Centre for Postgraduate Studies

✨ DAY 1 | CPGS CONFERENCE RECAP 🎓🌍

Day 1 of the CPGS Conference is officially in the books! 📚✨

The conference began with an official opening address from our Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Kwezi Mzilikazi, setting the tone for a day centred on meaningful conversations, intellectual exchange, and connection among Rhodes University postgraduate students. 🎓🤝🏾

We were then privileged to hear from our Keynote Speaker, Dr Hellemann, who took us into a thought-provoking conversation around Black Joy. 🖤✨ She highlighted the lack of research documenting Black Joy, noting how historical accounts and scholarship have often focused predominantly on the struggles, hardships, and suffering of Black people, with far less attention given to the moments of happiness, celebration, creativity, resilience, and joy that have also shaped Black experiences. 🌱🖤

The day also showcased the meaningful and intentional research being undertaken by our postgraduate students, with presentations highlighting how their work seeks to engage with real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful change across different disciplines. 🔬📖💡

What a powerful start to the conference! 🙌🏾✨

Day 1: Conversations. Research. Black Joy. Impact. 🖤🎓🌍

The wait is almost over!🥳🥳

Today, we bring together an inspiring lineup of academics, researchers, and industry experts for our Postgraduate Conference 2026 under the theme “Global Instabilities and the Role of Institutions of Higher Learning: Backwards, Forwards and the Intersectionality”


Meet our Keynote speakers:



Dr Phemelo Hellemann is a primary education specialist, teacher, applied theatre practitioner, African feminist and historian. She holds an MA in Drama-in-Education, a PGCE in Foundation Phase teaching, and a PhD in History. She is a lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education in the Education Faculty at Rhodes University. Her research and teaching interests centre on creativity as a medium of teaching, learning and research. She currently teaches courses including the history of education in South Africa, philosophy of education, creative arts and physical education.



Ongama Mtimka, PhD is a political risk expert and the Founder and Director of Lawula Investments, a premier African consultancy that transforms complex challenges into actionable strategies for sustainable growth. He serves as a Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University, contributing to the disciplines of South African Politics and Political Economy. He is also President of the South African Association of Political Studies, where he advocates for the discipline’s relevance in policy and investment decision-making. He holds a PhD in Political Economy, a Master’s in South African Politics and Political Economy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He has presented at international conferences in Brazil and the United States of America, represented the Eastern Cape at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, and conducted an investment promotion trip to Bangalore, India.



Professor Matshediso Mohapeloa (DBA –TUT, MBA –Mancosa, BA –NMU) is a full Professor and the Dean of Commerce at Rhodes University. She was previously the Director of Rhodes CfERI (Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator) and Coordinator of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Enterprise Management at the Rhodes Business School. She is the Chair of EDHE’s community of practice (CoP) in Entrepreneurship Learning and Teaching. She comes with extensive experience from development – to – business –to-academia as a researcher, a consultant, an academic, and a development expert. Areas of expertise include entrepreneurship with a social focus, engaging communities in research with impact, and a keen interest in strengthening innovative solutions incorporating technology to mitigate social and environmental challenges.

Celebrating Mo Senne, Senior Communications Officer in the Division of Communications & Advancement at Rhodes University, whose activism work at Not In My Name International was recently highlighted in the Mail & Guardian!

With nearly a decade of Communications experience, her academic achievements include:

🧠 Bachelor of Psychology Honours (2015) – Pearson Institute (now Eduvos)

✊ Honours in African Feminist Research Methodologies (2026) – Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Rhodes University, lectured by Dr Corinne Knowles

💻 NQF 6 in Digital Government Communications (2026) – Sol Plaatje Institute for Media Leadership Rhodes JMS, led by Themba Sepotokele.

Thank you for your dedication to continuous learning, leadership, and excellence!



🔗 https://mg.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-08-06-the-woman-who-believes-words-can-change-lives/

Hey postgrads!

Join us for an exciting evening of science communication as we explore "Snakes & Ladders – Building Technologies Based on Reptiles."

Discover how reptiles are inspiring innovative technologies in engineering and design, and engage with fellow researchers, students, and members of the community in an informal and interactive setting.

📅 Date: 30 July 2026
🕡 Time: 18:30
📍 Venue: Munch 'N Mingle

Everyone is welcome! Come curious, ask questions, and enjoy an evening where science meets everyday conversation.

The Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS), in collaboration with the Counselling Centre, is delighted to invite you to the first two sessions of our 2026 Wellbeing Workshop Series. These sessions are designed to support your wellbeing, build resilience, and equip you with practical strategies to help you thrive throughout your postgraduate journey.

Holistic Wellbeing
Date:16 July 2026
Time: 16:00 – 17:30

This session encourages a balanced approach to student life by integrating mental, emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. It highlights the importance of support systems, mindfulness, healthy habits, and self-awareness in fostering overall wellbeing and academic success.

Registration/Joining link:https://zoom.us/meeting/register/YOQyx-M1QKaKKsWm_bHFIQ

Time Management
Date:13 August 2026
Time:16:00 – 17:30

This workshop focuses on practical strategies for managing competing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. Participants will explore techniques for prioritisation, planning, goal-setting, and maintaining productivity while avoiding overwhelm.

Registration/Joining link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/88mIZp7wTL2psJ60tj-FSg

We invite you to join us for these sessions as we continue to support your postgraduate journey.