The Protection of Traditional Cultural Expressions in Africa

Professor Enyinna Nwauche’s highly anticipated book on traditional cultural expression in Africa has been published.

Rhodes University Honours Outstanding Alumni

Rhodes University honoured some of its illustrious alumni who were presented with the 2016 Distinguished and Emerging Old Rhodian Award at a luncheon that was hosted at the University on Saturday, 27 August 2016 in Grahamstown.

Residence Accommodation in January/February 2017

The University’s residence system will be available to students returning to campus for examinations in January and February 2017.

Year-End Closure

Rhodes University will be closed from 16 December 2016 to 3 January 2017.

Rhodes researchers form part of first-ever Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition (ACE) Project

Two Rhodes University microbiologists will join a team of 50 researchers from 30 countries to participate in the first circumnavigation of Antarctica.

Interdict Application Decision

Following student protests earlier this year, the University sought and was granted an interim interdict to prevent those who engaged in unlawful activities from doing so.

South African professor says Africa must solve its own problems

Africa must learn to solve its own problems, says the winner of this year's African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award, Professor Tebello Nyokong of Rhodes University in Grahamstown in Eastern Cape Province.

Transforming Organic Chemistry

Rhodes University hosted the Frank Warren Conference from 4 to 8 December 2016

All-female research team heads to Antarctica for pioneering study

Seven researchers from Rhodes University are heading to Antarctica for the annual summer relief voyage on 30 November 2016. This is the largest contingent from any South African University on this year’s expedition and includes two academic staff members and five students.

Environmental Award Winners 2016

The winners of the Rhodes University Environmental Awards 2016 were presented with their trophies on Wednesday 23 November in the Senior Common Room. The winners of the Individual Award was a joint award to Prof Brian Allanson and Mrs Louw Claassens.

Rhodes Research Group scoops another award

Prof Nyokong’s Nanotechnology Research Group have been recognized as the most productive research group (for 2015) by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) together with the National Laser Centre.

Safety and security on campus

Safety and security on campus are both an individual and a collective responsibility of all students and staff. On its part, the University has a responsibility to take all such steps as may reasonably be practicable to create a safe and secure university environment in which students and staff can learn, work and live.

The Internet in South Africa turns 25

It has been 25 years since the first Internet connection was established in South Africa.

Campus Update

The University condemns this wanton damage to property absolutely.

Platform gives social projects digital drive

All communities, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, have an exceptional ability to tackle social problems and find innovative solutions.

Call for Nominations: Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Executive Training

The Bloomberg Media Initiative course applications are now open.

Community Engagement Awards 2016 Winners

The annual Community Engagement Awards are an annual celebration of the hard work, dedication and commitment by students, staff and community partners towards building partnerships for sustainable human and community development across Grahamstown.

Campus Update

Unfortunately, Rhodes University experienced disruption in the early morning of 5 October 2016. Protesters invaded residences on the upper part of campus while students were sleeping. Fire alarms were set off as the residences were invaded. Tyres and two rain water storage tanks were also set alight in the immediate vicinity.

Declaration of a Higher Education & Training multi-stakeholder summit that took place on 03 October 2016.

On 03 October 2016 the Minister of Higher Education & Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, convened a multi-stakeholder consultative forum in Kempton Park to deliberate and reach a common position on the crisis engulfing our public Higher Education system.

Campus Update

The academic programme resumed with lectures and tutorials at 10:30 today, following engagement with staff this morning, 28 September 2016. Protesting students disrupted lectures and some arrests were made.

Arson attempt on campus

At approximately 4am today, 1 October 2016, a fire was started at a basement entrance on the south wall of the main administration building, using a flammable substance.

#Feesmustfall: The forgotten stakeholders

We all seem to have forgotten about the biggest stakeholder in the debate, the South African family.

Letter from the Vice-Chancellor

Since the start of disruptions of the academic activities of our University on Tuesday, 22 September 2016, I have received numerous e-mail messages from students, academic and support staff and parents who are anxious and concerned about events on campus.

Public Lecture by Deputy-Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

The Political and International Studies Department hosted The Honourable Luwellyn Landers MP, Deputy-Minister of International Relations and Cooperation who delivered a timely lecture on Wednesday, 14th of September 2016, unpacking the importance of fostering development and democracy through international relations and diplomacy.

