By Tokologo Lekoma

 

Fifty-eight Rhodes University staff members were recognised at this year’s Vice-Chancellor and Thomas Alty Awards on 14 August 2023. This ceremony acknowledges staff members who have attained further qualifications within the last year, either through Rhodes University or an external institution. This award is a mark of excellence and a massive sign of empowerment for many others within the community.

Manager of Learning and Development at Rhodes University, Mr Schalk van der Merwe, opened the evening by saying, “To all the recipients, allow me to express my congratulations on your remarkable achievement. Your contribution is commendable and serves as an inspiration to all of us.”

Of the awardees, 60% were women, and 40% were men. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela said, “It is always heart-warming that our staff who are female excel, as do our undergraduate students. We celebrate them.”

Moreover, 45% of these esteemed recipients are support staff members, and 55% are academics. The VC encouraged staff members to continue their education journey and expressed joy by saying Rhodes University is a “learning community”.

Senior Communications Officer Mr Velisile Bukula, who received a Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management, said, “When I was employed at Rhodes University in 2019, I told myself it was an opportunity to further my studies. I have a very supportive Director, Dr Luzuko Jacobs, who is always motivating staff in the Division to further their studies.”

According to Bukula, his newly-acquired knowledge further enhanced the skills he already had and, by implication, his contribution towards shaping an improved image of Rhodes University in the public domain. “I had to sacrifice personal time to work hard at my studies, but in the end, it paid out. I will forever be indebted to the University, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

This year’s recipients obtained six PhDs, 12 Masters degrees, three Honours degrees, nine Bachelors degrees, 14 postgraduate diplomas, and 14 postgraduate certificates.

Vice-Chancellor Awardees

• Dr Marcellin Atemkeng Teufack - Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (with distinction)
• Sandisiwe Bom - CATALyst certificate
• Velisile Bukula - Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management (with distinction)
• Ronaldo Burger - Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis
• Nothando Calane - Bachelor of Journalism
• Prof Megan Campbell - CATALyst certificate (with distinction) & Postgrad Diploma in Higher Education (with distinction)
• Nangamso Phila - Bachelor of Science
• Pulane Choane - -Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management
• Prof Stephen Folaranmi - CATALyst certificate
• Chad Gill - Bachelor of Commerce (Hons)
• Mhleli Khomo - Bachelor of Laws
• Megan Knowles - Postgraduate Certificate in Education (with distinction)
• Ethan Langson - Bachelor of Fine Art
• Dr Pedzisai Makoni - Postgrad Dip in Enterprise Management (with distinction)
• Nwabisa Malimba - CATALyst certificate
• Siyathanda Matiwane - Bachelor of Arts
• Prof Mmamosheledi Mothibe - CATALyst certificate
• Athenkosi Mpotulo - Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis
• Nomahlubi Mrubata-Mhlebi CATALyst certificate
• Nqobile Msomi - CATALyst certificate
• Prof Arthur Mukenge - Diploma in Training of Trainers
• Nangamso Myoli - Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management
• Dr Thando Njovane - CATALyst certificate (highly competent)
• Mandla Nonqane - Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Aphiwe Nonyukela - Bachelor of Laws
• Dr Lungile Penxa - Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (with distinction)
• Sisisa Ponoshe - Advanced Diploma in Management
• Lumka Salamntu - CATALyst certificate
• Allistair Sampson - Advance Diploma in Information Technology
• Princess Shabangu - Bachelor of Social Science (Hons)
• Dr Zelalem Shibeshi - Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education
• Unami Sibanda - CATALyst certificate
• Caitlin Stoltz - Bachelor of Laws
• Anelisa Takane - Postgraduate Certificate in Education
• Nande Titi - Bachelor of Social Science
• Dr Tendamudzimu Tshiwawa - CATALyst certificate
• Siphesihle Tyobeka Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis & Bachelor of Commerce (Hons)
• Rene Zimmerman - Bachelor of Commerce

 

Thomas Alty Awardees

• Tammy Booysen - Master of Education (with distinction)
• Paige Cox - Master of Arts
• Zikho Dana - Master of Arts
• Russel Dixon - Master of Science (with distinction)
• Shuying Fu - Master of Education (with distinction)
• Sisipho Hamlomo - Master of Science  
• Angela Jones - Master of Education (with distinction)
• Ntsikohlanga Kitsili - Master of Education
• Ntando Mkhwanazi - Master of Science
• Sone Pretorius - Master of Commerce
• Emma Sandenbergh - Master of Science (with distinction)
• Thato Tantsi - Master of Business Administration
• Dr Stones Chindipha - PhD
• Dr Luzuko Jacobs  PhD
• Dr Daniel Malamis - PhD
• Dr Monelo Nxozi - PhD
• Dr Lungile Penxa - PhD
• Dr Callie Thomson - PhD