What is an Oppidan?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word Oppidan "as an inhabitant of a university town as distinguished from a member of the university itself " i.e. a student living off campus, in accommodation rented independently of Rhodes, is an Oppidan- or Oppi for short. We also call ourselves 'Digs' students.

What is the Oppidan Union?

The Oppidan Community is the single largest student body at Rhodes.  Oppis enjoy the benefits of increased independence and freedom from somr of the structures of life in residence, but off-campus living also provides its own challenges.  Thus the Oppidan Union was formed to help our Oppi's face all these challenges.    The Oppidan Union consists of the Wardens, Sub Wardens and House Committee to help with all your needs.

The Oppidan Sub-wardens and what do they do?

Oppidan Sub-wardens help the Hall Warden to effectively run the Oppidan Union, and to provide a high-quality support service to student.  They are pro-actively involved with the Oppidan students and interested in all aspects of their lives-academic,sport, social and personal.  In particular Sub-wardens are there to offer support and advice to new and current Oppidans who are settling into digs life and to offer guidance and direction during times of crises.

What is the Oppidan Committee?

The Oppidan Committee is comprised of Oppidans students selected by fellow students to serve in the portfolioe. Their mandate is to look after the interests of all students living off-campus and they achieve this by maintaining channels of communication between Rhodes and Oppidans.  They are also resposible for organising events and functions to get the Oppidans together and interacting.

CONTACT NUMBERS

Office: 046 603 8229

Oppidan SRC Councillor
Mpumi Tanda – 083 958 7470

Oppidan Cluster Coordinators
Matimu Shivambu
Email: matimu.shivambu@ru.ac.za
Cell: 074 229 8425

Gladys Manamela
Email: gladys.manamela@ru.ac.za
Cell: 076 847 8032

Sub-Wardens
Snegugu Khumalo – 068 246 6020
Ropafadzo Mutamba – 065 588 3778
Lilitha Mahuza – 082 830 6565
Sello Seshibe – 081 751 1734
Frans Diale – 072 183 2486
Lona Mazindla – 073 423 1742
Nkosilathi Chenga – 068 103 4405
Unarine Ndou – 063 638 6540
Esekho Mangesana – 072 928 5751
Abongile Bambiso – 060 631 8154

Last Modified: Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:42:14 SAST