Beyond the Classroom: Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Celebrates 23 SRC Members at #RUGrad2025

By: Siyabulela Hlebani (2024 SRC Media Councillor)

The #RUGrad2025 ceremonies at Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 were a vibrant celebration of academic achievement and a resounding affirmation of the institution's guiding principle: Where Leaders Learn. Notably, this year's graduation recognised 23 accomplished former and current Student Representative Council (SRC) members spanning several years. Their graduation illustrates the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's ability to foster young leaders who succeed in their academic pursuits and make significant contributions beyond the lecture hall.

These dedicated individuals skillfully navigated the demands of advocacy, administration, and their studies, demonstrating exceptional commitment. Their past and ongoing service with honour and distinction leaves an enduring legacy of excellence, embodying Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网's fundamental promise of cultivating impactful leaders. One of the historic highlights of this year’s ceremony was the simultaneous graduation of three consecutive SRC Presidents — Avuxeni Tyala (2023), Thandolwethu May (2024), and Siyanda Vilakazi (2025) — marking a first in the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s history. Each brought a unique leadership style to their term, yet all share the common thread of having led with principle while maintaining their academic trajectory. Their graduation and the rest of their council peers symbolise the ethos of responsible leadership, where service does not compromise scholarship.

In his keynote address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela praised the integrity and growth of Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 student leaders. “Unlike other universities where student leaders often overstay their welcome,” The Vice Chancellor remarked to warm applause, “Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 has cultivated a culture where student leaders serve purposefully, complete their terms, and graduate with dignity. That is true leadership.”

The 23 SRC graduates embody the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s core belief that student governance is not an obstacle to success but a training ground for it. This collective achievement reinforces the belief that leadership and learning go hand in hand. It also challenges misconceptions that student leaders are distanced from academic priorities. Their presence on the stage proved quite the opposite: that leadership, when rooted in service, enhances one’s growth inside and outside the lecture hall.

Other student leaders include mentors, peer educators, society leaders, residence representatives, and community engagement volunteers among former and current SRC graduates. Many are also first-generation university students, athletes, creatives, and tutors, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the student body. Their graduation is more than an individual accomplishment; it demonstrates the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s commitment to developing well-rounded, ethical leaders who leave a mark on campus and are prepared to make a difference in the world.

Serving in the SRC requires extraordinary discipline, time management, and emotional intelligence in a university environment often marked by tight deadlines, academic pressure, and personal commitments. These student leaders showed that it is possible to lead and still succeed academically — a message that resonates deeply with current and prospective students alike. For those considering Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 as their prospective academic home, the message is clear: this is a place where you can grow beyond the classroom, where leadership is nurtured, and where your voice and actions can shape your university experience while still achieving academic excellence.

Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 is about acquiring knowledge and developing the courage, character, and capability that make a lasting difference. The 2025 Autumn Graduation, with its proud procession of student leaders-turned-graduates, is a vivid example of the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s experience in action. It is an institution where leadership is earned through service, success is measured in degrees and impact, and young people are empowered to become their best version.

As the 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 community continues to celebrate this milestone, the legacy of the 23 graduating former and current SRC members will remain an enduring reminder of what it truly means to learn, lead, and leave a legacy.