Rhodes University and the School of Journalism and Media Studies are proud to announce the appointment of Dr Quatro Mgogo as the incoming Head of the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS), effective from the second semester of 2026.
This appointment marks a milestone as Dr Mgogo becomes both the youngest person and the first Black academic to lead JMS, signalling the school’s ongoing evolution and its commitment to meaningful transformation within South African higher education. Dr Mgogo has been a senior lecturer at both the School of Journalism and Media Studies and North-West University. With extensive experience in research, supervising and publications, Dr Mgogo intends to create a space for creativity, change and academic progression.
Looking ahead, Dr Mgogo’s 2026–2030 vision outlines an ambitious and socially responsive agenda for the School. His priorities include:
- Deepening transformation and fostering a culture grounded in diversity, inclusion, and collective pride.
- Advancing epistemic justice by reshaping the curriculum to be rigorous, contextually relevant, and aligned with the changing media landscape.
- Extending the School’s reach by offering online short courses for journalists, media managers, and development communication practitioners.
- Promoting multilingualism, with a strong focus on elevating isiXhosa within teaching and learning.
- Addressing postgraduate funding constraints to expand access to high-quality media and journalism education.
- Strengthening collaborations with media industries, newsrooms, and community communication partners across South Africa and the continent.
With respect for the visionary leaders who came before him, Dr Mgogo steps into this role ready to shape an inclusive, dynamic, and future-focused School of Journalism and Media Studies.
A new and transformative chapter begins.