Lance Witten a CPUT alumnus who is making his mark in the media industry returned to CPUT to encourage graduates to “build their brands”.

Witten, a sports anchor for eNews, told graduates that companies spend years building reputations and brands, which are their most valuable assets.

Referring to pop stars and celebrities, Witten says people too can be brands.

“As a graduate, each of you are your own brand.”

Witten encouraged graduates to go out into the working world and set out what they would like to stand for. He urged the class of 2011 to embrace qualities such as loyalty, integrity and to work hard in whatever industry they may find themselves in.

Whether graduates were making films, taking photographs or putting together garments, Witten says the quality of the product, will reflect your brand.

“At the end of the day it is your name that is attached to your brand.”

Witten says it will not always be easy build and grow your brand, but that graduates will reap the rewards.

“Go out there and establish your brand.”

CPUT Vice Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga also encouraged graduates to play a meaningful role in the South African economy.

The fourth Business Faculty graduation ceremony continues in Cape Town today.

Tonight, the Faculty of Health and Wellness will confer diplomas and degrees on graduates at the Bellville Campus.

By Candes Keating

Picture by CLIVE GALANT

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mieshka Dollie’s life flashed before her eyes when she slipped while on a hike on Lion’s Head at the end of January and fell 13 metres. 

She woke up on a path with a head injury, unable to move and with the taste of blood in her mouth.

“It was then when all this pain started coming through my body, my whole body was in an excruciating amount of pain,” said the student whose story made headlines across the province.  She was airlifted to an ambulance and then to the hospital where she was operated on immediately.

Just a few months after the life-changing fall, she graduated yesterday during the university’s first-ever digital graduation ceremony.

Mieshka was awarded a Diploma in Information Communication Technology: Applications Development and is currently completing her BTech but has already set her sights on earning her doctorate.

“My future plans right now, even with the pandemic, is to receive my Doctorate in Information Technology and work part-time. I’m not done achieving. I am always hungry to learn and experience new things. My dream is to have my own business and give back to the community.”

While she has been left with some scars, she has recovered well from her injuries and says the experience has taught her not to postpone things.

“Understanding urgency is a game-changer. Don’t postpone anything that is important to you. Express your love for things, for people with greater frequency and maximise every opportunity to appreciate those around you.”

Mieshka, who grew up in Crawford, Cape Town said she was grateful for the bursary she received from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, administered by StudyTrust, which took the pressure off her and her parents.

“My dad was diagnosed with an eye disease called Retinitis pigmentosa and the disease is incurable. That meant my dad would eventually lose all sight and that would leave my mother to be the breadwinner of the family. And what a woman she is – she never lets anything get her down and she always made a way for me and my siblings to have everything in life.”

She thanked the IT Department’s Daphne O’ Brien, who she called "a guardian angel".

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

BSc Diagnostic Radiography graduate Heinri van Zyl has been awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s medal after passing his degree summa cum laude with a 91 percent average.

Van Zyl, who hails from the Boland town of Worcester, is a community service radiographer at Tygerberg Academic Hospital.

His personal motto is: ‘Life isn’t always easy, but it’s always beautiful’

“It is a great honour to have been selected for the Vice-Chancellor's medal. I am thankful to all my lecturers and classmates who partook in my journey towards my degree, and to CPUT for providing us with the opportunity to be rewarded for our hard work. This award is dedicated to all our sleepless nights, study sessions and class projects and to our parents, guardians and sponsors who supported us in our studies,” he said.

Van Zyl matriculated from Worcester Gymnasium High School in 2003. He qualified as a pilot in 2009 and obtained his South African Civil Aviation Authority Commercial Pilot’s licence, which he passed with distinction. He has worked as a flight instructor for Worcester Flying Club and was a navigation expert volunteer with Search and Rescue, where he helped with numerous rescues and body recoveries.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In October last year CPUT launched its first ever direct appeal to all Alumni in support of the bursary fund and library development at the University. The appeal went to some 49 000 alumni throughout the world and was generously supported.

To date, over R28 157 has been raised for this fund. Ms Gillian Mitchell, the Director of Advancement, voiced her sincere appreciation to all CPUT Alumni: “We are so very encouraged by the response that we received. Our alumni responded with generosity and integrity. I join the Vice-chancellor in thanking all of our alumni for participating in this appeal.”

