Rhodes University shares student-centred success strategies at Siyaphumelela 2025

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.

The Siyaphumelela (“We Succeed”) Student Success Network Conference brought together over 450 attendees and featured more than 120 presentations, all aimed at improving student outcomes in South African higher education. As an official partner, Rhodes University actively contributes to this initiative’s mission to foster a student-centred culture and enhance institutional capacity to collect and use student data effectively. The initiative’s collaborative network strives to expand these efforts nationwide.

Rhodes University’s delegation included Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Student Affairs Professor 'Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, Director of Student Services and Development Dr Pakiso Tondi, the Rhodes University Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL) Student Academic Development Team (Kelly Vorster, Tracy Kitchen, Yanela Ndabula, and Nichola van der Poel), and four student representatives: Makgotso Mcwabeni, Nokuphila Khanyile, Thembelani Chili, and Omphulusa Nengwekhulu. The full participation of these students highlighted the University’s unwavering commitment to student-centred approaches.

Both the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor contributed to engaging panel discussions, while the CHERTL team presented two papers showcasing key projects underway at Rhodes University. These included faculty-based and learning literacy toolkits, and Rhodes University’s impactful Mentoring Programmes.

Conference highlights featured keynote addresses by Dr Tim Renick from the University of Georgia and Andrew Magliozzi from Mainstay, alongside dynamic panels with Deputy Vice-Chancellors from various institutions. A particularly moving element was the recital of “I am” poems by Siyaphumelela scholars, adding a personal and powerful dimension to the conference. Delegates also enjoyed a cocktail evening with performances by Steel, the Poet, and Dr Diana Ferris, fostering networking and collegiality.

For the Rhodes University delegation, two key messages stood out: the paramount importance of incorporating the student voice in all initiatives, and the resonant reminder: “Separately, you will go faster. Together, we will go further.” These insights will continue to inform Rhodes University’s dedicated commitment to student success.