Seven UCT graduates among 11 Southern African Rhodes Scholarship recipients for 2025

The University of Cape Town (UCT) continues to shine as a beacon of academic excellence and leadership, with seven of its graduates named among the 11 recipients of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for 2025 in the Southern African cohort. This remarkable achievement underscores UCT’s reputation as a premier institution that nurtures not only academic talent, but also future leaders committed to making a global impact.

The seven scholars-elect – Niamh Ahern, Dr Christian Cotchobos, Dr Inae Kim, Jacob Lund, Dr Tshegofatso Masenya, Phemelo Matie and Jeremy Simpson – form part of the Southern African cohort. They were selected after a rigorous and competitive process and will join more than 100 scholars from around the world at the University of Oxford in October 2025. As Rhodes scholars, they will undertake fully funded postgraduate studies and become part of an esteemed international network devoted to creating a positive difference in the world.

The Rhodes Scholarship, established in 1903 and widely regarded as the most prestigious graduate fellowship, has awarded nearly 1 000 scholarships to Southern African students over its 121-year history. This year, UCT’s dominance within the region’s selection process reaffirms its role in producing scholars who excel in academics, leadership, service and innovation.

Pride

UCT acting deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, Professor Jeff Murugan, expressed immense pride in the achievements of UCT scholars. “We are incredibly proud of our graduates who have earned this significant recognition. Their dedication, leadership and commitment to addressing societal challenges embody the spirit of UCT’s Vision 2030: to unleash human potential to create a fair and just society. This milestone underscores the excellence that UCT strives for, and we are confident that these scholars will carry forward the values of resilience, innovation and service.”

“My goal is to use business as a means to address the pressing social, environmental and developmental challenges our communities face.”

Matie said being awarded the Rhodes Scholarship represents not only her personal milestone but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to the communities that have shaped her. “I feel deeply grateful and excited to be part of this remarkable community of scholars, and I am thankful to God for His faithfulness and my family, friends, mentors and lecturers who encouraged me to pursue this journey and walked it with me. This scholarship presents the opportunity to gain the tools, knowledge, and networks that I hope to bring back into my work within South African communities. My goal is to use business as a means to address the pressing social, environmental and developmental challenges our communities face. I am committed to driving sustainable and impactful development that can uplift and empower these communities for the long term.”

Dr Masenya said she hopes to deepen her understanding of health systems thinking. “I am particularly eager to bring back tools and insights that will help shape health policy in South Africa, contribute to universal health coverage, and address inequities in healthcare both in clinical practice and at a systemic level.”

She continued: “I feel immense gratitude and responsibility with this selection. It’s an affirmation of the values I hold: service, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of social justice. This achievement also shines a light on the incredible potential of young South Africans to start creating meaningful change. This opportunity is not just mine; I hope it will serve as a beacon of possibility for others who dare to dream boldly in the face of adversity.”

For Dr Cotchobos, the experience and exposure at Oxford will help build his confidence and resolve as he works towards his goals. “I feel both excited and deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue studies at Oxford University. My work as a doctor in the Eastern Cape has reinforced my commitment to using my education and skills to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s future. For me, this means advancing healthcare, particularly orthopaedics, where I hope to foster local innovation and research.”

Ahern said by being exposed to well-resourced environments, one can see what is possible in contexts less compromised by systemic decay and mismanagement. “I want to use my time at Oxford to see what some of the best higher education, libraries, and archives have to offer and use this as a starting point from which to improve our institutions. I’m interested in using public libraries for social good and improving the integrity of South African memory institutions, and Oxford would be a great place to explore possibilities within these sectors.”

Selection process

The Southern African selection process involved extensive application reviews, followed by a series of interviews at both regional and national levels. These selection committees, comprising renowned leaders and senior Rhodes Scholars, assessed candidates on qualities such as character, leadership and the determination to use their talents for the greater good.

National Secretary for Southern Africa, Ndumiso Luthuli, emphasised the rigor of the process. “Interviews were thorough, probing and rigorous; and selectors deliberated for many hours before awarding the Rhodes Scholarships for 2025. They had very tough choices to make, but we believe that the Rhodes Scholars-Elect announced will make us proud at Oxford University and go on to become changemakers who will impact positively on our continent and the world.”

“We eagerly anticipate the invaluable contributions these scholars will make, not just during their studies, but throughout their lives.”

Chief Executive Officer of Rhodes Trust, Dr Elizabeth Kiss, highlighted the global and transformative nature of the programme. “For more than a century, the Rhodes Trust has brought exceptional individuals to Oxford and fostered a vibrant global community. We eagerly anticipate the invaluable contributions these scholars will make, not just during their studies, but throughout their lives as they join the community of Rhodes Scholar alumni who are creating a more equitable and sustainable future for the world.”