Rhodes University

Rhodes University Rhodes University is an institution with a well-established reputation for academic excellence.

With just over 8200 students, Rhodes is a small University which enjoys the distinction of having among the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates in South Africa, outstanding postgraduate success rates, and the best research output per academic staff member. This is a testimony to the quality of students that Rhodes attracts and of academic provision, and to the commitment of Rhodes staff t

o student development and success. Of our more than 8000 students, 30% are postgraduates and over 18% are international students from 54 countries around the world, making Rhodes a dynamic and cosmopolitan knowledge institution. Students are able to undertake an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the faculties of Humanities, Science, Commerce, Pharmacy, Law, and Education. With the most favourable academic staff to student ratio among South African universities, Rhodes students are guaranteed easy access to academics and close supervision. The University takes pride in its motto, Where Leaders Learn, and producing graduates who are knowledgeable intellectuals, skilled professionals, and critical, caring and compassionate citizens who can contribute to economic and social development and an equitable, just and democratic society. Almost 50% of Rhodes students and the majority of undergraduates live in the University residences, while there also special residences for postgraduates. Through a well-established structure of wardens, sub-wardens and residence committees, the residences play an important role in overall student development, including developing leadership skills. Numerous clubs and societies provide extensive opportunities for students to participate in a variety of intellectual, social, cultural, and sports activities and further develop valuable skills. Rhodes University looks to the future with confidence, secure that as indawo yolwazi (a place of knowledge) and through the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement it produces outstanding graduates that are sought after and makes a vital contribution to human and social development. At our Open Day, you can find out more about the wide range of attractive and flexible programmes we offer in our six faculties – Commerce, Law Education, Pharmacy, Humanities, and Science. At Rhodes, you will have an opportunity to participate in programmes across all faculties. Our graduates perform well in an increasingly competitive job market and are highly regarded by employers around the world. During your time here, we will help you prepare for your chosen career. The employability of our graduates continues to increase and rates up there with the very best the world has to offer. Our degree offering prepares students for the job market by ensuring they develop the skills employers want, whether through work experience, volunteering or social activities.

What if researchers could explore billions of possible molecular pathways before stepping into the laboratory? At Rhodes...
07/09/2026

What if researchers could explore billions of possible molecular pathways before stepping into the laboratory?

At Rhodes University, Professor Kevin Lobb and his team use computational chemistry to map how molecules behave, helping identify promising compounds for diseases including malaria, HIV and tuberculosis. Their work turns molecular complexity into a searchable road map.

Read more: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/kevin_lobb_inaugural_2026-1.html

📸 Ntomb’Zekhethelo Ncanana

07/09/2026

Well done, Convocation President Samkelo Mngadi!

07/09/2026

Congratulations to Luyanda Dube, Executive Director and Producer of Let's Talk, on being named our BOSS Student!

Following a standout production run at the National Arts Festival, Luyanda’s vision continues to drive the creation of high-calibre audio content entirely by Rhodes JMS students. Yet, his reaction to the accolade highlights the essence of a true executive producer:

"It's not a Luyanda Dube recognition, but a recognition of the work the students put into the production."

Here’s to celebrating team-first leadership and the incredible creative crew bringing Let's Talk to life!



📸 Aphiwe Xanti

The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognise graduates whose work, leadership and contributions have made a lasting differe...
05/09/2026

The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognise graduates whose work, leadership and contributions have made a lasting difference in their fields and communities. Their achievements reflect the diverse ways in which Rhodes University alumni continue to make an impact.

Congratulations all!

🎓 Congratulations to the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards Recipients! 🏆

The Rhodes University community proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of our 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients, who were announced during the Convocation Meeting.

Congratulations to all the recipients on this well-deserved recognition. Your achievements continue to inspire the Rhodes University community and make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

👏 Congratulations once again to our distinguished alumni!

03/09/2026

"This thing called democracy is not so much about electing good leaders as it is about building a system that would allow us to peacefully get rid of the not-so-good ones."