Ms Mitchell explained that the CPUT Annual Fund has been established as an annual fund that will continue to raise awareness of key needs at CPUT. As with all teaching institutions in South Africa, only a portion of CPUT’s operating budget is covered by the government grant and student fees. Further funding is raised from research grants and donor funding to support the key teaching and learning programmes.

“The support of our Alumni is critical for two important reasons. Firstly, the participation of our alumni in supporting our university is an invaluable acknowledgment of our success as a teaching institution. The more visible this support becomes, the more we are able to ensure that we attract entering students with potential to graduate with top honours. Secondly, the support of our alumni means that we are able to form a dependable base of financial support for students.”

Bursaries continue to be the only way in which many students are able to attend university and one of the greatest gifts that alumni can bestow is that of access to education for forthcoming generations.

Ms Mitchell went on to say that the most vital outcome of the CPUT Annual Fund is that alumni participate. “The amount of the gift is not the most important aspect. Helping us form a strong, reliable community of people willing to band together in support of our University is a much more important accomplishment.”

In this respect Ms Mitchell particularly thanked the Vice-chancellor, Professor Mazwi-Tanga; the Chair of the CPUT Council, Reverend Lionel Louw and Mr Robin Dixie, a trustee of the CPUT Foundation for their generous gifts to the fund. “I have no doubt that their generous participation will encourage many others to consider support of the CPUT Annual Fund.”

By the Department of Advancement

Written by CPUT News

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gauteng alumni spent an informative evening at Vodaworld in Midrand, where they attended a presentation by Bridget Maclou, Director of Policy Costing at the South African Social Services Agency (SASSA).

SASSA administers all of South Africa’s social grants, including child support grants, disability grants and foster care grants. Maclou discussed some of the lesser-known grants including the care dependency grant, which is available for people who look after a disabled child or foster an orphan with AIDS.

Leonore Beukes was the second speaker for the evening. She followed up on a previous presentation on transfrontier conservation areas and discussed a proposal for a group of CPUT alumni to visit a cultural village on the Swaziland border.

The Gauteng alumni will be contacted in the upcoming month with further information regarding the proposed trip.

Written by CPUT News
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alumni, staff, friends and supporters of CPUT have joined forces to mark the close of 2014, raising thousands for the university’s Bursary Fund in a festive get-together at a city hotel.

The editor of the Cape Argus, alumnus Jermaine Craig, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, and set the tone with his entertaining directing of the night’s events, while Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, gave a punchy presentation on CPUT’s recent achievements. These include launching the first cube-satellite in Africa, hosting the only South African Renewable Energy Training Centre, and the only Product Lifecycle Management Competency Centre in Africa, amongst other accomplishments.

Amidst the wining, dining and reconnecting with old friends, a series of raffles were held with all proceeds going to the Bursary Fund. Prizes included stunning jewellery worth thousands donated by alumni Jeanine Benjamin of Jinn and Marizanne Kellerman of Zanry Jewellery Design and Manufacturing. Other prizes included a Cadac Safari Chef Gas Cooker, donated by Alumni Association chairperson, Jeff Daniels, while both the Best Western Cape Suites Hotel and the DoubleTree by Hilton Upper Eastside Hotel donated a complimentary stay for two for two nights.

Alumni Association Chair Jeff Daniels (left) donates a Cadac Safari Chef to raffle winner Jean Jackson (right)

A special raffle for regular supporters of the Bursary Fund was also held, with Nomhle Klaas from Bloemfontein winning a superfast Proline Tablet worth R3 000. Although not present at the event, Nomhle is delighted at the news.

Nomhle Klaas, winner of a Proline Tablet for her support of CPUT’s Bursary Fund

“I decided to be a regular donor as I myself was the recipient of a bursary. Had it not been for this, I would not be where I am today. Having never won anything in my life, I’m overwhelmed – thank you very much!”

Alumni Officers Val Deelman and Francois Jooste have extended grateful thanks to all who made the event such a success.

“It was an honour to spend time with some of our finest alumni, and to raise a total of R6 400 through the raffles. We hope 2015 sees many more of our alumni join us to give back using their professional resources, networks and goodwill.”

