!["I was just living my life; doing my job and never expected anything in return." - Mama Nontsika [PHOTO CREDIT: Ovayo Novukela]](/media/rhodesuniversity/content/communicationsmarketing/images/639185561_1545946264203963_7503821086967224536_n.jpg)
By: Mo Senne (Senior Communications Officer)
The Rhodes University community gathered on the 20th of February 2026, to launch a significant fundraising initiative to preserve the legacy of a university giant, Desiree Wicks. After 40 years of exemplary and outstanding service, the institution is honouring her retirement by establishing the Mama Nontsika Desiree Wicks Annual Golf Day.
The event, organised by the Division of Student Services and Development in collaboration with the Rhodes Sports Council, serves as a prestigious and inclusive effort to ensure her commitment to students continues for generations. Mvuyisi Sigila (Sports Manager) emphasised that “these things are normally done when people have passed on; when only the people who are alive get to see the fruits of their labour, but Mama Wicks gets to witness how she impacted the lives of those around her.”
The Highest University Honour
The launch of the Golf Day serves as a bookend to a series of high honours bestowed upon Desiree Wicks during her final year. During the October 2025 Spring Graduation, Mrs Wicks was the recipient of the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award, reserved for staff members who demonstrate exemplary and outstanding service far beyond their job descriptions. This award is the University's highest status and is awarded sparingly. In her citation, Mrs Wicks was lauded as a "practical problem solver and a guardian of student welfare who has dedicated her life to the institution with unparalleled compassion."
Professor ‘Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & Student Affairs), noted in her keynote address, that Mrs Wicks’ work has been "deeply woven into the fabric of Rhodes University and in the minds and hearts of thousands of graduates." Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Student Bureau, which she managed with a focus on "holistic development, growth, and academic success" for generations of students.
The Meaning of "Mama Nontsika"
The name Desiree Wicks has become synonymous with the University. During the ceremony, Ms Sue Smailes, the Chairperson of the Rhodes University Sports Council, explained that she was bestowed the honorific name "Nontsika" by the Nelson Mandela Hall, where she served as a Hall Warden for many years. The name carries deep symbolism: Nontsika means "the part that holds up the middle of the building," Smailes highlighted. Professor ‘Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela further described her as a "guiding mother figure, a source of strength and a strong advocate who has embodied excellence, integrity, and courage" throughout her career.”
A Mission for Social Justice
While the initiative is centred on golf, its underlying purpose is a practical, values-driven response to the challenges students face. Professor Monnapula-Mapesela noted that many "academically deserving students struggle with financial pressures, food insecurity, and accommodation difficulties".
The funds raised through the annual event will be channelled directly into critical support systems. These include providing financial assistance for students in need, food and accommodation relief, and access to academic resources and digital learning tools. Beyond basic needs, the initiative will also support student wellness and mental health, career readiness, and mentorship. The goal is to ensure that "no student at Rhodes University should be left behind because of financial and social disadvantage," Professor Monnapula-Mapesela said.
A Global Call to Partners and Alumni
The University is reaching out to Old Rhodians, corporate sponsors, and partners worldwide to support the fund. Smailes addressed Mrs Wicks' own scepticism about the sport, noting her humorous remark, "Why do you have a golf day? I don’t play golf... and I will never play golf"—by clarifying that one does not need to be a player to participate in the legacy. Contributions are welcomed from all those whose lives Mrs Wicks touched across the globe, as the University seeks to transform generosity into tangible impact. Every donation is more than just a financial transaction; it provides a meal for a hungry student... and hope for a young person determined to succeed.
Heartfelt Tributes from the Student Body
The ceremony was marked by emotional testimony from students and staff. Esethu Seholoba (SRC Sports & Societies Councillor 2025) shared a personal story of arriving at Mrs Wicks' office "without a home," only to be met with an "act of kindness" that secured a place in a residence despite not being registered at the time. He addressed Mrs Wicks directly, stating, "You have been the face of Rhodes University. You have been the mother of Rhodes University… You are truly the heart of all of Rhodes University."
Boitumelo Mphahlele, the 2026 SRC Sports Council representative, added that Mrs Wicks "never turned us away, even when students arrived at her office at the last minute with urgent problems.” "It’s quite an emotional day, 40 years of service is no child's play," Mphahlele stated. "It is now the time to rest and breathe... because you have really served us as the student body," she concluded.
A Final Word from Desiree Wicks
In an emotional conclusion, Mrs Wicks herself took the stage, admitting her own struggle to recognise the "person you guys are all talking about". She expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, "I was just living my life; doing my job and never expected anything in return." She also highlighted that she is deeply appreciative of the initiative. "I have seen some students in really bad places," she remarked, "I am hoping that this initiative is going to raise enough to make a difference in student lives the way I have tried to through the years".
Professor Monnapula-Mapesela officially closed the launch by declaring, "I declare the Mama Nontsika Desiree Wicks Annual Golf Day launched today, 20th February 2026." Attendees were invited to proceed to the driving range, marking the official start of a new chapter in the University's commitment to excellence with compassion.
It is requested that Friday, 1 May 2026, be reserved in all diaries for the Mama Nontsika Desiree Wicks Golf Day. Watch this space, details about this exciting day shall follow!
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