~ Professor Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State

Prof Mohale was this year's keynote speaker at the 12th Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Annual Lecture on Values-Based Leadership, hosted by Rhodes Business School.

He was answering a question on nation-building.

The lecture brought three university Chancellors onto one platform, representing business, faith and the law.

A huge congratulations to our esteemed alumnus, Prof Mike Bruton, on receiving this prestigious award!This marks Prof Br...
03/09/2026

A huge congratulations to our esteemed alumnus, Prof Mike Bruton, on receiving this prestigious award!

This marks Prof Bruton's second award from the National Science and Technology Forum - NSTF. He previously received the NSTF Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

Prof Bruton received an honorary DSc from Rhodes University in 2012 in recognition of his role in increasing public understanding of, and access to, science.

Congratulations, Prof Bruton - a remarkable achievement and a wonderful recognition of your contribution to science and science communication.

Rhodes University Alumni

Congratulations to Prof Mike Bruton, recipient of the prestigious Communication Award at the 2025/2026 NSTF-South32 Awards!

This award recognises Prof Mike Bruton's exceptional contribution to science communication and his lifelong dedication to making science accessible, engaging, and inspiring for the public. Through his work as a professional science communicator with Mike Bruton Imagineering, MTE Studios, and formula D_, he has helped bridge the gap between science and society, fostering greater public understanding and appreciation of scientific discovery.

Join us LIVE for the NSTF-South32 Awards Gala Event: https://www.youtube.com/live/15mSRmCuF9g



South32 Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

Justice delayed is democracy compromised.In a recent lecture at Rhodes University, retired Judge Azhar Cachalia highligh...
02/09/2026

Justice delayed is democracy compromised.

In a recent lecture at Rhodes University, retired Judge Azhar Cachalia highlighted how structural delays at our highest courts quietly erode public trust in the legal system. A functioning constitutional democracy relies on transparency, efficiency, and timely accountability.

Rhodes University Faculty of Law

Read more: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/judge_cachalia_lecture-1.html

📸 Vusumzi Tshekema

01/09/2026

This year’s Rhodes University Sports Awards ceremony will feature 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awardee Professor Steve Olivier.

Prof Olivier is the founder and senior trustee of the Ally Weakley Memorial Bursary and championed the naming of the Ally Weakley Great Field as part of our 120-year celebrations.

Rhodes University alumnus Ally Weakley was an outspoken advocate for non-racial sport during apartheid. His legacy continues to support and inspire students through sport and education.

Rhodes University Alumni

“Developing and supporting the arts is essential to a viable democracy.” ~ Dr Deborah SeddonRhodes University lecturers ...
01/09/2026

“Developing and supporting the arts is essential to a viable democracy.” ~ Dr Deborah Seddon

Rhodes University lecturers and Makhanda authors Deborah Seddon and Selloane (Lalu) Mokuku were nominated at the 3rd annual National Arts and Culture Awards for their respective works, 'Magnitude' and 'Butterfly Heart'.

Their recognition also raises a broader question: what happens when the creative spaces that enable people to tell their stories are under-resourced?

Rhodes University Drama Department
Rhodes JMS
Grocott's Mail
School of Languages and Literatures: Rhodes University

Read the full story:

When the red carpet was rolled out at the Sun City Super Bowl for the 3rd annual National Arts and Culture Awards (Naca), two Makhanda authors and Rhodes University lecturers, Deborah Seddon and Selloane (Lalu) Mokuku, were among the creative voices representing the Eastern Cape.

What happens when a lecturer listens to her students?For Dr Sandile Phakathi, it changed how she teaches economics, and ...
31/08/2026

What happens when a lecturer listens to her students?

For Dr Sandile Phakathi, it changed how she teaches economics, and ultimately led to the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award - an achievement she shares with her students.

They became co-designers of a multilingual, more critical classroom.

Read the story: https://www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/phakati_vc_teaching_award-1.html

📸 Ntomb’Zekhethelo Ncanana

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