By Zindzi Nkunzi In a spectacle that underscored its technological ambitions, Rhodes University recently deployed a helicopter to transport delicate scientific instruments to its new, state-of-the-art nanotechnology facility. This operation not only highlighted the sophisticated nature of the Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation (INI) but also marked a significant expansion from its original space in the ChemPharm building due to its substantial growth. Established in 2007 as the DST/Mintek Nanotechnology Innovation Centre, the INI at Rhodes University has become a critical node in a health-technology-research triad that benefits communities. The INI specialises in sensor technology, complementing its partner institutions—the University of…
Author: Grocott's Mail
By Nwabisa Moyo Going through University without financial support can be stressful, weighing down on many students in this position. To mitigate the impact of the challenge, four members of the 2017 Student Representative Council have heeded the call by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela by establishing a scholarship fund. The iHlumo Scholarship, a brainchild of Kamogelo Masilo, was established in 2023 in collaboration with Onela Nongubo, Dingaan Booi and Rolihlahla Mabaso. The first recipient of the scholarship, Ntokozo Tokelo Maduma, a second-year Bachelor of Commerce student, was selected early this year, and the handover ceremony was held in March. Guided…
By Lalelisile Mncwabe In an effort to foster a sense of belonging and equip students with essential research skills, Rhodes University’s Department of Economics recently organised a three-day orientation and research workshop for new Masters and PhD students. Attended by a total of 25 first-year Masters and PhD students, orientation sessions were considered a success by Professor Meshach Aziakpono, the Department of Economics Postgraduate Coordinator, who led the initiative. The primary objective of the three days was to provide students with the necessary tools and knowledge to conduct advanced research in the fields of applied economics and finance. The workshop…
By Lucas Nowicki Construction of new premises for the Amasango Career School has started. This is 14 years after the Makhanda High Court ordered the Eastern Cape Department of Education to provide a plan for a permanent premises by 2012. Department spokesperson Mali Mtima said contractors are expected to finish the construction of temporary premises in June this year, and of permanent premises by November 2027. Mtima said the department had failed to comply with the 2010 court order because it had struggled to find a suitable site. The school, founded in 1996, caters for impoverished children, many of them orphans or children…
By Linathi Nomntsetse Professor Hugo Ka Canham from the Institute for Social and Health Sciences at UNISA launched his book titled Riotous Deathscapes on 25 April 2024 evening in Rhodes University Eden Grove lecture hall. Students and scholars from various departments in the Faculty of Humanities filled the lecture venue to join in the book discussion. The panellists included Dr Thando Njovane, a Literary Studies in English lecturer at Rhodes University, Sikhumbuzo Makandula, a lecturer in the Fine Art Department at Rhodes University, and Reannetse Nkuru in the Political and International Studies Department at Rhodes University. The Riotous Deathscapes is…
By Abigail Van der Hoven Shamwari Private Game Reserve has prioritised and pushed the conservation of its area since it was founded. Shamwari, translating to the word “friends”, highlights the importance of establishing a balanced respect between all living things. Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land – Aldo Leopold. Established in 1992, Shamwari Private Game Reserve was born with the purpose of conserving the land, its wildlife and ecosystems. The area, located off the coast of the Eastern Cape, covers 22,000 hectares of land and is home to 5 of South Africa’s 7 biomes. To put…
Stay in the loop with the latest and join the MEW WhatsApp group! POP-UPS/ FESTIVALS/ EXHIBITIONS/REPEAT EVENTS Friday, 3 May – Saturday, 4 May Table Too Chinese menu (seated or take-away) A delicious spread of Chinese food including Pork Mince spring rolls with soy, chilli & sesame dipping sauce, Noodles in soup with chicken, spinach and spring onions, Slow-roasted pork belly with Festive egg-fried rice, peas and cashews, Honey & ginger pear with lychees, cream and bow-tie. Vegetarian Option Available! @ 16 Donkin Street 19:30 for 20:00 Contact: 0826718558/ 0839602366 Tickets: R220pp Tuesday, 23 April – Sunday, 30 June Community Assets for…
By Nondumiso Thwala and Migcobo Majali The Livingstone United Congregational Church of Southern Africa witnessed a day of jubilation as they gathered to celebrate the remarkable milestone of 65-year-old Rev Mluleki Raymond Ndabeni’s 40-year journey in ministry. What was initially billed as a Gala dinner was much more than Ndabeni had anticipated, leaving guests pleasantly surprised. The surprise unveiled the naming of the church’s hall as Mluleki Raymond Ndabeni Hall. The festivities commenced in a backdrop of confusion, as guests arrived expecting a Gala dinner, only to find themselves in a different affair. To clarify the situation, Thembisa Santi, speaking…
A flower for the dashboard: Poems from Aerial 1998-2019 and The last time I lived anywhere real: Stories from Aerial 1998-2019 By Gillian Rennie This is a year of momentous anniversaries. The 50th National Arts Festival! The 30th year of democracy! The 120th year of Rhodes University! Here now are two appealing collections to join the party. Jointly, they celebrate a creative project that, for many local writers, has made all the difference. Aerial Publishing, founded 21 years ago, has allowed hundreds of writers to find their pens and their voices by encouraging us to tell our stories via a…
By Steven Lang Entrepreneurship is often considered an attribute of capitalism, yet this was not the case at the launch of the Rhodes University – Local Economic Development (RU-LED) Innovation Lab on Friday evening. The emphasis at the event was clearly on entrepreneurship for the benefit of society as a whole. It was all about harnessing the ingenuity of the students and youths of Makhanda in an ethical manner to improve socioeconomic conditions for all concerned. This means that Rhodes students will work with the young people of Makhanda to ignite innovative business opportunities that can provide employment and a…