CPUT at a Glance

Vice-Chancellor: Prof Chris Nhlapo

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) was established on 1 January 2005 when the Cape and Peninsula Technikon’s merged. This was part of a national process of transforming the higher education landscape in South Africa. The history of CPUT is, therefore, the history of the two merged institutions and goes as far back as 1920. After promulgating the Technikons Act in 1976, technical colleges could offer tertiary education in selected fields of study. In 1979 both colleges were legally established as technikons and from 1993 were empowered to offer degrees: Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Technology.

CPUT is the only university of technology in the Western Cape and is the largest university in the region. The Institution has six faculties focused on Applied Science, Business and Management Sciences, Education, Informatics and Design, Engineering and the Built Environment and Health and Wellness Sciences.

The University’s research culture focuses on applied and problem-solving research which is responsive to regional, national and continental needs. All research is focused around the following focus areas.

• Research Focus Area 1: Bio-economy and Biotechnology
• Research Focus Area 2: Space Science, Engineering and Technology
• Research Focus Area 3: Smart Energy
• Research Focus Area 4: The Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability
• Research Focus Area 5: Human, Health and Social Dynamics
• Research Focus Area 6: The Digital Society

A university of CPUT’s scope and size requires a definitive future plan. The adoption of the institution's Vision 2030 dictates our strategic framework for the next ten years. This vision is embedded in all operating procedures at the university, and guides operations and how we see ourselves.

CPUT’s Vision is to be Africa’s leading Smart University of Technology, globally renowned for innovation, with graduates that shape a better world. 

Our Mission is to transform our students through world-class researchers who inspire knowledge production and produce innovation that is cutting edge.

Our Vision and Mission align with sectoral, regional, national and global imperatives.

Vision 2030 aims to build One Smart CPUT. The “Oneness” focuses on our human-centricity, while the “Smartness” focuses on technological developments and innovations.

Through Vision 2030, we are proud to be embedded in this nation’s future, and to be actively involved in creating South African success stories.

• With a focus on societal and economic impact, the TTO protects and commercialises technologies developed by CPUT academics and students.
• The TTO supports CPUT’s researchers, staff and students, offering commercial skills and a range of specialist resources to maximise innovation impact.

The Clothing and Textile Technology Station was established in 2002 to provide innovation support to the clothing, textile and related industries. Through this provision of direct feedback and services, the Technology Station: Clothing and Textiles (TSCT) has become a responsive mechanism for meeting industry needs.  In 2018 alone, the TSCT has supported 167 SMMEs.

The TSCT is geared up to introduce new technology to local industry and boasts state-of-the-art equipment.

The TSCT has been planting the seeds for job creation across South Africa through the Extending the Footprint Project via a host of training projects and registered courses. These educational offerings focus on a host of training needs ranging from basic clothing production methods.

The Agrifood Technology Station (ATS) based at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology serves as platform for providing a range of interdisciplinary services to the Agrifood sector.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, the Station is positioned to support small and medium enterprises to develop their research, improve their innovation and become more competitive. ATS also strives to offer services that are not available via commercial laboratories.

The Stations world-class analytical and research facilities include different processing areas for baked goods, meat products, beverages, chocolate & sweets, spray drying and extrusion and general heat processing and drying areas. Besides general and cold stores, there are also several laboratory areas such as R&D, microbiology and a physical food properties labs. These facilities allow companies to develop, enhance and maintain safe, efficient and cost-effective food production and processing.

The BIIC's core offering is a comprehensive incubation program for graduate student business projects that have a social impact and are commercially viable. The program provides students with mentorship, technology assistance, and access to funding and resources to develop their ideas into successful businesses. The program is designed to support the development of sustainable businesses that create value for society, and we place a strong emphasis on social and environmental impact.

CPUT Chairs

CPUT Research Chair in Biotechnology
Prof Jeanine Marnewick
Director: Applied Microbial and Health Biotechnology Institute (AMHBI)

CPUT Research Chair in the Oceans Economy
Dr Sparks
Director: Centre for Sustainable Oceans (CSO)

CPUT Research Chair in Energy

External Chairs

NRF/WRC SARChI Chair: Governance & Economics for Water & Sanitation Sector Institutions
Prof Bongani Ncube
Director: Centre for Water and Sanitation Research (CWSR)

NRF Research Chair in Teacher Education
Prof Chigona
Director: Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES)

NRF Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning
Prof Chris Winberg
Director: Professional Education Research Institute (PERI)

NRF–Nedbank SARChI Chair in Cardiometabolic Health
Prof Davison
Director: SA-MRC Unit

ETDP–SETA Research Chair in Work-Integrated Learning in TVET Colleges
Prof Nduna