Let us march in support of our students and our public higher education system

Our public higher education stands on the edge of a precipice. The challenges confronting our system demand that we all work together to strengthen rather than weaken it further

Rhodes University’s response to the Minister of Higher Education & Training’s statement on university tuition fee adjustments for 2017

Rhodes University notes and welcomes the Minister's recommendations regarding university tuition fee adjustments for 2017. We particularly welcome Government's commitment to assist students who come from poor and working class families and those who come from mid-level income families.

Kgalema Motlanthe calls for reawakening of the values of uBuntu

Rhodes Business School hosted former President Kgalema Motlanthe for the second Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Development Trust (ATMDT) annual lecture, on Monday 12th September 2016.

Rhodes University Celebrates Dedicated Retirees on Arbor Day

Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela, hosted the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony to honour recently retired staff members who were in service of the University for 15 years and more, on 6 September 2016.

Motlanthe calls on SA to hold leaders ‘accountable’

Former state president Kgalema Motlanthe has said the only way to address ruling party “arrogance and deceit” is to hold leaders accountable.

Rhodes University Commemorates World Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day through Research

A concern with the incidence and prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the Eastern Cape has seen Rhodes University partnering with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) to conduct research on the subject.

A global business school of excellence for and of Africa, with a heart for the surrounding Grahamstown Community

On Saturday, 27th August 2016 Rhodes Business School launched the very successful and well received Biz Community Workshop, the first of a series of community workshops.

Minister Nzimande Hopeful of Successful Conclusion to Consultations on 2017 University Fees

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, says he is hopeful that his current consultations with all stakeholders on 2017 university fees will conclude successfully, with an announcement in this regard expected to be made in mid September this year.

RUCC sings their way to success

The Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) has sung their way into the semi-finals of Varsity Sing, a national choir competition organised by Varsity Sports and kykNET. Despite being smaller than their competitors, the choir has risen to the challenge.

Highway Africa Celebrates 20 Years of Digital Journalism

Hosted by Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies in partnership with corporate South Africa, development agencies and media associations, the annual Highway Africa conference will kick off on Sunday, 28 August 2016 in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape.

Rhodes University’s MSc Student wins 2016 SA Women in Science Award

Miss Jessica Anne Harris, a MSc Chemistry student supervised by Professor Nyokong, is the proud 2016 South African Women in Science Awards (WISA) winner.

Funding of Higher Education

The current national debates on the financing of public higher education are critically important as they will shape the nature, quality and orientation of public higher education in this country

Statement on disruption of gender violence dialogue

On Monday, 08 August 2016, Rhodes University, at the request of the HEAIDS Office of the Department of Higher education and Training (DHET) and on behalf of the national post-secondary education and training sector, hosted the inaugural national Dialogue on Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

We salute the women of our country!

“Strijdom, you have tampered with the women, you have struck a rock, you will be crushed!”

Sexual and Gender Based Violence Dialogue Adjourned

The scheduled dialogue to engage students and partners to initiate solutions to address Sexual Gender Based Violence in Institutions of Higher Education at Rhodes University was adjourned due to some student’s demands and protest.

Rhodes Hosts Inaugural Science Open Day

History was made at Rhodes last week when the Faculties of Science and Pharmacy hosted an open day event in partnership with South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) and South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAATSA).

RU Science Expo 2016

If there was ever any doubt that South Africa, and particularly our local young scientists, are way ahead of their game – then the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists that took place on Saturday 30 July here at Rhodes has quelled all such uncertainty.

Rhodes University to host an Inaugural Dialogue on Gender Based Voilence

Following the recent events and awareness-raising campaigns that have taken place in universities across the country in relation to gender- based violence, Rhodes University together with the Department of Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS programme (HEAIDS) and the Department of Education and Training (DHET) will be hosting the Inaugural National Dialogue on Gender Based Violence for the post school sector.

Rhodes to be represented in national rowing teams

Despite being a small town when compared to the likes of Pretoria and Johannesburg, Grahamstown continues to flourish on the rowing scene.

Mandela Day at Rhodes becomes a week-long celebration

RHODES University is clocking up the hours to keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by doing more than 267 hours of community upliftment instead of the usual 67 minutes.

Rhodes Trading Live For Mandela Week

We got off to a reasonable start with TRADING LIVE yesterday, unfortunately the rain affected some events but they have been rescheduled.

Where to study IT or Computer Science for the best starting salary

All universities are not the same, and this is clearly illustrated in the starting salaries of IT and Computer Science graduates.

