Rhodes Scholars-elect
2008
South Africa-at-Large
The Rhodes Scholars-elect for the year 2007 are:
South-Africa-at-Large Scholars-Elect:
RENÉE HLOZEK (24), daughter of Glenda Heinemann and Josef Hlozek , Renée grew up in Pretoria and matriculated with six distinctions from Pretoria High School for Girls, where she was an active member of the choir and enjoyed swimming, hockey and drama. She completed her BSc in Applied Mathematics with distinction from the University of Pretoria in 2005, and was awarded Honorary Academic Colours. She moved to Cape Town for her Honours degree as part of the National Astrophysics and Space Science (NASSP), where she was awarded a BSc (Hons) with distinction and the Class medal for 2006. She is currently completing her MSc in Cosmology at the University of Cape Town , where her research focuses on understanding the nature of Dark Energy, and will read for a DPhil in Astrophysics at Oxford . She is passionate about the public understanding of Science, and engaging with learners with Science, Astronomy and Cosmology. She enjoys singing, painting and creative crafts, and loves swimming.
CHARNE LAVERY (23), daughter of Carol and Patrick Lavery, she grew up in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape and matriculated with seven distinctions from Stutterheim High School . She completed a BA in English, History and Philosophy, as well as an Honours in English, with distinctions in all subjects, at the University of Cape Town . Charne ran a literacy project at a primary school in Lavender Hill, co-founded an activist group focusing on Zimbabwe issues, and was very involved in the UCT Mountain and Ski Club, with whom she led a number of hikes around South Africa . She has been working for a year at the South African Education and Environment Project, running an extramural Arts Programme in five township high schools, has travelled in Southern Africa , Vietnam and Ethiopia , and has recently taken up latin and ballroom dancing. At Oxford , she will start off by reading for the MSt. in English .
NHLANHLA DLAMINI (23), son of Joseph and Lindiwe Dlamini, he matriculated at Marist Brothers' College, Linmeyer in 2001, before graduating with a BCom ( cum laude, first in class ) in 2004 at Wits University and a PDM ( cum laude, first in class ) from Wits Business School. Currently an Analyst at McKinsey & Company, Nhlanhla has worked on operations transformation projects in South Africa , Finland and the US . He was also part of a team leading the largest turnaround of a company in Africa . As a student, he represented Wits at various cultural and student leadership forums including the Abe Bailey Bursary to the UK and the Goldman Sachs Global Leaders Institute in NY. He is former Chairman of Management for Johannesburg 's Junior Council, focussing on school community projects, and has since established various merit awards for high-school and university students including the McKinsey Golden Key Merit Award at Wits and UCT. Among his interests, Nhlanhla mentions travelling, music and drama. He has his provincial colours in rugby, soccer, basketball and karate. Nhlanhla will pursue the MSc in African Studies at Oxford.
Roscoe Roman (21), son of Mr and Mrs A Roman, matriculated from Westerford High School in Rondebosch with six distinctions. While there, he was Head Boy, Captain of the first cricket side and a member of both the Governing Body and History and Current Affairs Committee. Roscoe graduated from UCT in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business Science Degree (First Class Honours and Distinction in Economics). He volunteered for the STEP programme, which involved teaching English and Mathematics to children in Khayelitsha, and taught Mathematics for the South African Environment and Education Project (SAEP). He is also a member of the UCT rowing club. Roscoe will pursue an MPhil in Economics at Oxford .
CHRISTOPHER TRISOS (23) , s on of Mr Harry and Mrs Jane Trisos of Bergvliet, Cape Town, he earned a Bachelor of Sciences ( cum laude ) in Ecology and Economics from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2006 and an honours degree in Botany ( cum laude ) in 2007, also from UCT. His Botany research work has focussed on the evolution of annuality in the succulent Karoo and on vegetation change in Savanna. Since 2005, Christopher has been the project leader for the Students Health and Welfare Centres Organisation's (SHAWCO) wetland rehabilitation project in Khayelitsha. He has also co-led a project to measure the environmental impact of wine production and make recommendations on reducing carbon dioxide emissions on Backsberg Wine Estate in Paarl. Christopher has presented work on reconnecting urban youth to nature at international conferences and workshops. He enjoys surfing and trail running. At Oxford , he will read for the MSc in Integrative Bioscience.
SCHOOLS' SCHOLARS-ELECT
JACOBUS CILLIERS (23) from Cape Town is this year's Scholar-elect from Diocesan College (Bishops). The son of Dr Pieter and Mrs Annali Cilliers, Jacobus plans to read for the MPhil in Economics at Oxford . A love for people and passion for development, Jacobus has initiated and sustained numerous community projects. As the Student Representative's Council (SRC) member for Community Interaction at Stellenbosch University , Jacobus laid the foundation for a culture of student community involvement based on mutual and reciprocal relations. With his dual SRC responsibility for Environmental Awareness, he has also facilitated the set-up of a recycling system and recycling infrastructure for Stellenbosch students. He completed his BA in PPE ( cum laude) at Stellenbosch University where he is currently enrolled for a BComm. (honours) in economics. Jacobus, an avid hiker and traveler, is currently preparing for six weeks of backpacking in Brazil and Argentina .
ANDREW CRAIG (23) from Grahamstown is this year's St Andre w's Rhodes Scholar. The son of Dr Adrian and Cheryl Craig, Andre w is currently completing an MSc in Mathematics at Rhodes University . Here he attained a BSc with distinctions in Chemistry and Applied Mathematics before completing a BSc Joint Honours in Mathematics and Chemistry. In 2003 he was selected to attend the Accenture Student Leadership Conference. At Rhodes , Andre w was elected as captain of rowing, and went on to serve for three years as the club's chairman. He has worked extensively with the Nelson Mandela Township Rowing Club in providing transport and logistical assistance, and in 2006 was the Sports Council's Administrator of the Year. Andre w has represented the South African junior, student and U23 rowing teams, most notably winning a bronze medal at the 2006 World U23 Championships. At Oxford , Andrew will read for a DPhil in Mathematics.
SIMON LOLLIOT (23) from Stellenbosch is this year's Paul Roos Rhodes Scholar. The son of Alain and Felicity Lolliot of Stellenbosch, he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 2005 from the University of Stellenbosch . In 2006, Simon graduated with Honours in Psychology (cum laude) and has just received a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (cum laude, 2008), both from Stellenbosch University . Simon enjoys partaking in cultural events, some of which include solo saxophonist for the Cape Town based Bo Soleil orchestra and has been greatly involved in two local community projects, namely Jamestown Sounds and The Musician's Orphanage Fund. Simon is planning on reading a MSc in Experimental Psychology in 2008 at Oxford with his research focusing on group dynamics, attitudes, HIV/AIDS and stigma.
RAOUL RÖNTSCH (23) is this year's Rhodes Scholar from South African College School (SACS). Son of Peter and Ricky Röntsch, of Claremont , Cape Town , he matriculated in 2002 with seven distinctions, being placed 13 th in the Western Cape . He completed a First Class B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Physics in 2005 and a BSc (Hons) in Theoretical Physics with distinction in 2006, both from the University of Cape Town . He is currently studying for an MSc in Theoretical Physics from the University of Cape Town . His thesis focuses on determining the mass of the light quarks. He has published a paper in one of the top journals for theoretical physics which he is to present at a conference in Chile in January, and has also attended an international summer school on particle physics in Trieste , Italy . He has been involved in University of Cape Town RAG for five years helping to raise over R5 million for it's charity-designate, SHAWCO. Raoul, a keen hiker and fencer, plans to read for a DPhil in Theoretical Physics at Oxford .
