Chair of Council, Honourable Judge Bloem; Rhodes University Leadership and staff; President and other members of the Student Representative Council; proud parents, siblings, families and guardians, and most of all, our new students.
Today is a day that you can feel very pleased with yourself. 22,000 matriculants applied for the places that the 1,720 gathered here have been offered. You are the cream of the crop, and we are so pleased to have you here at Rhodes University, ‘Where Leaders Learn’.
Among you are pioneers - the first in your families to attend university. You are “Masupatsela.” – pathfinders. If that is you, we will provide you with the light to illuminate that path. Also, among you are students from families with a long and proud association with Rhodes University. We hope you weren’t under pressure to come to Rhodes University, but we know that you will carry the torch with pride and dignity as those before you have done.
A special shoutout to Makhanda students, including those from our Nine-Tenths mentoring and University Bridging programmes, which you saw in the video. We are immensely proud of all of you. And, parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting Rhodes University with your children's education, both academically and for life.
Rhodes is one of a kind. 122 years ago, 4 teachers at St Andrews College had a dream to create a university. At that time, Grahamstown was the second-largest city in the Cape Colony. The city was losing its young people to further education in Europe or to war. Those teachers were determined to keep the brightest and the best – people just like you - in the community to support its growth.
As with every new venture, those founders faced huge challenges in achieving their dream. But after 2 years, they did it - and now all of us – and all of you - have the opportunity to be the beneficiaries of that vision. The leadership of Rhodes University, over its 122-year history, has always reflected the times we live in.
In 1905, Rhodes admitted its first female student. In 1946, we gained autonomy from the University of South Africa, so we were no longer constrained by the government's restrictions. In the 1970s, we defied the Group Areas Act to start our journey of transformation. In 1988, we provided the first internet connection in Africa. And today, we are probably the last remaining liberal arts university in the country where curious young minds can explore their many and varied interests across a very varied curriculum.
Some of you may be studying pharmacy and fine arts. Others, a more conventional LLB – but the point is: here you have the choice to flex your intellectual muscles to achieve excellence in anything you choose to pursue. Since the very beginning, Rhodes University has consistently produced the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates of ANY South African University; we have enviable postgraduate success rates; and outstanding research output per academic staff member.
As one of South Africa’s few research-intensive universities, we prioritise impactful research, knowledge creation, and postgraduate excellence. This means that, even at the undergraduate level, you may be taught by academics who are producing new knowledge; academics who are national and international experts and leaders in their fields of research and who will not only teach you what they know but will share with you some of the latest thinking and developments in their fields of research.
And because we are a small university, they will know your name when you are struggling and when you are flying. A Rhodes University education goes beyond a degree qualification; it shapes you into a compassionate, engaged global citizen. We prepare you for a life of service – service to your family, service to your community, service to your nation, and service to humanity.
Our goal is to nurture ethical leaders committed to social justice and human development; visionaries who strive to create a better world with courage and conviction. We champion academic excellence alongside empathy. Through our Community Engagement initiatives, you will have opportunities to become an important part of the Makhanda community. By sharing your knowledge with the local community and listening to their stories, you can gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing society. Nothing prepares you for the world quite like these personal engagements and relationships. You will hear us describing Rhodes University as the place where leaders learn. You will have opportunities to develop leadership skills through student societies and sports clubs, in roles such as sub-wardens, house committee members, and Student Representative Council members.
So, what can you expect from the start of lectures next week?
University life is a journey of learning, self-discovery, and phenomenal growth. Your time here will be among the most memorable and rewarding years of your life. The start of your university life also marks a transition from school to university and into adulthood, both exciting and challenging. We are here to support and guide you to ensure this transition is a smooth and fulfilling experience. As a university student, you will enjoy much more freedom and independence than you ever have before. Always remember that freedom and independence come with greater personal responsibility.
You are now responsible for your future, making your own decisions and choices that will shape your path. Some decisions may be small and inconsequential, while others may be big and possibly life-changing. That is in the nature of life. Life is shaped by choices and decisions, each with consequences. While you have the freedom to choose, remember that you are also accountable for the outcomes of your choices.
