Education 14, the Law Faculty 1, and the Faculty of Pharmacy 2.

“All faculties have done exceedingly well. We congratulate all our Deans, Heads of Department and the academic and support staff of our academic Departments for their efforts in keeping the enviable reputation for academic excellence alive,” Vice Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela said.

Rhodes University is the smallest University in South Africa and enjoys the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates of any South African university. The University also has the best research outputs per academic staff member in the country.

“Our students are taught by academics who are actively engaged in advancing the frontiers of knowledge. We have the highest proportion of academic staff with doctoral degrees. These are the foundations for our purpose: knowledge production, critical engagement and societal responsibility,” Mabizela said.

The ceremonies started today (Thursday, 20 April) and end on Saturday, 22 April 2017.

Issued on behalf of Rhodes University by the Communications and Advancement Division. For more information, interviews, images, attendance and any other enquiries related to the 2017 Graduation please contact:

Ms Veliswa Mhlope

Communications Manager

Tel: +27 46 603 8773

Mobile: +27 82 484 0161

Email: v.mhlope@ru.ac.za