Rhodes University (RU) is a public research university located in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Rhodes University is one of four universities in the Eastern Cape province, the other three being, Nelson Mandela University, University of Fort Hare, and Walter Sisulu University.
Founded in 1904 in Grahamstown, now known as Makhanda, in the Eastern Cape, Rhodes University is the province’s oldest university, and it is the 6th oldest South African university in continuous operation, being preceded by the University of the Free State (1904), University of the Witwatersrand (1896), University of South Africa (1873) as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, Stellenbosch University (1866) and the University of Cape Town (1829).
Rhodes University was founded in 1904 as Rhodes University College, named after Cecil Rhodes, through a grant from the Rhodes Trust. It became a constituent college of the University of South Africa in 1918 before becoming an independent university in 1951.
Rhodes University is a research-driven university and a self-proclaimed research gateway. RU’s strong research focus is visible in its strategic intent, research infrastructure and partnerships. Rhodes University is counted among South Africa’s universities with the highest research output.
The University is overseen by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) under the National Government of South Africa.
Overview
| Nickname: | Rhodian / RU |
| Motto: | Where leaders learn |
| Type: | Public University |
| Established: | 31 May 1904 |
| Chancellor: | Justice Lex Mpati |
| Vice-Chancellor: | Prof Sizwe Mabizela |
| Location: | Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Website: | www.ru.ac.za |
Campuses
- Makhanda Campus (main campus) in the Eastern Cape Province
Overseeing Department/Entity
Office Bearers/Management
Chancellor
- Justice Lex Mpati
Vice Chancellor
- Prof Sizwe Mabizela
Deputy Vice Chancellors
- Prof Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela (Academic and Student Affairs)
- Dr Nomakwezi Mzilikazi (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships)
Registrar
- Prof Adele Moodly
Chief Financial Officer
- Mr Kamlesh Riga
Contact Details
The contact details of Rhodes University are listed in the table below.
| Physical Address: | Drostdy Road, Grahamstown, Makhanda 6139 |
| Postal Address: | P.O. Box 94, Makhanda, Eastern Cape, 6140 |
| Telephone: | 046 603 8111 |
| Email: | communications@ru.ac.za |
| Website: | www.ru.ac.za |