You will meet people from different backgrounds – be it racial, cultural, social, linguistic, ethnic or geographic; people with views, ideas, beliefs and perspectives that are different to yours. These interactions will significantly broaden your perspectives and enrich your educational experience. Surround yourself with positive influences – people who inspire, motivate, and support your growth, while keeping you accountable on your journey. The friendships and networks you will form at Rhodes University will last you a lifetime. Here you will have the chance to do – and be – whatever you want to be. Just like our founders. But remember that with personal freedom comes great responsibility, and Rhodes University, like any other community, has its rules and policies.
First and foremost - Never forget where you come from; never forget the sacrifices that have been made for you to be here at Rhodes University; and never, even for a moment, forget what you are here for.
Two - As a young adult with great independence and freedom, you must now rely on your own wisdom and inner strength to guide you as you navigate life and its pitfalls. Remember to take care of yourself, especially as you encounter new experiences and challenges
Three - Every person deserves to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity. There is no place at Rhodes University for behaviour motivated by racism, sexism, misogyny, patriarchy, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia or any other form of intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, or chauvinism.
Four - We have a ZERO tolerance for sexual or gender-based harm at Rhodes University. Any student found guilty of sexual harm of any form will be permanently excluded from Rhodes University.
Five - Rhodes University does not tolerate any form of initiation. Treating another person in a degrading or dehumanising manner has no place here.
Six - Rhodes University has a ZERO tolerance for drug use and alcohol abuse. These can impair judgment, compromise safety, and hinder your success.
Seven - Be mindful of the risks of social media. It can be used for bullying, spreading false information, and causing harm. What you post is permanent and may have lasting consequences. Think before you share – one mistake now could exclude you from jobs and opportunities in your future.
Eight - We are a community that is animated by ideas - the foundation of our intellectual pursuit. We foster an environment where free speech thrives, but never as a shield for hatred or violence.
Nine - academic success at Rhodes University requires active engagement and strong discipline. University study is demanding - manage your time wisely, set high standards, and stay committed. Develop independence, persistence, and a strong work ethic. Don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. Embrace challenges and discomfort as essential for growth and success.
And finally, academic dishonesty is a serious and dismissible offence in our University. Whilst Rhodes University is at the cutting edge of technological advancement, the misuse of AI programmes to cheat in writing assignments and other forms of assessment is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
All of that said, Rhodes University is a place of ideas… Rhodes embodies a pioneering spirit. It is part of our DNA. A university is a democratic space where diverse views thrive, fostering open debate and intellectual growth. Ideas are the lifeblood of our academic pursuit. We respect your individuality, recognising that growth comes from diversity, not conformity. We embrace different perspectives, encourage diverse opinions, and celebrate uniqueness. There is nothing we want more than to see you succeed in your studies and develop into a well-educated, responsible, and successful citizen of the world.
If you face challenges, know that our academic and professional staff are here to support you. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and making your university experience positive, rewarding, and fulfilling. We are all aware that issues of mental health, depression and anxiety are prevalent in higher education institutions here in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. I appeal to you to support those facing these challenges. Together we must work to de-stigmatise mental illness so that everyone can feel safe and comfortable to seek help without fear or judgement. You can always call on our dedicated professional staff to help you with a variety of personal challenges. Self-harm, substance abuse, or suicide are NEVER the answer. If you're struggling, don’t suffer in silence – please seek help. We are all each other’s keepers! Let us look out for one another.
So, get to know yourself, challenge your capabilities, understand your limits, express yourself – and seek help when you need it. Just by being here, you have already shown that with determination, resilience, and tenacity, you can overcome even the most daunting of challenges. Nothing can stand in the way of your dreams. Use your time at Rhodes wisely; discover your passion and find your purpose in life. May your journey at Rhodes University unlock your full potential, helping you discover your unique self and your role in building a better society and world.
In all you do, remember Stephen Covey’s advice: THE MAIN THING IS TO KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING. Stay focused on your goals. We wish you every success in the years ahead. Welcome to a place of imagination, curiosity, and creativity; a place where ideas matter, hope thrives, and opportunities abound.
Welcome to the university where leaders learn. Welcome to Rhodes University!