“We don’t stop until the red gown”: making postgraduate study fashionable at Rhodes University

By Siya Hlebani

At the latest ‘Path to Postgrad’ cocktail event, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University, delivered a compelling message: postgraduate study isn’t just the next academic step – it’s a bold, transformative life choice.

Positioned as a flagship initiative to promote advanced education, the event emphasised that postgraduate study is not a mere continuation of undergraduate learning, but a strategic investment in leadership, innovation, and societal impact. Dr Mzilikazi challenged students to make postgraduate education ‘fashionable’, reinforcing Rhodes University's identity as a leading research-intensive institution.

Supporting her vision, Dr Mbulelo Ngcango of the National Research Foundation (NRF) highlighted the substantial investment in postgraduate education and encouraged students to align their research with pressing societal challenges.

Dr Mzilikazi emphasised that postgraduate degrees are not just academic milestones; they’re tools that equip graduates to drive change across industries, communities, and nations. “If we do our job well, you will attain skills, know-how, and knowledge that help you participate effectively in the country’s social, cultural, economic, and political environment,” she told aspiring postgraduates.

She proudly cited Rhodes University alumni such as Standard Bank CEO Simphiwe ‘Sim’ Tshabalala and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube as proof that the University produces leaders who leave a mark. “Postgraduates often emerge as captains of industry, managers of complex systems, and community builders,” she stated.

Postgraduate education is central to Rhodes University’s strategic goals, with nearly one-third of institutional objectives tied to research and postgraduate development. Dr Mzilikazi urged students to see advanced degrees not as delays to life’s milestones, but as accelerators of leadership and innovation.

“All we are really asking for is ten years of your life,” she explained. “In those ten years, you can earn four degrees – your undergraduate, honours, master’s, and PhD. That’s not a long time in the context of a lifetime.”

The phrase “We don’t stop until the red gown” became a rallying cry – symbolising persistence, pride, and transformation.

Dr Ngcango expanded on the NRF’s commitment, noting that over R14 million has been allocated to Rhodes University honours students in recent years, and nearly R100 million to postgraduate studies overall. He encouraged students to craft strong research proposals, apply early for funding, and treat their studies as a professional pursuit.

He also challenged students to ask themselves, “What are the problems I want to solve?” – a question he believes is central to postgraduate success.

Rhodes University is positioning postgraduate education not as an optional extra, but as a defining part of a student’s academic journey. With increased funding, growing mentorship opportunities, and national partnerships, the University is actively shaping a future where advanced study is the standard.

“We are serious about postgraduates at Rhodes University,” Dr Mzilikazi said. Her words – and the enthusiastic student response – highlight a shared commitment to making the red doctoral academic gown not just a symbol of academic achievement, but a badge of intellectual leadership and societal transformation.