When Professor Eureta Rosenberg, Dean of Education at Rhodes University, stepped up to deliver her inaugural lecture, she was quick to point out it was eight years late. But the delay only made her message more urgent.

Feminism and the act of confronting patriarchy are essential for creating a more equitable and just society. Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and property control. It is not just about individual men but about a deeply ingrained system of norms, values, and institutions that have historically privileged men and marginalised women and other gender identities. Confronting patriarchy is a crucial step in achieving feminist goals. It is about challenging the root causes of inequality rather than just the symptoms.

In a world grappling with the twin challenges of youth unemployment and food insecurity, a new generation of leaders is emerging with innovative solutions. One such leader is Phindile Sithole, a PhD scholar at the Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC) at Rhodes University. Her work is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative, demonstrating how a childhood passion for growing food (inspired by her grandmother) can be cultivated into a powerful, youth-led movement for change. Nominated for her exceptional leadership, Phindile is a key member of the ELRC's YOMA (UNICEF Youth Open MarketPlace) Youth-Led Innovation Team, where she is driving the co-design of "Co-Engaged Learn-to-Earn Pathways" for unemployed young people.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform everyday moments into digital gold, captivating an audience of hundreds of thousands while excelling in academia and mentoring the next generation? Look no further than Olwethu Ncapayi, a true embodiment of passion meeting perseverance. From humble beginnings in a vibrant Eastern Cape city to digital stardom and a thriving career in media, Olwethu's journey is a powerful testament to the impact of dedication, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to purpose. As a dynamic media professional, award-winning content creator, writer, and skilled camera operator and video editor, Olwethu's story is precisely why he is our first feature for #BOSSMondays, designed to inspire students to reach their extraordinary heights.