SAARS Alumni Virtual Get-Together: 22 May 2024

Just a week before the South African national elections, over 70 Rhodes Scholars and Scholars-Elect, from across the world gathered online for the annual alumni get-together on 22 May 2024. The attendees, representing seven decades of Scholars, were "bound by the values of the Rhodes Scholarship" and characterised "by their strong views, but willingness to embrace difference", said Lisa Klein (SAARS President) in her opening remarks. 

Our headline speaker, Jonny Steinberg (South Africa-at-Large & Balliol 1995), currently based at Yale University, is an acclaimed and a multi-award winning author, most recently of Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage (2023). Jonny gave a tantalising preview of his new book, entitled: Cecil John Rhodes In Love. He explored the impact on Rhodes of the emergence of the USA as the world leader, eclipsing his beloved Great Britain; the way in which the steamship, telegraph, and railways revolutionised logistics and communication across the world in the late 19th Century; hinted at Rhodes' sexuality and his inner circle of confidants; and left the audience wanting to know more. The publication date of his new book is eagerly awaited!

Joining the event from Stellenbosch, Carina Venter (South Africa-at-Large & Christ Church 2009) spoke about her fascinating research into the Amapiano music phenomenon. Amapiano, born in the townships of Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria), is a homegrown South African fusion of Jazz, Hip-hop, Kwaito and House music, that has taken the world by storm. Carina's research and engagement with staff and owners of Stellenbosch Clubs, explored how music has and continues to be used as an alternative "policing" tool by those in authority.

Scholars in Residence, Jemma Houghton (Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) & Green Templeton 2021) and Mwangi Mwaura (Kenya & Christ Church 2023), shared the successes of the Africa Impact Finance Initiative (Africa lfl). Established in 2019 by Rhodes Scholars in Oxford, Africa lfl raises funds (through a variety of events and an annual Auction of Promises) in support of grass-roots African NGOs working in education.

The Rhodes Trust CEO and Warden, Elizabeth Kiss (Virginia & Balliol 1983) concluded the programme with an update on the latest Rhodes Trust news: showcasing some of the events held recently in the revamped Rhodes House; updating the audience on the inaugural Oxford Next Horizons cohort, which included a few South African senior Scholars; explaining the Trust's decision to suspend the School Scholarships for 2025; and confirming the wonderful news that, thanks to the generosity of Scholars from across the world, sufficient funding had been raised to flow fund an additional 10th Scholarship for South Africa in 2025/26.

The conversations continued in the virtual break-out rooms. Scholars enjoyed engaging with the speakers, socialising and catching up with old friends, and forging new connections.

We were delighted to welcome 15 Rhodes Scholars-Elect (2024) from across Africa to their first Scholar get-­together. In their breakaway group, the Scholars-Elect were able to meet each other for the first time, share experiences, and exchange contact details. It is hoped that this event will enable the newest cohort of Scholars from Africa to form a supportive community that will continue to grow during their time at Oxford.

The diversity of the speakers and the range of topics covered, highlighted once again that there is no "cookie cutter" for Rhodes Scholars. While Scholars have strong views, they do not reside in self-contained echo chambers, but remain united by their willingness to embrace difference; their strong desire to make a positive impact on the world; and their courage to lead in a variety of ways.

The Trust remains grateful to the SAARS Organising Committee, comprising Lisa Klein (South Africa-at­-Large & St Antony's 1994) and Mari Rabie (South Africa-at-Large & St Catherine's 2010), who continue to organise alumni events that build community, initiate interesting ideas, and stimulate conversations.

Sincere thanks too to Beverley Johnson and the Rhodes House team for their ongoing professional support.

Save the Date: an in-person Bon Voyage and Alumni Conference is planned for Saturday 31 August 2024 (10:00 -16:00), at the Wits Club in Johannesburg. Further details will follow and we look forward to catching up with you at this event.