GADRA Success Story: Sinemihlali's Journey to Rhodes University

Date Released: Mon, 2 February 2026 15:03 +0200

By: Lance Myburgh

Rhodes University first-year Sinemihlali Mpondwana’s journey to registration has been shaped by determination, adaptability, and sustained support through GADRA Education. Her story reflects how access to the right educational environment, one that offers both academic guidance and a sense of belonging, can open pathways to higher education.

Born in King William’s Town and bred in Makhanda,  Mpondwana experienced a disrupted schooling journey, moving between several high schools during her secondary education. “I changed high schools three times,” she said. “Adjusting was difficult, especially academically.”

Her schooling included time in King William’s Town, before returning to Makhanda to complete her Grade 11 and Grade 12 at Ntsika Secondary School. While the move ultimately placed her in a stronger academic environment, the transition was challenging. “When I got to Ntsika, everything was top tier,” she said. “The teachers, the support system — everything. But it wasn’t easy to adapt.”

Support beyond the classroom played a crucial role in helping her navigate these challenges. Through GADRA Education, Mpondwana found not only academic assistance but a community that offered stability during a demanding period of her life.

“I could honestly write a book about GADRA,” she said. “It means so much to me. It’s my second home.”

GADRA Education has long partnered with Rhodes University to address unequal access to quality education and to support learners from diverse backgrounds in preparing for tertiary study. This work aligns with Rhodes University’s broader commitment to research-led engagement that serves the common good, particularly in the Eastern Cape.

For Mpondwana, what made the difference was the personal nature of the support she received. “It didn’t only help me academically,” she explained. “It also played a pivotal role in shaping my confidence.” She described GARDRA as an environment where students were consistently known, supported, and encouraged. “You’re never left alone,” she said. “If you’re struggling, you know whom to call. You can text Mrs Hacksley at 11, and she’s there to help you.”

This sense of care helped her adapt to the academic demands of high school and later approach university with greater confidence. At registration, holding her student card for the first time, the achievement felt tangible. “It’s a surreal moment,” she said. “You get the emails saying you’re accepted, but you’re still uncertain. Having the student card makes it real. Now you’re actually a student.”

Mpondwana has registered for a Bachelor of Journalism and Drama at Rhodes University and is already setting ambitious goals for herself. “I want to redeem myself academically,” she said. “I want to prove myself. I want distinctions, opportunities to represent, and to challenge myself.”

Looking ahead, she hopes to continue in Honours and eventually work in journalism, media production, and filmmaking. Her aspirations reflect the broader impact of access to higher education, not only personal advancement but also the development of future professionals who will contribute to public discourse and the creative industries.

Reflecting on her journey, Mpondwana speaks candidly about the emotional challenges she faced. “I learned that I’m very impatient,” she said with a laugh. “But I also learned that I have so much faith. Even when things were delayed, I trusted that everything would work out.”

Her experience illustrates how educational support rooted in care and consistency can change outcomes. Through partnerships such as that between Rhodes University and GADRA Education, research into access, learning, and social development is translated into meaningful opportunities for students.

As first-year students settle into university life, stories like Mpondwana’s highlight the importance of creating educational spaces where students feel supported, valued, and at home. For many, this sense of belonging is what makes academic success possible.

“I love GADRA,” she said. “It’s my second home.”

Her journey to Rhodes University stands as a reminder that when education feels like home, it can become a robust foundation for future success.

Source:The Division of Communications & Advancement