Family shaped Mazvita Mhene’s journey to Rhodes University. It is the alma mater of her cousin, who graduated a few years ago. Her mother was “deeply impressed” by the university’s academic excellence and strong sense of community. Though, the road to earning her master’s degree offered Mhene far more than academic development — and a unique perspective borne out of studying in South Africa.
“Coming to Rhodes University marked the beginning of an incredible chapter of growth and self-discovery,” says Mhene, who’s originally from Zimbabwe. “Adjusting to a new environment, different cultures, and even new languages was not easy at first. There were moments of homesickness and uncertainty, but those challenges taught me resilience and adaptability.”
Rhodes University is nestled in the frontier town of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), steeped in history with over 70 heritage sites of English architecture. It’s free from the hustle and bustle of major cities, but its energy is not to be underestimated. Makhanda is a cultural melting pot with about 200 years of history. It’s the host of the world-renowned National Arts Festival and home to the Gothic Cathedral of St Michael and St George. Here, students at Rhodes University learn much more than academics. The impression Mhene’s mother first had of the school is universal, as it’s a legacy of excellence, leadership, and transformation.
Here’s where postgraduate students embark on a mission to become well-rounded leaders. Mhene is pursuing a Master’s in Political and International Studies, one of many programmes to choose from across six faculties — Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy, and Science. The university offers many unique study opportunities and combination degrees allow for two distinct majors to be studied simultaneously – such as Law and Fine Arts.
Suppose you seek a professional development programme to bridge the gap between higher education and local communities. The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Community Engagement (PGDip HECE) is the key to making such an impact.
Rhodes University takes a multidisciplinary approach to its postgraduate programmes, allowing you to tackle challenges in Africa and beyond through research. Source: Rhodes University
“Rhodes has offered me countless opportunities to lead, learn, and serve,” says Mhene. “I have had the privilege of wearing many leadership hats — from chairperson of a society, house committee member, subwarden, to the Student Representative Council. Each role has strengthened my sense of responsibility and deepened my understanding of what it means to be part of a community that values excellence and service.”
Global partnerships provide ample opportunities for students to explore the wider world. In the “Africa Multiple” Cluster of Excellence, Rhodes University is one of the four main African Cluster Centres (ACC) using research to reshape the state of African studies; a testament to its world-class research and deep understanding of the region’s affairs. The main goal of the partnership is to support young scholars who, like the cluster, aim to redefine African studies through cross-disciplinary approaches and fresh perspectives on the continent and its diasporas.
In tandem with its location, Rhodes University is a globally recognised hub for dynamic African studies (an interdisciplinary academic field that examines the history, cultures, societies, politics, and economies of Africa from diverse perspectives) and cutting-edge research. Each programme challenges you to address the complex challenges and opportunities of the continent, receiving guidance from expert faculty members in fields such as history, politics, sociology, literature, the arts, anthropology, law, environmental science, and others. Through a collaborative supervisory model, you will engage with other postgraduate students and benefit from more than one supervisor. This year, researchers have gone from reshaping conversations about sexuality, health, and reproductive justice at a major international conference to publishing a book about the preservation of traditional cultural expressions in Africa.
Through prestigious partnerships, Rhodes University is reshaping African studies. Source: Rhodes University
Closer to home, the university has signed formal partnerships with 78 local organisations. This would empower its students to join forces with community leaders in solving some of their most pressing issues. Through research, faculties leverage these partnerships to engage further with social issues. For example, the Rhodes African Studies Centre (RASC) is examining how communities on the geographical margins of African states have, through unconventional practices, gained their power and independence in a system that doesn’t cater to their needs.
Mhene herself is a four-time recipient of the Top 100 Student Leadership Award from Rhodes University and the Allan Gray Centre for Leadership Ethics, which investigates what constitutes ethical and responsible leadership in different contexts. Recognised in the categories of Academic Citizenship, Student Leadership, General Excellence, and Health and Wellness, these accolades represent her commitment to holistic development.
“Rhodes University has expanded my horizons in more ways than I could have imagined,” says Mhene. “Every experience, from late-night study sessions to global conferences, has shaped me into a well-rounded individual with a deep appreciation for diversity and global citizenship.”
Ready to contribute to a new African intellectual agenda? Connect with Rhodes University today.
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