Generosity of Rhodes
NEVER a good word about Rhodes seems to be the motto of the RMF (Rhodes Must Fall) movement which again is given a headline (Cape Times, June 25).
Of course Rhodes was a product of his time, as we all are, but his vision extended into the future. The actual statue at UCT that was despoilt and then moved was created by Marion Walgate, working in London with a replica given to Bulawayo. The latter statue is not the subject of any RMF movement in Zimbabwe.
The most important donation Rhodes made to South Africa was establishing the Rhodes Scholarships to Oxford University, eight a year with a wide geographic choice in South Africa judging by the list of those given awards last year. More than that, worldwide Rhodes endowed an astounding total of 83 scholarships. Most are in the US, then in Canada, then Australia and South Africa, then some in Nigeria, Kenya and elsewhere in Africa, with two in Germany, in order of the number of annual scholarships. Most scholars return to their home countries enriched by Oxford, to contribute at a very high level to intellectual, artistic and business skills.
In addition, in South Africa the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is open to all African citizens under the age of 30 years. Recipients of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship are students with outstanding academic achievements who also possess leadership ability, entrepreneurial skills and a commitment to reconciliation. This scholarship provides full funding in South Africa for up to a maximum of two years of postgraduate study towards Honours or Master’s degrees. In 2014, 35 scholarships were awarded. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, meals, book allowance, a general allowance and travel expenses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandela_Rhodes_Scholarship-cite_note-5. These scholars also receive funding for their studies and undertake a leadership development programme while in residence.
What would Nelson Mandela have thought of those who seek to remove all traces of the generosity of Rhodes? Is there anyone else who has donated so much worldwide and in South Africa, who has aimed to further education and thereby enhance the skills that Rhodes scholars bring with them when they return to their home country? Does anyone dare to suggest that Mandela Rhodes Place in central Cape Town should be pulled down?