Rhodes University has taken a major step toward building a more inclusive campus with the acquisition of a specially designated accessible bus to support students living with disabilities. This milestone highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment where every student can participate fully in university life — academically, socially, and culturally.
The new vehicle, once fully modified with a wheelchair ramp and other universal design features, will help remove one of the most persistent barriers for students with mobility challenges: accessible transport across campus and to essential university events.
The bus project was driven by the 2024 Student Representative Council (SRC) in collaboration with the Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD). It was finalised by the incoming 2025 SRC, led by President Siyanda Vilakazi, who ensured the initiative reached the finish line.
“This was an unfinished job passed to us during the handover,” said Vilakazi. “We made sure to complete it, reminding stakeholders of their commitments. As student leaders, we are doing our best to support a university accommodating everyone.”
The handover ceremony was an emotional and symbolic event. Professor Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and Student Affairs, celebrated the delivery:
“I am totally excited. We have been waiting for this bus, and today we are so proud to hand the keys to our students who live with disabilities.”
Dr Pakiso Tondi, Director of DSSD, praised the power of student-staff collaboration:
“This is a legacy project of the 2024 SRC. They pushed for it through ups and downs. Today, here we are.”
#Monday2Monday: Pride, Education, and Empowerment
The handover followed the impactful #Monday2Monday Movement, a week-long disability awareness campaign aimed at deepening understanding of disability diversity on campus. Each day, students and staff wore the colours of the Disability Pride Flag, with each colour symbolising a different aspect of disability:
- Red: Physical disabilities
- Yellow: Neurodiversity
- White: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities
- Green: Sensory disabilities
- Black: Honouring those lost to systemic ableism and violence
By engaging in meaningful dialogue and symbolism, the campaign helped raise visibility and promote empathy within the Rhodes community — while collecting real-world data to support future accessibility advocacy.
Thabang Mhlanga, 2024 SRC Activism & Transformation Councillor, reflected:
“We saw the gap and collaborated with the University to close it. Yes, there were challenges, but we always believed in the final product. Like an athlete focused on the finish line, getting the bus was that moment for us.”
Alungile Mraxa, Chairperson of the Enable Community: Living and Learning, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“Thank you so much to everyone who made this happen. I’m so overwhelmed!”
Driving Real Change
For students with disabilities, this new bus represents more than just transport — it’s a symbol of dignity, belonging, and opportunity. Once modified, it will ensure that no student is left behind due to mobility barriers, and that all students can access lectures, residences, social events, and support services with ease.
This initiative also supports Rhodes University’s Institutional Development Plan goal to promote a transformative and inclusive student experience — a vision now brought one step closer to reality.
