Women's boxing has evolved from a fringe activity often met with scepticism and opposition, to a recognised and respected sport that epitomises the resilience and determination of women athletes in overcoming societal and institutional barriers. This narrative is exemplified by Luyolo ‘Killer Queen’ Nkatsheni, a nineteen-year-old woman boxer from Joza, who is also a Psychology student at Rhodes University.

In contemporary educational landscapes, the diversity of student backgrounds poses challenges for language instruction, necessitating effective language programmes. A comprehensive exploration of this imperative is encapsulated in the findings of a systematic meta-review conducted by Jordi Casteleyn, Mathea Simons, and Professor Tom Smits from Antwerp University, Belgium. Professor Smits, who is also a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Secondary and Post-School Education at Rhodes University, presented the results of the review at a recent public lecture.

On 25 November 2023, the three Distinguished Alumni Awardees for 2023 inspired the Rhodes University community with their words of power, resilience, and motivation at a special celebratory event.

Jonathan Hughes, a fourth-year BMus student at Rhodes University, emerged victorious in a prestigious essay competition hosted by the Journal of the Musical Arts in Africa (JMAA).

John Hlatywayo, who has died at 96, was a great painter, sculptor and mentor. However he is woefully neglected in the art history of Zimbabwe and southern Africa.

In a momentous virtual gathering, the Rhodes University community witnessed the launch of the first online open issue of the African Journal of Higher Education Community Engagement (AJHECE). The event, spearheaded by Ms Di Hornby, Director of Rhodes University Community Engagement, showcased a collaborative effort to bring forth a publication dedicated to advancing community-driven education.

In a world where gender-based violence (GBV) shadows the lives of many, Rhodes University (RU) has stepped into the light, championing change with its #RURises campaign. Coinciding with #16DaysOfActivism, this initiative is a testament to the Institution's unwavering commitment to tackling GBV head-on, not just in words, but in transformative action.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this week as World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week. But what exactly are antimicrobials, and why should we care?

In celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language, Rhodes University hosted a celebratory event at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. The event was supported by Rhodes University; the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB); Amazwi South African Museum of Literature; Makana Municipality; Home of Legends; South African Library for the Blind (SALB); Republic of South Africa, Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, and the Province of the Eastern Cape, Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture.

Meet the remarkable Quinlan Caiger, an Isivivane and Kistefos beneficiary at Rhodes University, whose journey embodies the essence of inclusiveness, hard work, and community collaboration.

Reading a thesis is a time-consuming process, especially given the challenges of understanding the use of scientific terms within these academic works. But what if the author could present the gist of it in three minutes for the layman? That is exactly what Rhodes University postgrad students did at the recent annual 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition.

In the intricate realm of media dynamics, the concepts of media capture and coercion wield significant influence on the information landscape. Consequently, in an era where information flows ubiquitously, the dynamics of media capture and coercion have taken on new dimensions, further complicated by the emergence of social media and cancel culture. Professor Guy Berger, a distinguished scholar in media studies with a PhD from Rhodes University, has brought forth insightful perspectives on the intricate interplay between these phenomena, sparking discussions on the subtle forces that can shape and manipulate media narratives.

In a transformative stride towards fostering inclusivity and recognising the contributions of a diverse array of individuals, Rhodes University’s Department of Zoology and Entomology recently renamed six of its rooms.

Rhodes University has persistently opposed the fixation on international ranking systems dating back to at least 2013. That year, a panel was hosted by Rhodes University's Education Department to "explore what can and cannot be measured in universities, and where the 'obsession' with measurement comes from."

At the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Awards Ceremony on November 09, 2023, Professor Makaiko Chithambo, the Head of Physics and Electronics at Rhodes University, and Professor Sioux McKenna, the Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), were welcomed as new members of the prestigious academy. They joined 38 of the country's foremost scholars and scientists in receiving this honour.

In the heart of Westmead, a small town nestled within Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, a remarkable young man named Ntobeko David Mfeka was born. His story, set against community challenges of poverty, alcoholism and teenage pregnancy, is nothing short of inspirational.

While most students are looking forward to winding down the academic year, Dagan Naeser is preparing to begin a new journey with the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.

The war that has erupted in Israel and Palestine since 7 October has caught many of us off guard with the ferocity with which both sides are trying to destroy each other and its utter disregard for civilian lives. South African news coverage of Israel and Hamas highlights how nothing about the conflict is straightforward and what a difficult line we need to tread if we are to work for peace.

On the evening of 11 October, the tradition of celebrating a new professorship via an inaugural lecture took place once more at Rhodes University, and this time it was for Professor Özlem Tastan Bishop.

Rhodes University Psychology Department had a strong presence once again at the 27th annual PsySSA conference held at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg in October 2023.