Letter to Alumni, parents, donors and Funders of Rhodes University

Over the past two weeks print and electronic media have reported on what has been characterised as a ‘financial crisis at Rhodes’. I thought it would be appropriate that I contextualise the recent reportage on Rhodes University.

Ovation awards for Rhodes

Rhodes Drama department won the best student production for Nyanga a devised play that transposed Arthur Miller’s Crucible to the Eastern Cape.

VC receives Dean’s Award

Rhodes University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela, was awarded the Dean’s Award on Friday, 1 July 2016, during the Choral Evensong at the Anglican Cathedral of St Michael and St George.

Student fees

Universities in South Africa are funded by i) a subsidy received from government ii) tuition fees charged to students and iii) any income they receive from donors or as a result of providing a service, usually in the form of research.

Records tumble for Rhodes prof

Internationally renowned Rhodes University medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology expert Professor Tebello Nyokong and her students have been praised for their publication of 63 peer reviewed papers in one year.

Lex Mpati has his say on Allister Coetzee, transformation

Rhodes University's Chancellor and the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa's President, Lex Mpati, backed Springbok Coach Allister Coetzee on Tuesday, also weighing in on the transformation debate.

Death of Professor Emeritus John Duncan

It is with sadness that we inform the Rhodes Community of the death of Professor Emeritus John Duncan, former Dean of Research, founding head of the department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, and one of the pioneers of Biotechnology at Rhodes University.

Power, Practices and Discourses in Higher Education

Rhodes University is set to host the South African Sociological Association (SASA) conference from 26 June to 29 June 2016.

Accolade for Rhodes prof’s water work

Rhodes University’s Professor Denis Hughes was awarded the 2016 International Hydrology Prize of IAHS/WMO/UNESCO: Volker Medal, on 15 June in Paris, France, for his efforts to bring water to sub-Saharan Africa.

Council statement on student protests and transformation

At its meeting of 5 May 2016, Council was apprised of various developments on campus including the student protests that started on Sunday, 17 April 2016

New plant and invertebrate fossils discovered during upgrade

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) on Wednesday announced that several new invertebrate and plant fossils had been excavated in the rock debris of the Witpoort Formation along the N2, where upgrades to the road are taking place between Grahamstown to Peddie.R

Rhodes, Unicef in R3m partnership

PIONEERING the way forward in the treatment and care for people living with HIV and Aids, Rhodes University has just finalised a R3-million partnership with Unicef.

Passing of the Rev. Dr Simon Gqubule

It is with a deep sense of loss and sadness that we inform the Rhodes University Community of the passing of the Reverend Dr Simon Gqubule.

Mabizela faced by new and rolling challenges

Rhodes University has experienced a great number of protests since the beginning of last year, the first year that the university has had an African vice-chancellor at the helm.

Xolani Mhlanga: from Nelspruit to California in the name of Geology

Professor Tsikos has received the University’s Internationalisation Committee award (2015), yesterday evening, 26 May 2016, for his work in the promotion of international exchange and allied collaborative research

South Africa’s best universities for business and finance degrees

A new report highlights the rise in recognition of private institutions for higher learning in South Africa.

Leicester University's VC visits Rhodes

On Friday 6 May 2016, Dr Sizwe Mabizela, Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University was delighted to host Professor Paul Boyle, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Ms Suzanne Alexander, Director of the International Office, Leicester University, UK https://le.ac.uk/

VC's Circular - Arson attempt on campus

At approximately 6:45 this morning, two fires were started on the floor at the south entrance to the council chamber in the main administration building, using an inflammable substance.

Where South African law stands on “naming and shaming”

Naming and shaming is a common tactic among activists, lobby groups and the media. Corporations are blasted as polluters. Politicians are exposed as expense cheats. Paedophiles and sex offenders are outed on social media.

Curriculum should challenge who is made comfortable

The Journalism industry has changed, the context that higher education institutions are set in has changed, students have changed and so have their teachers. These factors, among others, necessitate curriculum change.

VC’s Distinguished Award Lecture for Community Engagement: The Siyahluma Project

The Winners of the Rhodes Vice Chancellor’s Distinguished Award for Community Engagement 2015, The Siyahluma Project Group, presented their lecture at Eden Grove Blue on Tuesday 03 May 2016.

Rev Dr Simon Gqubule Awarded The Order of Luthuli: Silver

The Reverand Doctor Simon Gqubule is being honoured with the Order of Luthuli: Silver for his excellent contribution in the liberation struggle and in the fields of education and religion. The Order of Luthuli is a South African honour. [1] It was instituted on 30 November 2003, and is granted by the president of South Africa,

Marguerite Poland honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga, Silver

President Jacob Zuma bestowed the 2016 National Orders Awards and Author Marguerite Poland was honoured with the Order of Ikhamanga, which recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.

