By: The Division of Communications & Advancement
In a fitting tribute to its 120-year legacy, Rhodes University recently hosted the 2024 Top 120 Student Leadership Awards, a celebration of academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. Traditionally called the Top 100 Awards, the expansion to 120 awardees reflects the university’s commemoration of its 120th anniversary and its ongoing commitment to recognising outstanding achievements that embody the values Rhodes University has stood for since its inception.
Held in partnership with the Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics (AGCLE), this year’s awards were particularly significant. Out of over 500 applicants, only 120 were chosen, showcasing their remarkable academic performances, ethical leadership and contributions to the university and the broader community. The ceremony, guided by program director and former 2023 SRC President Avuxeni Tyala, demonstrated the institution’s ability to nurture talent, leadership, and shared responsibility.
The evening opened with a welcoming address delivered by Dr. Lindsay Kelland, Senior Lecturer at AGCLE, alongside Mr. Thobani Mesani, Coordinator of Graduate Recruitment and Studentpreneurship Programs at the Rhodes University Career Centre. Both speakers underscored the university’s long-standing commitment to shaping future leaders, promoting excellence, and fostering volunteerism—values central to Rhodes University’s mission as it celebrates 120 years of academic prestige.
Among the ceremony’s highlights was a keynote speech by Dr Benita Bobo, a distinguished alumna who has made her mark in higher education as the co-founder of the Masifundisane Learning and Development Centre, as Advisor: Higher Education at Stellenbosch University and is currently a lecturer at the Durban University of Technology. As a former Top 100 Student Leadership Award recipient, Dr. Bobo reflected on her journey and introduced her leadership philosophy, encapsulated in the acronym L.E.A.D.—Listen, Empathise, Act, and Develop. She shared how these principles have guided her path, emphasising the importance of adaptability, empathy, and the empowerment of others as crucial elements of effective leadership.
“The Top 120 Awards this year are about more than just recognising excellence. They are about honouring our past and looking boldly into the future,” Dr. Bobo said. She urged the awardees to view their recognition not as an endpoint but as the start of their journey toward making a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Tyala, who played a pivotal role in the evening’s proceedings, embodies the leadership ethos of Rhodes University. Having served as the 2023 SRC President, her influence continues as she guides this new cohort of awardees, drawing attention to the power of student leadership in shaping the institution’s future.
The 2024 Top 120 Student Leadership Awards were distinguished by introducing two new categories—the Academic Citizenship Award and the Academic Mentorship Award—reflecting the university’s commitment to a holistic approach to education. These latest awards highlight academic excellence and the importance of contributing to the intellectual and personal development of fellow students and the broader community. The winners of these awards include Nomphumelelo Babeli (Chairperson of the Rhodes University Independent Electoral Board) for Academic Citizenship and Abenathi Nqweniso (Res and RUCE mentor) for Academic Mentorship stand as prime examples of students who excel not only in their studies but also in their support and guidance of others.
This trend of community-focused leadership was further reinforced by the Ubuntu Award received by Obakeng Botsheleng and Ibabale Sobekwa, students who exemplified the principles of empathy, unity, and service to others. Sobekwa currently serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Nkoli Fassie Society and was previously the SRC Activism and Transformation Councillor in 2022 and 2023. He stated: “These awards reflect my caring and welcoming nature, inspired by my late mother’s love for helping others and my father’s leadership in the SRC, both of whom taught me to serve without expecting anything in return. My time in the SRC has reinforced this, as I pledged to give back to the University and its students more than I seek to receive.”
Botsheleng is the 2024 SRC Student Benefits & Sponsorship Councillor and a Member of the Student Parliament. In his reflections, he notes: “The Ubuntu Award represents our shared humanity and the spirit of togetherness, affirming the importance of empathy, support, and mutual respect. It shows that our actions, no matter how small, can positively impact others and that we grow through our connections. This award inspires me to continue uplifting and empowering others, knowing that collective efforts make a real difference in our country.”
The evening drew to a close with remarks from Dr Christine Lewis, Manager of the Rhodes University Counselling Centre, who echoed the celebratory tone of the night. “Together, we celebrate not just achievements but the promise of a brighter future in the capable hands of our talented students,” she said. Dr. Lewis’s words reinforced the notion that the awards were not just about past accomplishments but about shaping the future leaders of Rhodes University and beyond.
The awardees embody Rhodes University’s dedication to developing well-rounded graduates who significantly contribute to society. Their achievements further demonstrate how Rhodes fosters a holistic environment, encouraging a balance of physical, mental, and academic growth.
