First years of 2026, welcome home. We have long been awaiting your arrival, as we know you will have an impact on Rhodes University unlike any other generation has had. This journey will be one of discovery, and we are ready to go on this escapade with you if you let us. You have been inducted into the school of leaders, and your role started the day you applied.

On behalf of the Student Representative Council, I extend to you a heartfelt welcome to Rhodes University, an institution that, for 122 years, has stood not only as a centre for academic excellence but as a beacon of transformative leadership, heritage and hope. Rhodes University is not just a university; it is a movement of minds and a legacy of courage. You are now part of that legacy.

Today, we recognise not just your acceptance, but the bravery it took to get here. The late nights. The sacrifices. The quiet moments of self-doubt are followed by an unwavering decision to keep going. We honour that fight in you. Let it be known that stepping into this chapter is no small feat. You are here because you dared to believe you were worthy of more, and you were right. You are now part of a community that demands vision, action, and above all, courage.

My name is Thalethu Magidela, and I have the honour of serving as your SRC President. I was born in the spirited town of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, a place brimming with people who are relentless in their pursuit of better. I am a third-year Bachelor of Science student who was in the same position that you are now in a couple of years ago. I remember feeling nervous and overwhelmed by the weight of the expected responsibility, as if I were in the deep end alone. Despite the anxious feelings, I also carried hope, as if it were something fragile in my hands, knowing that I did not come to fail or take a back seat. There was much to accomplish!

I stand alongside a council of 15 other committed student leaders who are not only leaders in name but dedicated servants in spirit. We are grounded in the values of solidarity, service, transparency, innovation, courage and integrity. Our mandate is clear: to amplify your voices, to advocate for your concerns, to be visible, accessible, and present. We steward over 8 000 individuals, and we know the only practical way to do this effectively is in partnership. We will not always have the ideas, but given that we are in such a rich institution, we will always seek expertise from all around us, including yourselves, because we expect immediate impact from you all.

“FOR THE SPIRIT GOD GAVE US DOES NOT MAKE US TIMID,
BUT GIVES US POWER, LOVE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE.”
2 TIMOTHY 1:7 (NIV)

As you begin your academic journey, never lose sight of your “why.” You came here to learn, to grow, and to earn a degree that has the power to transform not just your life, but your family, your community, and the world. Yes, the journey may be hard. Yes, there will be moments of exhaustion, frustration and even fear. However, I urge you never to forget the quiet, persistent strength of perseverance. Rise even when it is difficult. Rise especially when it seems impossible. Many of you might be the first in your family to embark on this path, and some of you are following in the footsteps of trailblazers before you. Never forget that you are here to forge your own footprint.

Some of you have crossed oceans to get to this very institution. Others have travelled from villages, cities, townships, and suburbs, with each of you bringing a wide array of stories, cultures, languages and dreams. As I said, we have been waiting for you because your unique personalities matter in reshaping our campus into a better space for all individuals. In this community, you are seen! In this community, you matter!

Rhodes University is not just a place to study; it is a home away from home. A place where you will be challenged to think critically, to lead courageously, and to become adaptable problem-solvers and responsible global citizens.

The SRC is committed to building and protecting a university environment that is inclusive, diverse, and safe for all, across race, religion, culture, sexuality, ability and nationality.

At this University, we value intentionality. We believe in the leadership of everyday acts, in discovering the strengths you didn’t even know you had, and in standing for something greater than yourself. The University offers a range of support services through the Division of Student Services and Development, from mental health and wellness to physical wellbeing, disability support, and residence life. We also work closely with the Equity and Institutional Culture Office, which champions human rights and challenges injustices such as racism, sexism, gender-based violence, xenophobia and ableism. We are here to protect each other’s dignity and uphold each other’s right to belong.

And as you begin this chapter, let me remind you of this truth:

You are not here by mistake. You are here by merit, by courage, and by destiny.
When the road gets difficult, and it will, I urge you to return to the scripture I quoted.
Let that be your anchor. You have what it takes. You have always had it.
And now, you will be shaped, challenged, and sharpened not just into a graduate,
but into a leader the world needs.

Welcome to Rhodes University. Welcome to Possibility. Welcome to Power. Let’s walk this journey together.

Ms Thalethu Magidela
Student Representative Council President 2026

Last Modified: Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:51:07 SAST