Rhodes University Anthropology Department

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Rhodes University Anthropology Department

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One of the oldest anthropology departments in South Africa, Rhodes University Anthropology Department

13/10/2026

Stills captured from some of the Anthro cohorts’ final presentation. Well wishes as they gear up to submit their final thesis dissertations in the coming days. The honours road is one paved with hard work and endurance and leads to fruitful results in their future endeavours ✨🎓

13/10/2026

The Department is proud to celebrate Zikhona Asanda Mtwa, a PhD Candidate in the department who received the Second Runner-Up Award in the Oral Presentation Category at the 2026 National Research Foundation (NRF) Next Generation and Emerging Researchers (NGER) Symposium.

Held from 6-9 October 2026 in Johannesburg, the symposium bought together emerging researchers, established scholars, research institutions, industry representatives and other stakeholders to showcase research and reflect on the future of research in South Africa.

Zikhona’s presentation explored her methodological reflections on doing feminist ethnography in rural South Africa to understand women’s sexual and reproductive health.

Congratulations Zikhona! May this recognition inspire continued excellence and impact in your research journey.

13/10/2026

Our colleague, Dr Thandokazi May, features in The Greatest Soul on Earth, a documentary by Cape Town-based Make It Rains Films exploring southern Africa’s annual sardine run through Indigenous knowledge and the experiences of coastal communities.

As a medical anthropologist specialising in Xhosa health models, Dr May contributed insights into how Xhosa-speaking communities in the Eastern Cape understand the sardine run through Indigenous ontological frameworks. Her contribution also draws on her knowledge of Indigenous healing practices and the role of marine species in these practices.

The film brings together Indigenous knowledge holders, local fishermen and perspectives on a phenomenon that continues to raise questions for ecological research. Following its initial screening for cast, crew and their families, the filmmakers are working towards wider distribution and festival screenings, including the Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival.

We congratulate Dr May on her contribution to the film.

03/10/2026

Yesterday was a lovely day for our department. 💐🎉

We got to celebrate our Master’s graduates and our newly conferred Doctor, and it was really special to see everyone together for the occasion. There’s a lot that goes into a postgraduate journey, and we’re so proud of the research, ideas and work that brought you to this point.

A very big congratulations to all our graduates. 🎓
We’re so happy to celebrate you and this achievement with you. 💜

11/09/2026

“Because attendance beats the supp.”

That was the message behind Wednesday’s RU-ATTENDING segment, led by our class representatives.

The presentation covered why attendance matters as the academic year moves towards its final stretch, from keeping up with course content and preparing for exams to staying on track with DP status.

A timely reminder, especially with exams around the corner, and a conversation led by students, for students.

27/08/2026

Dr Dominique Santos, Deputy Dean in the Rhodes University Faculty of Humanities and Senior Lecturer in our department, delivering the vote of thanks at today’s Movements, Lineages and Activisms: 1956 to 2026 colloquium.

Bringing together scholars, activists and students, the colloquium reflects on histories of activism and resistance, while creating space for conversations about the work that continues in the present.

The programme continues tomorrow.

We encourage our students, colleagues and the wider university community to join the conversation for Day Two.

18/08/2026

[Conference Archives]

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

18/08/2026

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

17/08/2026

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.

13/08/2026

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. 💜

Address

Department Of Anthropology, Prince Alfred Street
Grahamstown
6140

Telephone

+27466038231

Website

http://www.ru.ac.za/anthropology

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