Rhodes University Anthropology Department

[Conference Archives]

Zikhona Mtwa presenting at SASA Conference 2026, Wits University. 💜📚✨

[ARCHIVES] - Conversations, collaboration, and community from the Conrad Koch Talk. 💜

LIVE NOW | Samora Machel and South Africa’s Liberation

Our Department of Anthropology is proud to be part of a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the life, legacy, and significance of Samora Machel and Southern Africa.

The panel features Mrs. Graça Machel of the Graça Machel Trust, Dr Mavuso Walter Msimang, and Professor Heike Becker of the University of the Western Cape, alongside our departmental HOD and moderator, Professor Pascal Taruvinga.

This is a powerful conversation on history, liberation, leadership, memory, and the enduring connections between Mozambique and South Africa.

A special congratulations to Regomoditswe Dikobe, our MA candidate in Medical Anthropology, on being recognised among this year’s outstanding student leaders.

We’re especially proud to see someone from our department recognised for the work they do, the people they serve and the difference they make beyond the university.

Congratulations, Rego.
This is so well deserved. 💜

What can Anthropology tell us about life online?

From TikTok and Instagram to YouTube and X, digital spaces have become part of everyday life. This postgraduate research study explores how black male Rhodes University students engage with manosphere content and what these experiences reveal about identity and wellbeing.

If you meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the poster, we encourage you to take part.

Scan the QR code to learn more and express your interest. 📑

What if the history of House music was told by someone who lived it? 🤔

This week’s Here Lab speaker is one of our own.

We’re excited to see Dr Dominique Santos, Senior Lecturer in our Department of Anthropology and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Rhodes University, present This is My House.

More than a history of House music, this is a personal journey through the sounds, spaces, and communities that have shaped a global movement.

Date and Time: 24 July 2026 (Friday)
Venue: Beethoven Room, Department of Music and Musicology

If you’re around on Friday lunchtime, make sure you don’t miss it!

How do anthropological skills translate beyond academia? 🤔

We were delighted to welcome alumna Rinisa Naidoo, an anthropologist and Senior Project Manager in market research, who shared how anthropology informs her work in the corporate world.

Drawing on examples from her experience, Rinisa demonstrated how concepts such as cultural relativism and thick description can generate valuable insights in business settings. She also spoke about the importance of translating anthropological expertise into language that resonates with employers.

The session concluded with a thoughtful discussion on the academic readings that continue to shape professional practice, reminding us that anthropology’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.

ANTHROPOLOGY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

What does an anthropology degree look like beyond the university? 📚

Join us as we continue our conversation on Anthropology beyond the university with Rinisa Naidoo, a Rhodes University Anthropology MA graduate.

Rinisa will reflect on her journey beyond the university and discuss how anthropological knowledge and skills can be applied in professional settings.

DATE - Wednesday, 15 July 2026
TIME - 14:00
LOCATION - St. Peters Building, Rhodes University

Zoom link available on the poster

NB: As this seminar forms part of a scheduled undergraduate class, in person seating will be limited. Postgraduate students are nevertheless warmly invited to attend, and those unable to secure a seat may join via Zoom.

We hope you will join us. 💜

What happens when anthropology steps beyond the university? 📑🎭

Join us for an informal conversation with Conrad Koch as we explore how anthropological thinking can find a place in satire, media, performance, and public life. This is an opportunity to reflect on the reach of anthropology, the value of public engagement, and the many ways anthropological ideas continue to shape conversations beyond academia.

Whether you are curious about careers, public scholarship, or simply enjoy thought provoking conversations, we hope you will join us.

See the poster for all the event details. We look forward to welcoming you. 💜

Some visuals from Monday’s transcultural wellness essay topic pechakuches