Rhodes University welcomed the 2026 cohort of the Commerce Extended Studies Programme (CESP), celebrating a long-standing partnership with Investec and inspiring students to embrace opportunity, perseverance, and purpose as they begin their academic journey. Among those in attendance were Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, Dean of Commerce Professor Tshidi Mohapeloa, Mr Setlogane Manchidi, Head of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), and Mrs Thembiso Kodisang from Investec South Africa, members of the Extended Studies Unit (ESU) team, and Dr Anthea Adams, Deputy Head of Department at CHERTL. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort behind the programme and the shared commitment to supporting student success.

The Academic Orientation Programme (AOP) at Rhodes University sets the tone for an enriching academic year. AOP serves as a vital induction for new academics at the institution. Vice Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela and Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, along with Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, extended heartfelt welcomes, emphasising belonging and the long-term value of engaging with the Rhodes community. They shared the university’s vision of generating knowledge that is locally responsive and globally engaging, to foster a just and sustainable society. Professor Monnapula-Mapesela poignantly noted, “To thrive at Rhodes University, understanding its unique context through an Academic Orientation Programme is essential for integrating into the community and aligning with its goals.”

Rhodes University’s Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL) hosted its annual Teaching and Learning Showcase on 20 November 2025, bringing together academics, students, and practitioners from across the Eastern Cape. Colleagues from Walter Sisulu University, Nelson Mandela University, and the University of Fort Hare joined the Rhodes community as guests, creating a vibrant platform for cross-institutional exchange and scholarly reflection. The showcase highlighted evidence-based and research-informed approaches to teaching, encouraging participants to critically engage with the theories, practices, and conditions that shape higher education. Welcoming attendees, Associate Professor Jo-Anne Vorster emphasised the importance of gathering as a higher education community at a time that calls for thoughtful reflection and collective learning. She acknowledged support from Rhodes University leadership, CHERTL colleagues, and other stakeholders in convening such a significant event, which provided an opportunity for collegial engagement in a theoretically robust space.

IYunivesithi iRhodes, ngokubambisana noInvestec, ibibambe umsitho wayo wonyaka wokunikezelwa kweembasa ngowe-10 kuSeptemba eSettlers Monument. Lo msitho ubusingiselwe ekunikezeleni imbeko kubafundi abaphumelele kakhulu kwiziphumo zesigaba sokuqala sonyaka apho abafundi abaphumeleleyo kakhulu banikwe amabhaso emali nokuqatshelwa ngomsebenzi wabo onzima kunye nokuzinikela kwabo. Lo msitho ukwabhengeze imbeko kubacebisi, kubafundi besigaba sokugqibela, nakubafundi ababengamalungu kule nkqubo kwiminyaka edlulileyo, nto leyo eyenze ukuba ibe lixesha lokubhiyozela wonke ose-CESP.