In a historic achievement that blends academic brilliance with groundbreaking representation,Thobile Ngcamphalala has become only the second Black South African woman in Rhodes University’s 120-year history to graduate with a Master’s degree in Topology—and she did so with Distinction.
What makes her story truly inspiring is not just the distinction she earned, but the journey she took to get there. Thobile began her academic career through the Extended Curriculum Programme—a supportive pathway designed for students who may need extra academic development due to systemic educational disadvantages. From these beginnings, she soared.
She completed her BSc (Hons) in Pure Mathematics with Distinction, and went on to complete her Master’s degree in just one year, again with Distinction, in one of the most intellectually demanding and least diverse fields in the country: Pure Mathematics.
Adding to her accolades, Thobile’s research paper was published in the prestigious, DHET-accredited journal Applied General Topology, where she is listed as first author—a testament to the originality and quality of her work.
Her supervisor, Dr. Mbekezeli Nxumalo, shared heartfelt praise:
“Thobile’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and brilliance. She set her own pace and broke new ground. It was a privilege to walk beside her through this journey.”
Thobile’s remarkable achievement was officially honoured during the #RUGrad2025 celebrations, where she stood not only as a symbol of academic excellence but also as a beacon for future generations of underrepresented scholars in STEM.
Looking ahead, Thobile is preparing to pursue a PhD in Pure Mathematics later this year—continuing her trailblazing path and expanding the frontier for Black women in mathematical sciences.
