Studying the Arts comes with unique challenges. Across South Africa, countless talented students brim with creative passion, yet opportunities to fund their education remain scarce. Unlike fields such as commerce or the sciences, where structured bursaries are more readily available, Arts students often stand on the margins – making every award, every act of support, all the more life-changing.

Samkelo Ntobeko Vukani Mngadi, University of South Africa (Unisa) lecturer and Rhodes University Student Representative Council (SRC) President of 2019, is the new University’s Convocation President.

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sizwe Mabizela, announced the 2025 recipients of the coveted Distinguished Alumni Award at the Annual General Meeting of Convocation on Saturday, 06 September 2025. These individuals have significantly contributed to their respective fields and upheld the university’s academic excellence and leadership legacy.

It is with immense sorrow that Rhodes University mourns the passing of Dr Gordon Mitchell Cragg, a towering figure in the field of natural products and drug discovery and recipient of the University's highest honour, an Honorary Doctorate. His contributions profoundly enriched the scientific landscape, and his loss is deeply felt by the global community he served.