About us

The Rhodes University Trust UK is a registered UK charity and was set up in 1990 by its first Chairman, Mike Chapman, Pearce Rood and Allan Gray (after whom the Allan Gray Residence at the University is named).

Its primary purpose is to provide funding and support for educational activities conducted by Rhodes University in South Africa and other educational institutions and initiatives in the Makhanda and surrounding area.

Funds are raised from Old Rhodians in the UK (LinkedIn shows that 7,600 Alumni currently live and work in the UK) and from organisations interested in supporting education in South Africa.

Fundraising takes the form of membership of the 1904 Club, general dontations and bequests and support for the prestigious Ally Weakley Memorial Bursary, Derek Jacobs Scholarship and the John Conradie Bursary for exceptional students.

The Trust is managed by a board of Trustees, all of whom have volunteered their services and time free of charge. The board consists of seven trustees including a Chairman and Treasurer.

As well as the Trustees, the trust calls on the services of several other Old Rhodians who volunteer their time and ideas to assist in helping to raise funds.