In a shared plenary session at the 68th conference of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), Head of Rhodes University’s Department of Physics and Electronics Professor Makaiko Chithambo and Visiting Adjunct Professor in Flow Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand Professor Igle Gledhill speculated on what might be accomplished by the year 2124. The talk served as an intellectual time capsule for future physicists to look over and “possibly laugh at our ignorance” as Professor Chithambo joked.

At 22, Zozibini Mali stands as a testament to resilience and determination. A third-year BCom Accounting student at Rhodes University, his journey is one of perseverance against the odds. Raised in Bhisho by his grandmother and mother, Zozibini grew up without a father figure, navigating his formative years in a challenging environment. From a young age, he attended a boys' school, where he balanced the influence of the strong matriarchs in his life with the values of independence and self-reliance instilled at school. This unique blend of influences has moulded him into the resilient and driven man he is today.

Rhodes University and the Canon Collins Trust have announced a landmark partnership to increase educational opportunities for Southern African postgraduate students. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in fostering academic excellence and providing vital support to these students, marking a pivotal moment in the advancement of higher education in the region.

"It should not be, and it cannot be that an academically deserving young person will be deprived of an opportunity to receive quality and transformative education simply because they happened to have been born into a family of limited means,” said Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Prof Sizwe Mabizela.

On the evening of 16 July 2024, Rhodes University celebrated the dedication of 64 staff members at a Long-Service Awards ceremony, recognising their collective 1,495 years of service. Among the honourees was Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who proudly marked his 20th year at the University. This milestone coincided with Rhodes University’s 120th anniversary (RU120), adding special significance to the evening.

Every year, the historic town of Makhanda (Grahamstown) comes alive with the vibrancy and creativity of the National Arts Festival, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Amid this bustling celebration, Rhodes University hosts a special cocktail event, bringing together its alumni, fondly known as Old Rhodians, along with friends and supporters of the institution. This year’s gathering, however, held an extra layer of significance as it marked two monumental anniversaries: Rhodes University continuing its celebration of its 120th year and the National Arts Festival its 50th. This convergence of milestones provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future of sustained excellence and mutual support.

From 6-7 July 2024, Rhodes University hosted the inaugural Young Leaders Bootcamp, a transformative engagement that sought to empower the next generation of leaders. This two-day programme brought together Makhanda High School student leaders and the Rhodes University Student Representative Council (SRC) to participate in a programme designed to reflect on ethical leadership and community engagement.

As part of celebrating its bidecacentennial anniversary year of academic excellence, Rhodes University hosted the international Higher Education Close-Up 11 (HECU11) conference from 3 to 5 July last week.

As Rhodes University marks its 120th anniversary, the Department of Music and Musicology proudly presents a series of tribute concerts on 13 July 2024. These concerts celebrate "firsts," highlighting the university's pioneering role in shaping South African music and its ongoing legacy of excellence and innovation. This special event will honour the ground-breaking contributions of two distinguished composers, Dr Bongani Ndodana-Breen and Dr Paul Hanmer, whose works have set significant musical precedents.

A new research laboratory, the Electromagnetics Innovation (EMI) lab, was opened last week at the Centre for Radio Astronomy Techniques and Technologies (RATT), Department of Physics and Electronics at Rhodes University by Rhodes University’s Dean of Science, Professor Joanna Dames.

On Friday, 5 July 2024, the SAIP2024 conference concluded with a grand Gala dinner held at the Nelson Mandela Dining Hall, Rhodes University. The evening was marked by a series of inspiring speeches and the celebration of excellence within the physics community.

The 68th Annual Conference of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) was held at Rhodes University between 1-5 July 2024, and brought together students, professionals, educators, and government officials.

Thank you for the honour and privilege of being part of this important young leaders bootcamp – an opportunity to engage young leaders of our city on leadership issues. Seeing so many of you this morning inspires me with great hope and optimism that our future is bright with promise. You, our country's youth, will help us create a better society and world.

Rhodes University is hosting the Young Leaders Bootcamp at Eden Grove on 6-7 July 2024, featuring Allan Magubane as the keynote speaker. Magubane, born in 1989 in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has contributed to education and corporate consultancy, focusing on leadership ethics, strategy, and diversity.

Rhodes University is taking the next step in its transformative involvement in the broader education sector in Makhanda through a trailblazing bootcamp for school leaders, aimed at cultivating ethical leadership.

As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, Rhodes University celebrates its 120th anniversary, and the National Arts Festival reaches its 50th year, Mr Thumamna Sibhozo, in collaboration with the Isikhumbuzo Applied History Unit from the History Department at Rhodes University, presented a play that depicts South Africa's past and present - called “Madam President Evelyn”.

The Rhodes University Sports Department is proud to announce that it will host the 2024 USSA Rugby Tournament from 1 – 5 July 2024. This prestigious event will gather twenty-six universities from across South Africa, promising a diverse and competitive field of teams for an exciting week of competitive matches, camaraderie, and celebration.

Alice is a sculpture of body casts taken off an elderly lady who lived in the Brookshaw home in Makhanda. It is one of the artworks Christine Maree made for her Masters in Fine Art exhibition, completed in 2008 under the current HOD of Fine Arts Maureen de Jager's supervision. She later taught Sculpture in 2009 as de Jager’s sabbatical leave replacement.

During her second year at Rhodes University in 2020, Lethabo Makweya’s journey through the National Arts Festival (NAF) began. Music composer Stacey van Schalkwyk Naidoo was searching for a talented writer and performer. Lalu Mokuku, a supervisor and Drama lecturer at Rhodes University who formed MEQOQO Playback Theatre Collective, recommended Makweya. The excitement was palpable, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the festival's cancellation that year, forcing plans to be postponed.

As we mark 120 years of academic excellence, we reflect on the rich tapestry of history and transformation that defines Rhodes University and its decades of artistic contributions to the arts. Rhodes University is proud to announce a series of performances and exhibits as part of the official National Art Festival (NAF) programme, which marks its 50th anniversary, between 20 and 30 June 2024 in Makhanda.