The legacy of Nigerian music star Orlando Julius must not be overlooked
If there is one musician as commonly associated as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti with the West African musical movements Afrobeat and Afrobeats (never mind Afro-Blues and Afro-Soul), this is the preserve of Orlando Julius Ekemode. Given Fela’s immense stature it would seem impossible to speak of another musician from whom he gained musical direction. Yet, one must, in the case of his fellow multi-instrumentalist Orlando Julius.
Rising atmospheric CO₂ may benefit maize crops: first experiment in African conditions
Global maize production is worth billions of dollars annually and is key to global food security because it’s a staple food for billions of people. Most maize production relies on natural rainfall, making it vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns.
What is to be done to restore public trust in journalists and journalism?
World Press Freedom Day 2022 (3 May) takes place at a time when the world is caught in an information war.
Dr Pindiwe Ntloko’s PhD journey as a mom shows young women what is possible
Despite the challenges that come with two young children and funding constraints, six years after embarking on her PhD journey, Pindiwe Ntloko can now proudly put the title ‘Dr’ before her name.
Abdool Karims award travel and accommodation costs to top microbiology student
During the latest graduation ceremonies, a special parallel event was held in which Ms Gabriella Solomons was awarded a bursary contribution from infectious diseases epidemiologists Professors Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim for graduating as the top microbiology student in 2021.
Where do we draw the line between secular and sacred? The Inaugural Lecture of Professor Helena van Coller
As per its time-honoured tradition, Rhodes University held the inaugural lecture of Professor Helena van Coller on 26 April 2022, after she received her status as a full professor. Inaugural lectures serve as a recognition and celebration of induction and a platform for professors to showcase their scholarly contributions to their field.
Rhodes University academics involved in study that might revolutionise the understanding of dwarf galaxies and their environment
Dwarf galaxies are known to be pristine probes of the early Universe, especially when they are isolated and not interacting with massive galaxies. Observations with the MeerKAT radio telescope of Wolf–Lundmark–Melotte Galaxy (WLM), an archetype of such a galaxy, have revealed its strong interaction with the intergalactic medium.
Ndebele assumes role of Deputy Chairperson of Rhodes University Council
Rhodes University Council has elected the Executive Director at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG), Ms Gugu Ndebele, its new deputy chairperson.
From van driver to MBA graduate: Siya Sibindi’s inspiring story
No one who has ever received a degree would say it came without obstacles. For some, however, those obstacles take the form of mountains. Through his journey of true grit and determination, Mr Siya Sibindi, who graduated with his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the recent Rhodes University 2022 graduation ceremonies, completed his degree despite near-impossible challenges.
Over 50 Gadra alumni graduate from Rhodes University two years running
For the second consecutive year, over 50 Gadra Matric School (GMS) alumni graduated from Rhodes University in a single graduation ceremony, which marks a significant milestone in the journey to transform education in Makhanda.
A street art mural in Zimbabwe exposes a divided society
The Shona and the Ndebele are Zimbabwe’s two most dominant ethnic groups. Explaining the ever-present tension between them, historian Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni points to the abuse of the post-colonial state by the ruling Shona-dominated government “in its drive to destroy Ndebele particularism”. He explains, “This sets in motion the current Matabeleland politics of alienation, resentment and grievance.”
Rhodes University ombud contract extended
Rhodes University ombud, Advocate Les Roberts’ contract has been extended by Council from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023.
Insect army winning fight against invasive water hyacinth
Bite by bite, the army of tiny goggas that have been deliberately released at the polluted Hartbeespoort Dam to tackle the infestation of water hyacinth are winning the battle.
Ally Weakley Memorial Bursary to boost Rhodes University sports
Rhodes University and its UK trust are set to establish a premier, high-value Ally Weakley Memorial Scholarship ahead of the 30th anniversary of the death of the legendary sportsman, teacher, and lawyer, Alastair Weakley.
Rhodes University women researchers tackle cervical cancer using an Afrocentric approach
Cancer incidence in South Africa and globally is on the rise and it is predicted that the burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer will overtake that of infectious diseases in Africa in the next decade. In the Eastern Cape, in particular, cervical cancer has a high incidence rate among rural women, who are underrepresented in terms of medical research and genetic analyses. Rhodes University Lecturer and Researcher in Biochemistry, Dr Jo-Anne de la Mare, hopes to change this. The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has awarded her with funding made available by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), through the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships (SHIP) programme, to study cervical cancer based on tumour samples from Eastern Cape women.
Late Ambassador Mabuza’s daughter accepts honorary degree on her behalf
At Rhodes University’s morning graduation session today, the festivities were heightened as Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza’s honorary Doctor of Literature (DLitt) was posthumously conferred, following the decision of the Rhodes University Senate and Council.
Historical moment takes place as Rhodes University alumnus caps honorary doctorate recipient
It is one thing to read about great historical moments in history books, but to be within history, as a critical participant, is something else altogether. In a graduation event full of 'firsts' for Rhodes University, the 09h30 ceremony today showed Rhodes University alumnus Professor Steve Olivier capping honorary doctorate recipient Lord Peter Hain.
Fifty alumni to be honoured as the School of Journalism and Media Studies marks its 50th anniversary
The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) will mark its 50th anniversary by honouring 50 of its most distinguished alumni. The first ten will be celebrated at a graduation ball on Friday 8 April. This graduation season is a return to in-person events for Rhodes University and newly-minted journalism graduates will be capped at three ceremonies on Thursday and Friday.
Rhodes University to honour the late diplomat, poet, and academic, Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza
At its graduation ceremony on 08 April 2022, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Literature (DLitt) (honoris causa) on the late cultural activist, diplomat and Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza.
Latest SACO report illustrates the significance of our creative industry
On 31 March 2022, the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO) released its 2022 Economic Mapping Report of the Cultural and Creative Industries to a worldwide audience. This is the first comprehensive study of the contribution of the cultural and creative sector to the economy in the post COVID-19 environment.