By Lance Myburgh

On the evening of 16 July 2024, Rhodes University celebrated the dedication of 64 staff members at a Long-Service Awards ceremony, recognising their collective 1,495 years of service. Among the honourees was Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who proudly marked his 20th year at the University. This milestone coincided with Rhodes University’s 120th anniversary (RU120), adding special significance to the evening.

In his opening remarks to long-serving staff, Professor Mabizela emphasised the importance of recognising the collective journey that has driven the University's evolution over the past 120 years, ensuring its vision, mission, and purpose are achieved. He highlighted the crucial role the awardees have played in shaping the University and expressed deep gratitude for their contributions. "These awards recognise hard work, dedication, and loyalty to Rhodes University," the Vice-Chancellor stated.

After congratulating the staff for their significant long service to the University, the evening took a significant turn when the Rhodes University Chancellor, Justice Lex Mpati, handed the Vice-Chancellor his 20-year service award – a serendipitous occurrence for the RU120 calendar.

“Rhodes University has grown on me,” Professor Mabizela admitted, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues, ground and garden staff, cleaning staff, academics, and Deputy Vice-Chancellors for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.

The award holds deep personal significance for Professor Mabizela, acknowledging his sacrifices for Rhodes University. He had initially planned to stay for only 3-4 years after arriving with his family in 2004. However, he extended his commitment, dedicating himself to making a meaningful contribution to the University and the city of Makhanda.

Recalling his journey at Rhodes University, Professor Mabizela mentioned that his initial role was as the Head of the Department of Mathematics. Four years later, he was promoted to Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. “It was quite a shift – going from an academic, administrative role in a small department to Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and I faced many steep learning curves," he explained.

Adaptable and resilient, Professor Mabizela’s willingness to learn and sound decision-making led to his appointment as Vice-Chancellor in 2018, a position he has held ever since.

No story about Professor Mabizela can be accurately told without highlighting his indelible commitment to local education development – a promise he made upon his inauguration. Through his efforts, local schools have gained greater accessibility to Rhodes University. Reflecting on this achievement, he said simply: "We should never give up on young people."

He attributes his success as a leader to the support of an excellent leadership team at every level.

“This award gives me an opportunity to reflect on the 20 years that I have been here and how inordinately privileged I am to have been entrusted with the responsibility of being the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University,” Professor Mabizela said.