Author: Uvile Soci

By Uvile Soci Rhodes University hosted the Ruth Mompati Centenary lecture, a webinar event organised by the Department of Political & International Studies, to mark what would have been the centenary year since the birth of anti-apartheid activist and women’s rights leader, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati. Hosted at the Ruth Mompati Seminar Room, the room was filled with students and lecturers from the Politics department and beyond. The event was led by a distinguished panel of people who were close to Dr Mompati, including former Minister of Human Settlements Lindiwe Sisulu, ambassador Thenjiwe Mtintso, author of Mompati’s biography Mme Ruth…

By Uvile Soci “I don’t even know who the councillor is. And even if I did, what would they do?” Zolani township resident Lisakhanya Ranuga (20) asked the question Grocott’s Mail heard across Makhanda. Amid collapsing infrastructure and failing service delivery, many Makana residents do not know who represents them in council, or if anyone is truly listening to them. A fundamental component of democracy is missing in action. While interviewing people across areas like Joza, Tantyi, and Zolani, a common thread emerged: “We don’t know them, and they don’t know us.” To explore this communication breakdown, Grocott’s Mail contacted…

By Uvile Soci Rhodes University recently celebrated the inauguration of its incoming 2026 Student Representative Council, an election that delivered a record-breaking 58% voter turnout (5 310 of 9 156 registered students), surpassing the required quorum of 33.3% by a significant margin. This surge of student participation hints at a deepening democratic engagement, possibly fueled by recent dissatisfaction at student leadership. In a ceremony marked by tradition and transformation, keynote speaker Dr Mmusi Maimane said, “We are not in leadership for the title, but for the service of the people.” Groundbreaking leaders Thalethu Magidela emerged as the SRC President, securing…

By Uvile Soci Rhodes University’s Leadership Week, a flagship annual event dedicated to exploring governance, development, and ethical leadership issues, drew attention from students, academics, and national figures alike. The 2025 edition did not disappoint as there were high expectations following last year’s resounding success, which saw prominent political, social, and academic voices converge on the campus. Kicking off on 4 August, Leadership Week was spearheaded by the Rhodes University Student Representative Council (SRC), cultivating student engagement with real-world leadership challenges. It forms a key part of the university’s commitment to producing “leaders for the future,” in alignment with its…

By Uvile Soci Rhodes University students increasingly dissatisfied with their leaders this week openly voiced their frustration  with the Student Representative Council (SRC). Amid accusations of ineffectiveness, inaccessibility, and failing to deliver on key student concerns, this crisis of confidence has placed the SRC under intense scrutiny. Campus conversations have been dominated by unverified reports of internal tension and speculation about the leadership’s future. Since the beginning of the academic year, students have repeatedly raised concerns about issues ranging from financial aid delays and gender-based violence to the lack of transformation within university structures. Many feel the SRC has been slow…

By Uvile Soci Rhodes University alumnus and current master’s student Lazarus Kgageng launched his debut novel, The Chords of a Hymn, in an evocative ceremony at Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. Kgageng, who completed both his political studies undergraduate and honours degrees at Rhodes, and now researches Critical Studies in Sexuality and Reproduction at master’s level, published the novel on 30 March 2025 The event occurred in Amazwi’s auditorium, renowned for hosting literary launches and exhibitions reflecting South Africa’s diverse literary heritage. Family, friends, academics, and literary enthusiasts filled the room, many eager to engage with the themes Kgageng…

By Uvile Soci There’s a special kind of electricity in the Makhanda air when June rolls around. This week, that buzz got a whole lot louder: the on-site box office for the 2025 National Arts Festival is officially open, and it is the clearest sign — in addition to the billboards at the top of High Street — that the biggest cultural event in the country is about to take over this town once again. It is the start of the town’s annual transformation, when churches turn into theatres, classrooms become cabaret venues and every street corner feels alive with…