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.

Ground-breaking research by two Rhodes University PhD graduates, Tamryn Marsberg and Michael Jukes, has now led to the patent of viral-based products, MultiMax and CodlMax, as alternatives to the conventional use of chemical pesticides on citrus, apples, and litchi. The advantage of these products includes their lack of non-target effects such that the pest is controlled without the knock-on environmental harm.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation cannot be overstated. Rhodes University recently welcomed the Brazilian Association of Rectors of Provincial and Municipal Universities (ABRUEM), who have been visiting a selection of universities across South Africa, to its campus for the first time.

Responding to concerns about the presence of Escherichia coli (better known as E. coli) in Makana’s water supply, the Rhodes University Biotechnology Innovation Centre (RUBIC) activated its newly launched Water Testing Laboratory services to successfully allay fears about the presence of this bacteria in drinking water.

This year, Rhodes University is celebrating the long-service milestones of 140 dedicated employees, who have a cumulative 2240 years between them.

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.

In a ground-breaking acknowledgement of excellence, the Centre for Radio Astronomy Techniques and Technologies (RATT) has been awarded the highly-coveted NRF Science Team Award for 2023.

Nokubonga Msweli, a 3rd-year Bachelor of Pharmacy student at Rhodes University, is a beneficiary of a Clicks Foundation bursary through Rhodes University's Isivivane Fund. Originally from Mandeni in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Nokubonga expressed that her upbringing and background inspired her to choose a STEM-related profession.

The Office of Equity and Institutional Culture is excited to announce the return of the 'My Body, My Choice' campaign to Rhodes University. The phrase, 'My Body My Choice,' originates in the women-led movement for reproductive rights in the United States but has been widely used by different activist collectives pursuing their rights to bodily integrity and self-determination. Rhodes University can boast a history of active feminist work on campus, including a decade's worth of photographic campaigns under the banner of 'My Body, My Choice' focused on the reclamation of embodiment.

Rhodes University Student Representative Council (SRC) recently held its inauguration, which saw the emergence of new student leaders for 2024. Simphiwe Inako Mnyande, a second-year student majoring in Economics and Politics in a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree, was elected as the president for the year 2024.

Having been raised by a single mother in a rural township with low economic resources, Yamkelani Sopapaza overcame many obstacles to pursue higher education. With the help of funding through Isivivane Fund, this brilliant student graduated from Rhodes University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy earlier in 2023.

Lorraine Phahlamohlaka, a young woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is passionate about the importance of shaping the recognition of young women in the field. Originally from Limpopo, Lorraine pursued her studies in Pharmacy at Rhodes University. With the financial aid provided by Aspen Holdings through Rhodes University’s Isivivane Fund, Lorraine completed her degree in June 2023.

The Registrars’ Imbizo is an annual event bringing together Registrars across South African universities to engage on various issues impacting the higher education sector. During 21-22 August 2023, Rhodes University welcomed the Imbizo to its campus for the first time, with Registrar Professor Adéle Moodly as the host.

The African Masculinity Symposium, co-hosted by the Critical Studies in Sexualities and Reproduction (CSSR) and the School of Journalism and Media Studies, occurred earlier this month at Eden Grove Blue. The event aimed to tackle the topic of Challenging Patriarchal Norms for a Safer and More Equitable Society. The objective was to address pressing matters such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its connection to violent masculinities; and how it has provoked social media movements and prompted national debates calling on the need for change.

In a bold move to articulate its ambition in postgraduate education, Rhodes University hosted an event to encourage third-year students to apply for Honours studies. The event was held at the Barrat Lecture Theatre on 18 August 2023 and was hosted by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Dr Kwezi Mzilikazi.

In a grand celebration of educational distinction and pedagogical innovation, Rhodes University once again demonstrated its commitment to exceptional teaching by hosting the 2022 Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award Lecture - a testament to the University’s dedication to recognising and celebrating outstanding educators. The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the recipient of the 2022 Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Dr Ntethelelo Sibiya.

Rhodes University has joined the ground-breaking ArtMathsScienceTech project, a unique initiative that seeks to revolutionise how mathematics and science are taught at schools. Through the fusion of theatre, music, dance, and crafts, this innovative approach aims to create engaging and playful environments, transforming traditional subjects into captivating learning experiences.

Students, members of the Ink Society and staff at Rhodes University recently participated in an open mic event in celebration of Women's Month. The event, themed "Celebrating African Women Writers", was to honour and shine a light on African women authors.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been navigating turbulent waters for the past year but always seems to come through in the clear. Lately, he has dodged past the rugged rocks of Phala Phala and narrowly missed the cataclysmic vortex of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

Fifty-eight Rhodes University staff members were recognised at this year’s Vice-Chancellor and Thomas Alty Awards on 14 August 2023. This ceremony acknowledges staff members who have attained further qualifications within the last year, either through Rhodes University or an external institution.