More Than a Ball: Celebrating Hearts Behind the Degrees

By: Ephreeda Banda

Some events tick boxes, and then some remind you why community matters and why we come together, celebrate, and keep going. The Postgraduate International Graduation Ball, held on the evening of Friday, 5 April 2025, was the latter.

What began as a small gathering hosted by the Gavin Relly Postgraduate Village (PGV) and Oakdene House Committee to celebrate international postgraduate students whose families cannot make it to their graduation has become one of the most cherished occasions on the postgraduate calendar, and this year, it was no different. With live music and beautiful decor, students, staff, wardens from various residences, and the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 leadership came together to celebrate academic milestones and the relationships, resilience, and journey that brought them to this point.

Held at the PGV conference hall, the room buzzed with energy. There was a sense of connection with no distant formality, just warmth. The kind that comes from recognising one another, not only for what they have achieved but for what they have endured. Pursuing postgraduate studies requires dedication and perseverance. This event differs from formal graduation ceremonies because it focuses on belonging. For many students, especially those studying far from home, this evening offers a vital space to feel recognised, connected, and part of a community.

Among the guests were Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, Director of Student Affairs Dr Pakiso Tondi, Director of the Global Engagement Division Orla Quinlan, and wardens from across postgraduate residences. Their presence affirmed what the evening made abundantly clear: postgraduates are at the heart of the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's academic life.

The event opened with talented student performances in the Department of Music and Musicology. Vocalists Mbalentle Mpotulo, Mihle Njovane, Thimna Ngciphu, Khanya Dunga, Devon Florence and pianist Garreth Robertson gave captivating performances. Their music did not just entertain - it connected. It held the room in stillness and stirred something deeper. There were moments when you could feel the emotional weight of the journey shared by many in that room.

International postgraduate student Yeukai Ranyowa then took the stage to deliver the closing toast. As a professional photographer with a cover feature on the first issue of the Intetho Magazine, which belongs to another international postgraduate student, Nqobani Matthews, and the recipient of the DVC Honours Scholarship, Ranyowa's achievements stretch across disciplines. With a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Stellenbosch 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, a BSc in Information Systems with distinction from Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, and roles ranging from Chairperson of the Developer Society to tutor in Computer Science and Information Systems, she represents the kind of well-rounded excellence that Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 aims to cultivate.

But her speech was not a list of accolades. It was honest, grounded and moving. "I am honoured and thankful for the roles that all these individuals in this room have played and for those who are not in this room as well," she said.

Her message was for everyone, not just those who had crossed the graduation stage but those still making their way. "Whether facing delays, setbacks, or waiting for your turn, your story is still being written. Your time will come. We are waiting for you,'' Ranyowa added.

With a smile, she asked the guests to raise their glasses in a toast to the Class of 2024 and cheekily quoted Kanye West, "I know Rhodes loves to play Kanye West's Graduation," she laughed - ending with, "so you probably know how this ends, 'everybody wants to know what I would do if I didn't win... I guess we'll never know." The speech earned a warm applause, not just for its humour and charm but for its sincerity.

In her keynote, Orla Quinlan reflected on the richness international students bring to the Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 community. "International students are vital to higher education, not only because of the knowledge they share but because of the perspectives they bring, perspectives that challenge assumptions and expand the way we think," she said.

She highlighted the importance of the "informal curriculum" - the moments outside lectures where authentic learning and growth happen. "We still have this living and learning lifestyle at Rhodes. Education does not only happen in the classroom. It happens in dining halls, societies, and events like this,'' she said.

Quinlan also acknowledged international students' challenges, from immigration hurdles to complex administrative processes. "I see all the trouble that you had to go through, the extra steps just to be in this space," she said, reaffirming the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's commitment to supporting students through those barriers.

Professor Mabizela brought his signature blend of wisdom, humour, and depth to the evening. He praised the musicians, going so far as to propose a new tradition, an annual September concert to celebrate student talent. "You must hold me accountable," he said.

His message to graduates was clear, "Until you complete a doctoral degree, you have not yet reached the mountain of knowledge," he said, encouraging students not to stop here. But most impactful was his reminder of belonging: "You matter; you matter to me as Vice-Chancellor. You matter to this university. You matter in everything that Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 stands for," he said.

He closed with a call to conscience: "Injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere. Let us be the ones who build bridges of hope, of understanding, of human solidarity."

As the night wrapped up, warm laughter and shared memories made it clear: this was a truly special celebration. It reflected what makes Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 a place where intellect is celebrated, diversity is honoured, and people are indeed seen.

The continued support from the Global Engagement Division and the Alumni Office, from funding to logistics, made the event possible again this year. But with each passing year and growing attendance, the call for broader support is becoming more visible. As the number of international and postgraduate students grows, so does the need for institutional recognition and inclusion beyond the academic transcript.

For staff, this event is a reminder of the impact of small gestures. For students, it is a celebration of hard-earned success in the company of people who helped make it possible. And for potential sponsors or partners within the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网, it demonstrates how meaningful, student-centred experiences can enhance Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s academic culture and reputation. And, if you were not there, you missed something rare: a ceremony and a moment of shared humanity.