By Siqhamo Jama
Rhodes University marked a significant moment in its centenary celebrations with the RU120 Makhanda Community Concert, held at the 1820 Settler’s Monument. Headlined by legendary South African musician Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, the concert formed part of the closing events for the university’s #RU120 celebrations.
Organised by the Department of Music and Musicology in collaboration with the Makhanda Community Orchestra, the event celebrated the University’s ties to the local community while showcasing local diverse musical talent.
In her welcome address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs Professor ‘Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela highlighted the significance of the event. “This concert is intended to enhance the student experience at Rhodes University,” she stated. “The proceeds will go towards supporting the University’s internal fundraising efforts for addressing student debt, and that is very important.”
She thanked the artists, conductors, students, as well as the organisers for their commitment, and invited the crowd to fully embrace the spirit of the celebration. “Bra Hotstix is a cultural icon… a master of the stage, a legend whose music gets people dancing in the streets,” she said. “Tonight, those streets live rightfully here in Makhanda.”
For the students and musicians who performed alongside Mabuse, the concert was not only a performance, but a milestone in their artistic and personal development.
Sibusiso Njeza, conductor of the Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) and an alumnus of the Department of Music and Musicology, reflected on what the event meant to him and the choir. “It has been an amazing journey. I started in this choir as a student. Now I am back as its conductor,” he said. “This performance, backing a jazz legend like Hotstix Mabuse, is a significant moment for the choir, especially for our First Years.”
Usually, RUCC performs a mix of classical and indigenous folk music. Adapting to jazz offered both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. “Watching the students switch from classical training to backing a jazz artist shows how quickly they are learning and evolving,” Njeza said. “They have collaborated with different conductors and arrangers – that flexibility is a life skill; one they can take beyond music into any career.”
The collaboration also reflected the inclusive and applied principles of the Music Department. Dr Boudina McConnachie, HOD Department of Music and Musicology and a driving force behind the concert, explained the Department’s vision. “Our role is to give students access to professional musicianship. That means working in real-world environments with legends like Hotstix Mabuse,” she said.
She described the concert as a natural fit for the Department’s core values. “As applied musicians, we are deeply embedded in community work. So, when the RU120 committee approached us, we did not hesitate,” she said. “It was a win-win – students learning from a musical great, the community coming together, and Rhodes affirming its cultural leadership.”
Dr McConnachie also emphasised the broader role of the arts in the University’s future. “As we move into the next 120 years, disciplines like music, dance, drama, and visual art – especially through an indigenous knowledge lens, will continue to shape how we learn, conduct research, and engage with the world.”
The concert’s effect extended far beyond the university. Makatendeka Makoni, Chairperson of the Makhanda Community Orchestra and a Rhodes University alumna, emphasised the importance of building bridges between the university and its wider community.
“Sometimes, when you are a student here, you forget that there is a bigger community outside of Rhodes University,” she said. “This concert helps break that bubble. It says we are all part of Makhanda.”
Makoni acknowledged the logistical obstacles of bringing together a community-based orchestra. “Our players come from different institutions and backgrounds. We rehearsed when we could, mostly on Fridays, but the passion and commitment of our members carried us through,” she said.
What excited her most was not just the music, but the shared experience with the audience. “Our orchestra is about community. So, seeing people dancing, singing along – that is the real reward.”
The night belonged to Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. A musical giant whose career has spanned decades, Mabuse spoke about his journey with humility, and what the performance meant to him.
“We wanted to be part of something that helps young people, especially those from townships to see a future through education and music,” he said. “Hopefully our small contribution makes a difference.”
He further challenged young musicians to pursue their craft with intention and self-awareness. “Do not follow the hype,” he said. “Decide what it is you want to pursue as a person. Music should reflect who you are and where you come from.”
Mabuse reflected on his own legacy with grounded wisdom. “I did not become a musician by design. I became one by default. But I have always tried to be honest in my music. I do not write to chase hits. I write so that 20 years later, someone hears it, and it matters.”
One of the night’s most emotional moments came during a performance of ‘Refugee Come Home’. Mabuse explained that the song was banned during apartheid but continues to resonate with young people today. “Some of them have family who went into exile. When they sing this song, they are not just performing – they are remembering,” he said.
The concert delivered more than an artistic performance; it highlighted the profound ability of music to foster unity, learning, and to inspire – all while reinforcing the significant role of culture in defining the legacy and identity of Rhodes University.
As Rhodes University closes its 120th anniversary celebrations, the institution is calling on all stakeholders to rally behind the "Unlocking Futures" initiative, to empower the next generation of leaders, and to forge a path toward a brighter, more equitable future for students in need of funding.
If you want to contribute to this campaign, please use the link: https://www.ru.ac.za/donate.