News24 | Meet the 10 graduates heading to Oxford as Rhodes Scholars next year

Nine graduates from South Africa and one from Botswana have been chosen as the region’s next cohort of Rhodes Scholars, and will fly to Oxford in the UK to begin a brand new chapter next year.

The 10 will join the full global cohort of around 100 Rhodes Scholars pursuing fully funded postgraduate studies in October 2026.

“The Rhodes Scholarship selections never get easier,” said Beverley Johnson, regional manager of the Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa.

“Each year we receive so many outstanding applications from talented, high-potential individuals from across southern Africa and academic disciplines. The shortlisting process is intense and interviews are challenging.”

The Scholars-elect all made an initial shortlist of 57, which is whittled down to 22 finalists before being selected as the chosen 10. They specialise in disciplines from maths to medicine and hail from universities throughout southern Africa. The graduates are:

The scholarship is the world’s oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. Nearly 1 000 high-achieving graduates from southern Africa have walked the halls of Oxford’s famous colleges.

“The Rhodes selection process aims to identify young people with proven academic excellence who also show exceptional character and grit, the courage to lead and make a difference in the broader community, the energy to use their talents to the full, and a commitment to solving humanity’s challenges,” said Ndumiso Luthuli, national secretary for the Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa.

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“We believe that the 10 Scholars-elect for 2026 personify these core selection criteria. All intellectually gifted, driven, and well-rounded young leaders, they will be impactful changemakers in the years ahead.”

The top 10 and their intended fields of study

Sazi Bongwe – Gauteng, Harvard graduate

Sazi’s intended course of study at the University of Oxford: MSt comparative literature and critical translation or a master of fine arts (MFA). He believes that the work of art makes us pay attention to the world, imagine it differently, and work to change it, and it is to this end that he directs his studies and his work.

Raphael de Sousa – Western Cape, UCT

Raphael hopes to pursue an MSc in mathematical and theoretical physics, where he will delve into the mysteries of quantum field theory and the search for physics beyond the Standard Model, with the long-term goal of lecturing in Africa and inspiring the next generation of physicists. In his free time, Raphael enjoys hiking and running.

Ntando Dube – KwaZulu-Natal, University of Pretoria

Ntando hopes to pursue an MSc in African Studies. An individual with multiple interests, she runs an e-commerce floral shop with her sister, is a new-found runner, a keen reader and a lover of French cinema. Additionally, she enjoys musical theatre, has an appreciation for hiking and lives life guided by a simple, yet poignant, poem: “If” by Rudyard Kipling.

Ruth Kasanga – Gauteng, Wits University

Ruth hopes to pursue a master’s in public policy at the Blavatnik School of Government. Ruth enjoys collecting contemporary African literature, travelling, and hiking in her spare time.

Dr Ngwao Ngwako – Botswana, University of Botswana

Ngwao hopes to pursue a master’s in global health science and epidemiology. She enjoys swimming, crocheting, and being part of a local book club. Ngwao is also a passionate writer and poet who uses storytelling, including her personal experience as a cancer survivor, to amplify survivor stories and inspire conversations on resilience and health.

Kabelo Mbuyisa – Gauteng, Wits University

Kabelo will pursue a DPhil in international development where he will explore how African resource-rich countries can leverage the global just transition to green industrialisation to diversify their economies and deal with their education and technology development challenges for the improvement of the lives of ordinary people. Outside of his academic pursuits, he spends his time with podcasting, hiking, cooking, writing and quality moments with his family.

Dr Nandipa Mponda – Western Cape, Stellenbosch

Nandipa intends to pursue an MSc in international health and tropical medicine, followed by an MBA, furthering her commitment to advancing equitable and financially sustainable healthcare reform in South Africa. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Nandi enjoys baking layered cakes, maintaining a seasonal vegetable garden, and sewing handmade clothing.

Coral Pillay – Gauteng, Wits University

Coral hopes to pursue a DPhil in astrophysics at the University of Oxford. Outside her research, Coral enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and taking in her city’s art and music scene. She delights in new experiences, especially those shared with her loved ones.

Kerry Porrill – Western Cape, Stellenbosch

Kerry hopes to pursue a DPhil in mathematics at the University of Oxford. When she isn’t studying, she enjoys reading and playing video games.

Thobani Sangweni – KwaZulu-Natal, UCT

Thobani hopes to pursue a DPhil in particle physics at the University of Oxford in 2026. Thobani is an avid football player and is learning to play the electric guitar in his spare time. He is a big Formula 1 fan and an anime and manga enthusiast.

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