VC News

RHODES UNIVERSITY 2012, VICE-CHANCELLOR'S GRADUATION CEREMONIES ADDRESS.

"First and foremost, I wish to congratulate you, our new graduates, on your tremendous achievement. To be awarded a degree, diploma or certificate from Rhodes University entails dedicated endeavour. When you joined us you were told that at Rhodes learning and education is a partnership of mutual commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, to the development of expertise and skills, and to the embrace of appropriate values and attitudes."
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Rhodes University: Board of Trustees Update for 2011.

It appears to have been an exceptionally busy year for our alma mater. This report is an update that was prepared for our recent Trustee meeting by Vice Chancellor, Saleem Badat. You will see from this that our University continues to grow both in pure numbers as well as stature. Download full text

Millions to be spent at Rhodes: Rhodes University had Exciting Plans for 2012.

In an hour-long briefing, Rhodes vice-chancellor Dr Saleem Badat yesterday revealed South Africa's smallest university would again be punching well above its weight after raising millions for new academic and infrastructure projects. Badat said 2012 would be a "big year" for the humanities department at Rhodes. Badat explained that: The university had been awarded a R12.5-million renewable grant from a "wonderful alumnus" for a centre on leadership and ethics in humanities which would "cultivate and promote the idea of service and leadership" Read More...(PDF)

Vice-Chancellor's Report: Rhodes: 2010 and Beyond

In the annual Vice-Chancellor’s report, Dr Saleem Badat shares the University’s recent achievements and its vision for 2010 and the years ahead

Our students have returned from the summer holidays and the campus is once again abuzz with their energy, chatter and laughter. Our returners are joined by some 1,600 new first years, excited and impressed by what they see around them – welcoming and friendly staff, lovely old buildings, impressive facilities, comfortable residences, picturesque gardens and lawns and a quaint town. Read More...(PDF)

The Vice-Chancellor's Graduation Address 2009

In his graduation address the Vice-Chancellor recognised the tremendous achievements of the graduates and spoke about the challenges ahead in these "interesting times" as well as the Global Crisis.  He reminded graduates of their responsibilities as graduates of a very special and distinctive university. A university that deservedly commands an enviable academic reputation; a university that seeks to be an institution 'Where leaders learn', a university that seeks to be true to its motto: 'Vis, Virtus, Veritas - 'Strength, Virtue, Truth'. Full Speach

Another year has passed and this issue of Rhodos is an opportunity to share Rhodes’ recent and intended future development with alumni, staff, students and supporters of the University.

Rhodes is committed to proactively shaping its future in accordance with its understanding of the institutional vision and goals of a university. This is in contrast to simply being carried by current and popular notions of higher education which, while perhaps well-meaning, could denude universities of their core values, purposes and roles. Read More...(PDF)

The past year at Rhodes has been evenful in many respects and this issue of Rhodos is a welcome opportunity to reflect on recent developments and also to share the emerging trajectory of Rhodes in the coming years.

Overall, the building blocks to reinvent ourselves in critical areas have begun to be put in place so as to ensure that in the decades to come Rhodes will not only remain a distinctive and pre-eminent University, but also one that discharges constitutional obligations and engages with socio-economic challenges. The changes have occured and are in train are a necessary condition of securing a dynamic and sustainable future for the University. Read More...(PDF)

The University has spent the better part of the last year reviewing its goals, structures and future strategies. This period of introspection has tested our role and anticipated contribution in both a national and local context and has resulted in greater clarity in terms of important issues such as size and shape, the infrastructural needs required to support this future size and shape, as well as the challenges and opportunities which will affect our ability to reach our goals. Read More...

Dear Old Rhodians

Some of you will have noted the new article ‘Rhodes university lecturer in racism row insists she was fired’ carried on page 2 of the City press of 25 November 2007. Below is a further letter to the Editor of the City Press.

I am issuing is as a further circular as I am not certain that the City Press will necessarily carry it although a request will be made.

The new article reinforces my view that an apology is due to Rhodes University and a separate letter to that effect will be sent to the City Press. In this letter, I indicate that the University hopes that the City Press ‘will gracefully acknowledge the failure of your reporter to verify basic and essential facts and to contact the University for comment and that this matter can be resolved without the necessity of any recourse to the Press Ombudsman’. Read More... (PDF)

Dear Old Rhodians

Some of our alumni have rightly expressed consternation at the recent article in the City Press (19 November 2007) titled ‘University race row heats up’.

I have requested of the City Press the opportunity to reply to the allegations and claims made in the article, and I trust that such an opportunity will be provided.

Notwithstanding this, it is necessary to speak directly to our alumni regarding the claims made in the article. Read More... (PDF)

27 September 2006
The Vice-Chancellor's Inauguration

Dr Saleem Badat was officially inaugurated as the new Vice- Chancellor and Principal of Rhodes University on 27 September 2006. Present at this event was the Department of Education Minister, Naledi Pandor, Western Cape Premier, Ebrahim Rasool, Grahamstown mayor His Worship Phumelelo Kate, Rhodes University Chancellor, Professor Jakes Gerwel, a number of Vice- Chancellors from other universities, Rhodes University staff members and students.

Dr Badat expressed his commitment to Rhodes University and outlined his vision to meet the challenges of Higher Education in South Africa. He also launched the Jakes Gerwel Rhodes University Scholarship Fund, which will provide financial assistance to five needy students of the Eastern Cape per year. Dr Badat himself will contribute R200 000 per annum - taken directly from his salary package - to the Fund. Read the full story »