STUDENTS WITH MULTIPLE AWARDS
| Asanda Bongumusa Kubheka | General Excellence Award, Student Leadership Award |
| Omphulusa Nengwekhulu | Arts, Culture, Media, and Society Award, Community Engagement Award, Academic Citizenship Award, Student Leadership Award |
| Takudzwa Makuwa | Arts, Culture, Media, Sport, and Society Award, Community Engagement Award |
| Ibabale Sobekwa | Ubuntu Award, Student Leadership Award |
| Ntobeko Promise Songcata | Student Entrepreneurship Award, Student Leadership Award |
| Thabiso Ngubane | General Excellence Award, Student Leadership Award |
| Thandolwethu May | General Excellence Award, Student Leadership Award |
| Kholofelo Zelda Koko | Student Leadership Award, Student Entrepreneurship Award |
TOP12O STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Award Category |
Awardees |
| General Excellence Award | Akimu Adam Rajab, Asanda Bongumusa Kubheka, Bukho Charles, Kamogelo Kgomo, Kamvelihle Buwa, Tadiwanashe Keith Kambani, Okuhle Boqwana, Milca Takudzwa Matariro, Thabiso Ngubane, Thandolwethu May, Tshepang Nkosi, Vongai Chirove, Xolelwa Mkula, Nthati Tlale, Loyiso Wesley Isaacs, Sabelo Phakeme Shabalala, Lance Myburgh, Varshan Pillay, Rebaone Mokoka, Linathi Ndubela |
Academic Excellence Award
|
Faculty of Commerce: Sanezo Matenjwa, Shimi Masemola, Naledi Mabusela, Ntobeko Mfeka, Munashe Denzel Zawani Faculty of Science: Ndemogbe Solomon Juana, Carla Odendaal, Cheryl Chantelle Mokoena, Karabo Ntsie, Amegelang Mphela Faculty of Humanities: Rozelle Hartzenberg, Ruby Stone, Sabelo Musindo, Lara Betz, Martin van Ast Faculty of Law: Meldret Nkuna, Oyama Mzayidume, Peter Classen, Anopa Murambiwa, Kgaogelo Rasehote Faculty of Pharmacy: Zibusiso Mathenjwa, Julianah Fakude, Fridous Hoosen, Tyler Bovey, Deborah Akintola, Saleem Seedat Faculty of Education: Marelise Grobbelaar, Angelique Steyn, Matsobane Mokone, Jessey Frazer, Busisiwe Qinela |
| Arts, Culture, Media, Sport, and Society Award | Garreth Robertson, Luyanda Dube, Nhlanhla Mavimbela, Olwethu Ncapayi, Omphulusa Nengwekhulu, Takudzwa Makuwa, Vusumzi Fraser Tshekema |
| Community Engagement Award | Lesedi Adams, Chido Chatikobo, Suphile Majodina, Lesego Angelina Monyai, Enver Lottering, Siyanda Mjoli, Ripfumelo Pascalia Chauke, Matimu Shivambu, Tshepang Nkosi, Lindani Sifanele, Kamvalethu Ntsomi, Takudzwa Makuwa |
| Ubuntu Award | Obakeng Botsheleng Ibabale Sobekwa |
| Student Entrepreneurship Award | Ntobeko Promise Songcata, Vuyolwethu Maweni, Kholofelo Zelda Koko, Ayanda Dlhamini, Vusimani Kubhayi |
| Health & Wellness Award | Nqobani Mathew Dabengwa Palesa Ragoleka Zikhona Mbekwa |
| Sports Award | Sinomhlobo Ndlela Uyanda Khumalo |
| Student Leadership Award | Asanda Bongumusa Kubheka, Avuxeni Tyala, Basanda Nzuza, Bongani Nhlanhla Mpande, Bukho Charles, Bukho Gwayana, Chabishi Kagiso Chokoe, Hlumelo Witbooi, Ibabale Sobekwa, Kholofelo Zelda Koko, Meldret Nkuna, Milisa Mamase, Mthokozisi Sibanda, Munashe Sithole, Okuhle Boqwana, Omphulusa Nengwekhulu, Oyama Cwenga Mzayidume, Ntobeko Promise Songcata, Shereyle Cross, Simphiwe Mnyande, Siyabulela Hlebani, Siyolise Tokwe, Takudzwa Makuwa, Thabiso Ngubane, Thandolwethu May, Tshepo Malebana, Vongai Chirove |
| Academic Citizenship Award | Omphulusa Nengwekhulu, Vuyelwa Moyo, Natasha Balmer, Nomphumelelo Babeli, Mantsane Ntsange |
| Academic Mentorship Award | Senkosi Sgulugulu, Thembile Khumalo, Abenathi Nqweniso, Hlumelo Hoyi, Nkosiyapha Magwaza, Jason Naicker |
