WATCH | Vice-Chancellor reflects on 120 years of achievement at Rhodes University

WATCH | Vice-Chancellor reflects on 120 years of achievements at Rhodes University

This year’s celebrations provided the university with the opportunity to celebrate its achievements and reconnect with its alumni community, but most importantly, it is an opportunity to create a lasting impact on the lives of students and the Makhanda community.

As Rhodes University continues to celebrate 120 years of academic excellence, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela says the university’s past achievements are a source of strength they draw from when reimagining the future of the institution.

“The most important thing is the possibilities going forward, but also reimagining our new future and building on the tremendous success that we have had over the past 120 years. It's a moment of reflection, it's a moment of celebration, it's a moment of reconnecting with our past and so as we reimagine our future, we draw much strength from it,” he said.

Mabizela has been with the university for the last 20 years, 10 of which have been as Vice-Chancellor. As he reflected on his tenure, he said that it is the university’s community that will ensure the university goes down in the annals of history.

“It has been and it is an inordinate privilege for me to serve this outstanding institution as its Vice-Chancellor. I've been at Rhodes University for 20 years now and I am always amazed by the incredible contribution of this institution. And amazed by its students, its staff, both academic and support staff, and how everyone is so focused on making a contribution to our community, our society, our continent and beyond,” he said.

RU120 is not just about celebration

This year’s celebrations provided the university with the opportunity to celebrate its achievements and reconnect with its alumni community, but most importantly, it is an opportunity to create a lasting impact on the lives of students and the Makhanda community.

Strategic initiatives involving alumni, Rhodes University Trusts, and funders coalesced to support students' access to education. Financial contributions to new alumni-initiated scholarships totalling over R400 000 were recorded. The newly established scholarships include the Dr Alistair Mokoena Education Fund for postgraduates, Ihlumo for undergraduates, and Myriad Canada for undergraduates.

Additionally, a special contribution by Mr Jeoffrey de Jager to the Derek Jacobs Scholarship will double its allocation for 2025. Furthermore, the UK Trust pledged £10,000 through the John Conradie Memorial Bursary for undergraduate Zimbabwean students in 2025, marking the first allocation in almost a decade.

“Our vision is to be foremost in the generation and advancement of locally responsive and globally engaged knowledge that seeks to create a just and sustainable society. We want to remain firmly committed to the betterment of our local community, our society, our continent, and at the same time contribute to our global stock of knowledge for the betterment of humanity,” he said.

The RU120 celebrations are expected to continue into 2025.