Rhodes student makes Forbes list

Rhodes University student, Rachel Sibande was this week listed as one of the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs In Africa in 2016 by Forbes.

Millennials get a foot in the door with the BMW Graduate Development Programme

In a country rated by the International Labour Organisation as the sixth highest in terms of youth unemployment in 2015 , it is rare to find a company that actively prioritises the placement of its graduate trainees as employees.

Rhodes University condemns rape

Rhodes University condemns rape and sexual violence, and is committed to upholding the Constitution of South Africa, the Supreme Law of the Land.

Academic Programme supended 20 April 2016

At approximately 17:00 yesterday, 19 April 2016, police came to the protest site at the intersection of Prince Alfred and Somerset Streets, where protesting students had gathered in large numbers.

Update #RUReferenceList

Rhodes University condemns rape and sexual violence and seeks to provide a consistent, caring, and timely response when sexual assaults occur within the University community

Pithouse book launch: Writing the Decline

Dr Richard Pithouse, academic, activist and member of the Unit for Humanities at Rhodes University (UHURU), launched his book ‘Writing the Decline’ at Rhodes University on Thursday evening, 15 April. The book chronicles the supposed decline of South Africa in the Zuma era.

Curriculum Conversations 10: Increasing knowledge access

The Centre for Higher Education and Research (CHERTL) held their 10th Curriculum Conversation on Monday 11 April 2016.

'Make blacks feel at home'

Former white universities have to work harder in changing their institutional culture so that black students do not feel alienated.

How academics can change the world

Very few academics do a great deal to share their often important and relevant research with the general public. What's holding them back?

Notice from Council: Update on the future of the name of Rhodes University and institutional transformation

Notice from Council: Update on the future of the name of Rhodes University and institutional transformation

VC’s Community Engagement Award Lecture

In the wake of Community Engagement week, the Jonga Pambili Sinethemba Project group, the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Community Engagement Award gave a public lecture at Eden Grove Blue Lecture Theatre on 4 May 2015.

Vice-Chancellor welcomes first years

Welcome to Grahamstown and Rhodes University. We are delighted that you have chosen us as your institution of higher learning of choice

Rhodes University senior management to engage students on transformation

Rhodes University senior management will engage the Rhodes University students in a discussion

Go out and tackle the challenges that face our society and the world

Rhodes University celebrated a new University record of 75 PhD degrees at six graduation ceremonies over the weekend beating the previous record of 71 in 2014.

Vice-Chancellor’s Circular - Developments on our campus

Yesterday afternoon, 25 March 2015, I received a memorandum from the University Student Representative Council (SRC) raising issues of transformation at Rhodes University and the issue of the name of our institution.

Welcome to new leaders

Community engagement is core to Rhodes University, Vice-Chancellor Sizwe Mabizela told first-years and their parents at a welcoming ceremony at the Monument on Sunday 8 February.

Rhodes: 'Dare to be different'

RHODES University's vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela on Sunday welcomed the university's new students, appealing to them to develop the ability and capacity to analyse, reflect and argue using knowledge.

Rhodes graduate performs Xhosa dance during ceremony

Grahamstown – A Rhodes University graduate broke the norm at her graduation ceremony in Grahamstown this month when she performed a traditional dance before receiving her degree.

Rhodes, Gadra offer matrics a second chance

One hundred and thirty candidates, selected from those in the area who failed matric last year, have been offered the opportunity to try again through supplementary exams thanks to a joint initiative by Gadra Education and Rhodes University.

Registration Weekend Success

Campus was abuzz on Saturday and Sunday, 6 and 7 February, as new students registered to begin their university career at Rhodes University.

Rhodes needs student fees

RHODES University has scarce financial reserves and would close within two to three months if students did not pay their fees, vice-chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela has warned.

Rhodes awarded three more SARChI Chairs

Rhodes has been awarded three more SARChI chairs.

President Zuma congratulates Prof Nyokong

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has congratulated renowned South African scientist, Professor Tebello Nyokong after winning the African Union (AU) Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award.

