Farewell To A Pioneer Of Eastern Cape Academia

Eastern Cape academia is mourning the recent death of respected academic and former Rhodes University Registrar, Professor Adéle Moodly, whose career spanned senior academic and leadership positions at universities across the province.

At the time of her death, Moodly was still serving as Registrar at Rhodes University in Makhanda, where she made history as the university’s first Black female Registrar. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the institution’s more than 100-year history.

Her career in higher education also included senior positions at iYunivesiti Walter Sisulu and the University of Fort Hare (UFH). At iYunivesiti Walter Sisulu, Moodly served as Director of the School of Public Relations, Media and Management. Later she joined the University of Fort Hare, as Deputy Dean

Beyond her administrative and academic roles, Moodly's work included research on women and leadership in higher education. She is listed as the co-author of research paper published earlier this year -- examining gender representation in leadership positions across South African higher education institutions.

Since her death was announced by Rhodes University last week, tributes have been pouring in from her former colleagues and knew her socially. On LinkedIn, Tina Sisanda Bikitsha paid tribute, describing her as one of the best managers she had worked under. Bikitsha highlighted Moodly's work ethic, resilience, determination and kindness.

Bikitsha said she had worked as one of Moodly’s administrators, remembering her time working under Moodly with pride. Another LinkedIn user, Lazola Rusi, also remembered Moodly as a mentor and senior colleague during his time at the University of Fort Hare.

The tributes highlight the impact Moodly had on people who worked with her across different institutions in the Eastern Cape higher education sector. At the time of publication, only Rhodes University had issued a statement on Moodly’s passing, while WSU and UFH had not publicly commented on her death.

Moodly leaves behind a career that spanned academic leadership, university administration and research, with her work contributing to discussions around women and leadership in South African higher education.