Rhodes University Alumni

10/10/2026

Looking forward to seeing you there, make sure to click on the link to RSVP https://forms.gle/2h9oKpEYgUSjAvQC7

09/10/2026

A monumental moment for global justice and a proud day for our university community. We celebrate the Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to award the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem "Navi" Pillay. Her tireless pursuit of a global legal order and accountability for humanity's gravest crimes embodies the spirit of excellence we champion.
As a 2005 Rhodes University honorary Doctor of Laws recipient, she continues to inspire us.

BREAKING NEWS
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2026 goes to a person who with exceptional courage and integrity has led the way towards a more comprehensive global legal order. This year’s laureate has been instrumental in ensuring that war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are prosecuted.

Navi Pillay’s commitment to universal legal principles and her firm moral compass are constants in a long career. Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation and exclusion. A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time.

This year’s laureate has significantly enlarged the scope and impact of international law. She has served as a judge on the High Court in South Africa, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. She was the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and, until recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Today Navi Pillay is a judge on the International Court of Justice in the case where Myanmar stands accused of genocide.

In historic international court cases, she has shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence. Navi Pillay has also contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law. Her independence, expertise and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time.

In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wants to remind the world that the rule of law – national and international – underpins the system we have set up to ensure peace and resolve conflicts non-violently. Peace requires justice.

History has shown that a world operating without the rule of law is unjust, unwise and inhumane. The judges – those who guard the thin red line between order and chaos – are therefore highly deserving of our praise. But today, as these same judges are sanctioned, and their institutions are attacked, we need people of courage, vision and determination – qualities that Navi Pillay demonstrates in her work on the bench.

Navi Pillay has held states and national leaders accountable and brought hope to victims of violence and conflict. In all the positions she has held, she has stressed the responsibility of individuals and states to comply with the rule of law. She has also helped define the relevant norms and legal principles. When the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda established that r**e and sexual violence could constitute a crime against humanity – as well as genocide – her influence was a significant factor. In the same case, Ms Pillay was instrumental in a separate legal breakthrough: for the first time, a defendant faced charges of incitement to commit genocide purely on the basis of spreading propaganda.

Navi Pillay is one of the great defenders of international legal principles in our time. Her distinguished career reminds us of the need to support, fortify and expand the global rule of law. Navi Pillay’s commitment to justice and human dignity is a source of hope and inspiration to all who seek to bring about a more peaceful world.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4xPtmor

09/10/2026

Celebrating Academic Excellence: Rhodes University Spring Graduation

8 October 2026

Rhodes Universiy celebrated another significant academic milestone at its Spring Graduation ceremony on Friday, 2 October 2026. The occasion brought together graduates, families, friends, staff and the wider Rhodes University community to celebrate years of dedication, perseverance and academic achievement.

The Spring Graduation saw 212 postgraduate students cross the stage, comprising 68 PhD Graduates and 144 Master's Graduates. If you missed the ceremony, please access the graduation proceedings here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd93Wos14Ao. Each qualification represents a journey of commitment, and personal growth.

For Alumni Relations, graduation was also a special moment as we welcomed our newest graduates into the Rhodes University alumni family and celebrated the beginning of the next chapter of their journey.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate on investigative journalist and consumer advocate Dr Wendy Knowler, with more than three decades of experience. D Knowler has become a recognised voice on consumer rights in South Africa. Rhodes University honoured her contribution to consumer education, public service and ethical journalism.

As we continue to celebrate these achievements, 2026 also marks the 10th anniversary of the Isivivane Campaign, Rhodes University's flagship student-support fundraising initiative.

Over the past decade, the Isivivane Fund has mobilised more than R78 million and supported more than 700 academically deserving students. This milestone represents the collective contribution of Rhodes University alumni, corporate partners, foundations, and staff towards widening access and supporting student success.

Upcoming Alumni and Fundraising Events

We also remind our alumni community of several upcoming opportunities to reconnect with the Rhodes University community:

Legacy Luncheon - Thursday, 15 October 2026: Lagoon Beach Hotel, Cape Town.
Cape Town Alumni Event - Friday, 16 October 2026: Moyo Restaurant, Cape Town.
Durban Fundraising Gala Dinner - Friday, 30 October 2026: eMakhosini Boutique Hotel, Durban.
Johannesburg Fundraising Cocktail Event - Thursday, 26 November 2026: Bowmans Building, Sandton, Johannesburg.
For more information or to RSVP, please email [email protected]

Once again, we congratulate the Rhodes University Spring Graduates of 2026. We wish them every success as they continue their journeys and carry the Rhodes University spirit with them wherever they go.

08/10/2026

For more info and other great books go to: https://www.ru.ac.za/communicationsandadvancement/alumnirelations/bookshelf/

06/10/2026

Congratulations to our Chair of Council, Judge Gerald Bloem!
Rhodes University proudly congratulates Judge Gerald Bloem following the Judicial Service Commission’s decision to advise President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint him to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
We celebrate this significant milestone in his distinguished judicial career and wish him continued success as he serves South Africa’s judiciary.
Congratulations, Judge Bloem! 💜👏

04/10/2026

We proudly celebrate Dr Wendy Knowler on receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws at Rhodes University’s 2026 Spring Graduation.

Congratulations, Dr Wendy Knowler, on a well-deserved recognition!

Dr Knowler received an honorary Doctor of Laws at Rhodes University's 2026 Spring Graduation in recognition of her outstanding and sustained contribution to consumer journalism in South Africa.

04/10/2026

Congratulations to our Chancellor, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, on being conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Fort Hare

Rhodes University proudly congratulates its Chancellor, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, on being conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Fort Hare (UFH) today, Friday, 2 October 2026, during its Spring Graduation ceremony in Alice.

We are immensely proud to see Justice Madlanga’s distinguished contribution to constitutionalism, human rights and the law recognised through this prestigious honour. His remarkable career across the judiciary, legal education and public service, including his service on the Constitutional Court until his retirement in July 2025, reflects an enduring commitment to justice, the rule of law and South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

As Chancellor of Rhodes University, Justice Madlanga’s leadership and record of service are a source of great pride for our University community. His commitment to advancing justice, knowledge and the public good resonates deeply with the values we hold as a university.

Rhodes University celebrates this well-deserved recognition of our Chancellor and his exceptional contribution to society.

Congratulations Rhadebe! We’re proud of you!

Read the UFH article about the conferral here: https://www.ufh.ac.za/news/justice-madlanga-challenges-universities-to-turn-access-into-opportunity

(Photo courtesy of UFH, credited to Tim Wilson)

30/09/2026

💜 Reminder: Cape Town Alumni, Have You RSVP’d?

The countdown is on! Join us for the Rhodes University Cape Town Alumni Event on Friday, 16 October 2026 at Moyo Ignite Africa, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Come reconnect with fellow Rhodes alumni, expand your network, share memories and celebrate the Rhodes connection that continues long after graduation.

🔗 RSVP now: https://forms.gle/CRuvnJwLqyDfEquo9
Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with the Rhodes University alumni community in Cape Town. We look forward to seeing you there! 💜

28/09/2026

🏆💜 Congratulations, Prof Steve Olivier!

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Professor Steve Olivier, who recently received his award during the Rhodes Sports Awards.
We celebrate this special recognition and your remarkable achievements and contributions. Your journey continues to inspire the Rhodes University community and make us proud.

Congratulations once again, Prof Olivier! 💜👏