As water insecurity tightens its grip on Africa, the Institute for Water Research’s (IWR) recent Open Day at Rhodes University ignited a robust conversation about building collaborative, sustainable, and innovative water futures for the continent. The event served as more than just a showcase; it became a rallying cry for policy action, research-driven transformation, and an urgent redefinition of Africa’s relationship with its most precious resource.

Rhodes University's Faculty of Law proudly announces a landmark occasion: its 120th anniversary, marking more than a century of unparalleled academic excellence and profound contributions to the South African legal landscape. As a testament to this enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the nation's jurisprudence, the University will officially name its iconic Law Building in honour of one of its most distinguished alumni and the revered outgoing Chancellor, the Honourable Justice Lex Mpati.

They stretch from the Gobi Desert to the Australian Outback, from the North American prairies to the African savannas. They feed more than a billion people, store a third of the world’s terrestrial carbon, and shelter a quarter of all human languages and cultures. And yet, rangelands – the sweeping grasslands, shrublands and savannas of the world – remain largely invisible in political discourse.

In a heartfelt tribute to the powerful legacy of Reverend Dr. Simon Gqubule, Rhodes University hosted a Memorial Lecture. Gospel choirs filled the room with rich harmonies, showcasing the faith-driven leadership Rev Dr. Gqubule embodied throughout his life.

South Africa’s tertiary education landscape continues to reflect the broader tensions and aspirations of a society still navigating the long shadow of inequality. While access to higher education has expanded significantly since the end of Apartheid, universities across the country continue to grapple with questions of transformation, equity, financial sustainability, and relevance in a rapidly changing world. Within this complex environment, spaces for open, reflective dialogue, especially between students and the people who lead and shape institutions, become valuable and essential.

Breaking down systemic barriers is not a quiet process. It is an act of courage, a commitment to resilience, and a willingness to speak truth to power. This was the driving message behind the Women's Round Table at Rhodes University. This event celebrated the unbreakable spirit of women and their determination to lead, resist, and create a more equitable world for all.

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.

The Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) will tour KwaZulu-Natal from 17 to 24 August 2025, presenting a programme deeply rooted in African musical traditions and social engagement. Comprising approximately 60 choristers, mainly students, the RUCC does more than sing. It reaches into the heart of communities through music, seeking connection, reflection, and shared purpose.

Phiwokuhle Mnge’s journey to becoming a pharmacist began in the humble setting of a small family in Mthatha. Raised by a resilient single mother who was both a nurse and deeply involved in research on traditional plants and healing practices, Phiwokuhle’s childhood was steeped in the quiet wisdom of service, science, and cultural knowledge.

Musa Makgato, a name quickly becoming synonymous with South Africa's vibrant classical music scene, is proving that passion and perseverance are the ultimate instruments of success.

The official opening of the Oppidan Bus Shelter and common room marks a significant achievement, realised as a legacy project by the Student Representative Council (SRC) of Rhodes University. The development of the bus shelter was initiated to establish a safe, on-campus environment for Oppidan students, providing them with a secure place to wait for their transport and the Oppi bus to take them home.

Leadership is not merely a privilege, but a moral obligation to serve others and drive positive change. Rhodes University SRC Leadership Week provided a necessary space for confronting the responsibilities facing young leaders today. The panel discussion, “Empowering Future Generations,” brought urgent attention to the intersection of business, leadership, and civic duty. Speakers challenged students to view leadership not as status, but as a moral obligation rooted in self-awareness, community engagement, and ethical conduct. This discussion mattered because it moved beyond theory, calling on youth to act now—within their campuses, communities, and careers. Leadership is not reserved for the future; it begins with present choices that shape a more just and accountable society.

Across the African continent, conversations about sustainable development often centre on economic policy, foreign investment, and infrastructure. Yet, one critical factor remains insufficiently addressed: leadership and governance. While the continent holds vast human and natural resources, many countries face persistent poverty, political instability, and weak institutions. This raises a pressing question: is the absence of accountable leadership and ethical governance the missing link in Africa’s pursuit of sustainable progress? Unpacking this question requires a closer look at how decision-making, public trust, and institutional integrity shape the continent’s development path.

Marking the start of Women's Month in South Africa, Rhodes University officially launched its Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) in the Eastern Cape. This initiative is a robust response to persistent inequalities in economic participation, and it arrives at a time when the need for targeted support for women is more critical than ever.

In a remarkable display of entrepreneurial savvy, Rhodes University Journalism & Media Studies student Asenathi Ngqobe funded her flourishing livestock farm using the profits she earned from her popular Makhanda-based braiding salon, Braids by SESE. This strategic and innovative approach has established her as a powerful force in the beauty industry and rural agriculture. While excelling academically in journalism and drama, Ngqobe has built a thriving business, proving that a modern leader can bridge two seemingly disparate worlds. Her story is a testament to the idea that with passion and purpose, a student can build a successful brand and become a catalyst for change.

Rhodes University isn’t just talking about student success; it’s actively shaping it. A high-level delegation, along with academic development staff and student representatives, recently attended the Siyaphumelela conference – a vital national initiative focused on broadening evidence-based strategies for postsecondary student success across South Africa.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform everyday moments into digital gold, captivating an audience of hundreds of thousands while excelling in academia and mentoring the next generation? Look no further than Olwethu Ncapayi, a true embodiment of passion meeting perseverance. From humble beginnings in a vibrant Eastern Cape city to digital stardom and a thriving career in media, Olwethu's journey is a powerful testament to the impact of dedication, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to purpose. As a dynamic media professional, award-winning content creator, writer, and skilled camera operator and video editor, Olwethu's story is precisely why he is our first feature for #BOSSMondays, designed to inspire students to reach their extraordinary heights.

“You don’t have to come from a big city or have it all figured out. You just need to believe in yourself and take that first step. Your dreams matter. Apply for that bursary. Take the chance. You can do this.” – Emihle Mazeka

When we think about campus safety, conversations often turn to crime prevention, health services, or road safety. But there is another silent danger that claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year: drowning.

When we talk about the future of work, the conversation tends to veer to automation, AI, and digital disruption. But a quieter, equally powerful force is reshaping how we work and how we feel while doing it. That force is ergonomics.