19/08/2026
The wait is almost over!🥳🥳
Today, we bring together an inspiring lineup of academics, researchers, and industry experts for our Postgraduate Conference 2026 under the theme “Global Instabilities and the Role of Institutions of Higher Learning: Backwards, Forwards and the Intersectionality”
Meet our Keynote speakers:
Dr Phemelo Hellemann is a primary education specialist, teacher, applied theatre practitioner, African feminist and historian. She holds an MA in Drama-in-Education, a PGCE in Foundation Phase teaching, and a PhD in History. She is a lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education in the Education Faculty at Rhodes University. Her research and teaching interests centre on creativity as a medium of teaching, learning and research. She currently teaches courses including the history of education in South Africa, philosophy of education, creative arts and physical education.
Ongama Mtimka, PhD is a political risk expert and the Founder and Director of Lawula Investments, a premier African consultancy that transforms complex challenges into actionable strategies for sustainable growth. He serves as a Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University, contributing to the disciplines of South African Politics and Political Economy. He is also President of the South African Association of Political Studies, where he advocates for the discipline’s relevance in policy and investment decision-making. He holds a PhD in Political Economy, a Master’s in South African Politics and Political Economy, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. He has presented at international conferences in Brazil and the United States of America, represented the Eastern Cape at the International Trade Centre in Geneva, and conducted an investment promotion trip to Bangalore, India.
Professor Matshediso Mohapeloa (DBA –TUT, MBA –Mancosa, BA –NMU) is a full Professor and the Dean of Commerce at Rhodes University. She was previously the Director of Rhodes CfERI (Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator) and Coordinator of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Enterprise Management at the Rhodes Business School. She is the Chair of EDHE’s community of practice (CoP) in Entrepreneurship Learning and Teaching. She comes with extensive experience from development – to – business –to-academia as a researcher, a consultant, an academic, and a development expert. Areas of expertise include entrepreneurship with a social focus, engaging communities in research with impact, and a keen interest in strengthening innovative solutions incorporating technology to mitigate social and environmental challenges.