Top student’s journey to Rhodes

“It’s like I am walking in Heaven’s streets,” said proud father, Mr Mzukisi Madakana after taking his daughter Sinazo Madakana on tour of the Rhodes University campus

VC's Circular - New SRC 2016

It is with deep regret that the President and Vice-President of our Student Representative Council

Tribute to ‘heroic’ students

About 50 first-year Rhodes University students who overcame serious financial, educational and other disadvantages

THE POINT: Let’s start with prioritising quality education

WE WENT to Davos to see the wonderful wizards of wealth:

ELRC awarded R13 million to lead international project

The Environmental Learning Research Centre (ELRC) at Rhodes University has been awarded R13 million to lead a project on learning-centred transformation in social-ecological sciences

#feesmustfall: A humanitarian crisis at SA’s universities on the leap year!

Please take a few minutes to see how we have stuffed up higher education funding

International Paediatrician presents on Community Engaged Pharmacy

The Rhodes University Faculty of Pharmacy kick-started their 2016 Thursday seminar period project on the 18th of February with an international visitor

Mathematics Experience 2016

On Friday 19 February 2016, the Rhodes University Mathematics Experience took place in the Barratt Lecture Complex.

Education can’t be for ‘the public good’ if universities ignore rural life

Education can and should change people’s lives. Education systems ought to operate with the public good in mind.

Rhodes rowing on the rise

Rhodes University Rowing started the year off with a bang, impressing at the prestigious Buffalo Regatta

Walter Sisulu University appoints new Vice Chancellor

The Walter Sisulu University’s (WSU) search for a new Vice Chancellor has finally ended following the announcement on Tuesday of Prof Rob Midgley as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor and Principal.

Education research can help retool South Africa for freedom

Come 1994, many South Africans assumed that the official end of apartheid meant “job done – we are a democracy.”

Scifest Africa – A matter of time

Scifest Africa 2016 begins today, 2 March and will run until 8 March. This year’s theme, “A matter of time”, could not be more relevant to the recent discovery of gravitational waves last month - a spacetime distortion.

Matthew Lester challenges private sector to help solve #FeesMustFall crisis

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helped 186 150 university students with financial aid totalling R7 billion in 2015.

University to take part in continental competition

A Tanzanian university is expected to take part in African Regional Round of the Elsa Moot Court Competition

Give5 exceeds R80 000 but our work is not done

Calls of “Come forth to give five!” rang across the Kaif all week long, drawing students and staff into the community of giving and reminding us to contribute to the annual campaign

Rhodes honours eminent Southern Africans

Founder of Africa's biggest relief organisation Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, will be among those feted in Grahamstown during Rhodes University's graduation ceremonies this week.

Cape poet urges universities to teach his work

As one of the country’s top universities bestows an honour on Cape Town poet James Matthews, he has criticised several institutions for failing to include his anti-apartheid writing in their curriculum.

A Cat Who Got Lucky With Words

On 31 March 2016, Rhodes University is conferring an Honorary Doctorate on internationally acclaimed South African poet and author, Mr James Matthews.

Environmental Pioneer, Social Justice Leader

Rhodes University will be conferring an Honorary Doctorate on environmental pioneer and social justice leader, Ms Jeunesse Park, at the 17:00 graduation ceremony on the 31st March 2016.

Rhodes graduation 2016

Rhodes University will see 2250 students graduate in 2016 over six ceremonies which will take place from 31 March to 2 April.

The Gift of our Common Humanity

On Friday the 1st April Rhodes University is conferring an Honorary Doctorate on Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and leader of Gift of the Givers.

Beatrice the Brave

On Friday 1 April 2016 Rhodes University will confer an Honorary Doctorate on human rights and media freedom lawyer, Dr Beatrice Mtetwa.

How Society Works and How To Change It

On Saturday 2 April 2016 Rhodes University will confer an Honorary Doctorate on Professor Edward Webster.

‘Angel’ guides teens into university - Pumla Stuurman (2002)

SINCE she started helping matriculants two years ago to fill in forms and apply for bursaries, Pumla Stuurman has seen eight students into university.

Student sets example

Recipient of NSFAS funding at Rhodes donates money to help others

Admiration for disabled graduate

Physically disabled Rhodes University graduate Thembelihle Ngcai won the admiration and awe of a packed auditorium at a weekend graduation when she resolutely attempted to walk across the stage to be capped.

Rhodes Law students to represent Africa in Geneva

The Rhodes University ELSA Moot team, consisting of four final year LLB students, has won the African Regional Round of the European Law Students Association (ELSA) Moot Court Competition on Friday 1 April.