“Did We Miss Anything?”: A Decade On, the #FeesMustFall Debate Continues
Nearly 10 years after the #FeesMustFall and #RhodesMustFall protests shook South Africa’s higher education system, questions remain about whether the movement achieved lasting change.
This was the focus of a recent conversation and discussion on the article Decolonisation is Not Even a Footnote: Dominant Ideologies and Smoke Screens in South African Higher Education, by Dr Savo Heleta and Isha Dilraj.
Dr Savo Heleta, Sinethezekile Mpanza, Research Assistant at Mandela University’s ChriSHET (Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation) and Dr Siyabulela Mandela.
The discussion, presented by the University's Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation and the Madibaz Reading Group brought together academics and activists.
These included Dr Savo Heleta, a researcher, scholar, educator, and author, and former Mandela University International Office staff member, as well as Dr Siyabulela Mandela, who was part of the Fees Must Fall and Rhodes Must Fall protests.
Read more here: Nelson Mandela University News
A decade of chemistry collaboration comes to life
Mandela University’s Department of Chemistry and its Centre for Rubber Science & Technology recently hosted their 10th Collaboration Symposium during Research Week.
The event blended with the week’s mission of celebrating scholarship, advancing dialogue, and showcasing the diverse research outputs of the University - a dynamic space where curiosity met collaboration, and knowledge crossed traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Back, from left, Dr Jabulani Mnyango, Prof Zenixole Tshentu, Prof Percy Hlangothi and Dr Adeniyi Ogunlaja (all from Mandela Uni), Prof Lehlohonolo Koao (UFS), Mampuru Thobejane and Lukhanyo Bolo (from Mandela Uni), and Dr Bhekumuzi Gumbo (UKZN). Front, Dr Dan Molefe (SMU), Prof Mpitloane Hato (UL), Dr Nobathembu Faleni (WSU), Prof Tshwafo Motaung (SMU), Dr Mandla Khumalo (Mandela Uni) and Mmabatho Matlaila (SMU).
Read article here: Nelson Mandela University News
Charting new waters: Mandela University research probes maritime law and safety
“Maritime safety may seem far removed from everyday life, yet the authority that governs it wields powers that reach deep into people’s rights,” said Nelson Mandela University doctoral candidate and Faculty of Law lecturer Obakeng Van Dyk.
Van Dyk is investigating how South Africa's powerful maritime authority potentially operates outside normal constitutional protections – research that was in the spotlight during the University's recent Research Week.
In his address Ruling the waves: how South Africa governs maritime safety, Van Dyk highlighted the dominant role played by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) and the implications for accountability, fairness and access to justice.
Van Dyk’s research looks at SAMSA’s statutory mandate, created under the SAMSA Act and various pieces of legislation, which includes certifying seafarers, accrediting training institutions, regulating vessels and overseeing marine pollution.
Read more here: Nelson Mandela University News
Nelson Mandela University launches Digital Ubuntu Cybersecurity/AI Seminars for students
Nelson Mandela University, in partnership with Google.org, recently launched the Digital Ubuntu Cybersecurity/AI Seminars for students.
This initiative will run over two years and aims to help 100 students build cybersecurity and AI capacity in a country where unemployment is high, particularly among the youth. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about cybersecurity and explore career pathways in the field.
SRC Deputy President, Malwande Mazingisa; MUAH Director, Dr Thobekani Lose; Software Engineering senior lecturer, Dr Bukelwa Ngoqo; Mbulelo Buwa (Eastern Cape Department of Social Development) - Acting District Director, Nelson Mandela Metro District;and DVC: People & Operations, Luthando Jack
The programme is being rolled out by the Mandela University Africa Hub for Youth Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation and is funded by Google.org. The University is collaborating with the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development, whereby local community organisations in Gqeberha have been identified for student placement.
Read article here: Nelson Mandela University News
Mandela postdocs pioneer African solutions
A strong team of postdoctoral researchers at Nelson Mandela University are pioneering African solutions to challenges that stretch far beyond South Africa's borders.
Their work, showcased during the institution’s Research Week at the Ocean Sciences Campus this week, reveals the University as a hub for impactful, society-serving research.
The researchers all are developing approaches rooted in local realities that tackle real-world issues.
Dr Patrick Mwanza (left) is conducting wastewater epidemiology research, with a focus on communities without healthcare access.
The University used wastewater epidemiology over the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater one to two weeks before clinical cases surged, enabling residences to be quarantined and lives to be protected.
Dr Mwanza’s research builds on this.
“Sometimes our communities do not have access to healthcare facilities, and by the time we realise we've got a disease outbreak, it's almost too late,” he said.
Read more here: Nelson Mandela University News
Research Week opens with call for Africa-driven knowledge
Nelson Mandela University’s Research Week opened on Monday 8 September at the Ocean Sciences Campus in Gqeberha with a call for African-led knowledge that bridges cutting-edge research and community needs
Welcoming delegates at the Ocean Sciences Campus in Summerstrand, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa emphasised the growing impact of the annual event, now in its fourth year.
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Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa
“This year's theme, ‘transformative knowledge for a just, sustainable and innovative Africa’, and our tagline, ‘from quantum frontiers to community solutions, advancing knowledge for society’, speak directly to the journey we are on,” she said.
Professor Muthwa stressed that the University viewed Research Week as more than just a conference: “It is a commitment to advance knowledge that transforms society, to ensure that new technologies serve humanity rather than deepen inequality,” she said.
“If our research does not address itself to these commanding challenges, it would not be living up to its purpose in terms of our university's guiding strategy Vision 2030.”
Read article here: Nelson Mandela University News
Mandela University Nursing Department Celebrates 50 Year Legacy with inspiring vision for the future
Nelson Mandela University’s Department of Nursing Science wrapped up its 50th anniversary celebrations with a powerful two-day programme that reflected on the past, embraced the present and inspired the future of nursing education and practice.
University of Johannesburg’s Professor Charlene Downing, Stellenbosch University’s Professor Portia Jordan and the Department of Health’s Dr Mirriam Matandela were among the speakers at the Department of Nursing Sciences’ hybrid symposium.
The Department’s golden jubilee commemoration culminated in a symposium themed “The Future of Nursing Education: Embracing Change, Advancing Care” on Monday, 8 September 2025, followed by a networking breakfast with healthcare partners and alumni the next morning.
Guests described the sessions as informative, inspirational and a fitting tribute to the profession of care, with impassioned contributions from speakers across academia, government and healthcare practice.
A former head of the Department, Emerita Professor Wilma Kotzé, delivered the symposium keynote address, titled “A Legacy of Learning.”
Read article here: Nelson Mandela University News