Sandi Goodwin from PPS (left) and Nancy Daniels (right) who won the set of earrings and matching pendant valued at R1 500 from Zanry Jewellers

For more information on becoming an active alumnus, please contact the Alumni Office on 021 460 3389. More photographs of the celebration can be found on CPUT’s Alumni Facebook page.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There is still time to RSVP to the much-anticipated Alumni Year-End Celebration which takes place on Friday, 5^th December at a trendy city hotel. Not only are all graduates of CPUT and the former Cape and Peninsula Technikons invited, but friends, partners, staff and supporters of the university are most welcome too.

Alumni Officers Val Deelman and Francois Jooste say the evening promises to be a fantastically festive affair. Guests can expect good food, good company, light entertainment and amazing prizes to be raffled to boost the CPUT Bursary Fund. Prizes up for grabs include a complimentary stay for two at the DoubleTree by Hilton Upper Eastside Hotel in Woodstock, a beautiful set of earrings and matching pendant valued at R1 500, complimentary lunches at The Cape Town Hotel School, a couples photographic shoot by a professional photographer, as well as boxes of wine, amongst many others.

Friday’s event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside hotel in Woodstock, with tickets costing R220 per person. To RSVP, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +27 21 460 3389/3786.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Miss Universe and CPUT alumna, Zozibini Tunzi, received a warm welcome in Cape Town today with CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, thanking her for being proudly CPUT.

Tunzi attended a short meet and greet at the City Hall before addressing the hundreds of Capetonians who had gathered to welcome her to the Mother City.
“From the institution’s side, we are here to say thank you to Zozi for putting our name on the map. We know that she belongs to the world. One thing that is humbling and that we are very grateful for is that, at all times, she has indicated that she comes from CPUT. As an institution we are very proud of you,” said Nhlapo.

Nhlapo added that Zozi had set the bar high, adding that the hoped to welcome here back to CPUT one day. “It is our job to ensure that we create a conducive environment so that we can have other Zozis meet that particular threshold.”

Zozi jokingly asked whether classes had been cancelled for her homecoming. Her message to the “young Zozis out there” was to be confident in themselves.
“As a young Zozi I wasn’t that confident. I knew I had a voice but it was trapped somewhere inside there. When I think about myself being young I want to say ‘speak out more, the world is ready to listen’.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The RSVP’s are flying in thick and fast to the events planned for CPUT’s alumni in Gauteng, Namibia and Cape Town in the next few weeks. All graduates (alumni) of CPUT and the former Cape and Peninsula Technikons based in these areas are invited to attend.

Vice Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu is jetting in specially to attend the Gauteng and Windhoek events. He’ll be using the opportunity to share both his vision for the university and CPUT successes and garner alumni input on taking the CPUT from good to great. Both the Gauteng (October 31) and Namibian (November 14) events cost R50 , with cocktail snacks, canapes and a cash bar included.

While the VC is unable to attend the Cape Town event scheduled for December 5^th, it promises to be a fantastically festive affair where all our Cape-based graduates can reconnect and network. Alumni  Officer Val Deelman says alumni can expect good food, good company, light entertainment and lovely prizes to be raffled to boost the CPUT Bursary Fund.

It’ll be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside hotel in Woodstock, with tickets costing R220 per person. To RSVP to this event, please email Helena Pietersen or call +27 21 460 3389/3786.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT’s latest showcase of student and alumni talent, the Design Garage, is now officially open for business.

The hip and happening space on the corner of De Villiers and Roeland Street lies in the heart of Cape Town’s emerging design precinct. Here you’ll find the creations of CPUT’s Informatics and Design students as well as designers from elsewhere, offering stunning fashion, furniture, jewelry, textile, graphic and industrial design products on sale to the public.

The shop front

Seed funding for the store to the tune of R100 000 was raised by CPUT’s Advancement Department. Design Garage manager, Pieter Cilliers, says since the launch, there’s been lots of interest, especially from neighbours and people that pass the building on a daily basis.

“Good publicity in the form of blog posts and newspaper articles have also brought in people. Alumni have been very excited to get their products into the shop, with many commenting that they wished something like this existed when they were studying,” says Cilliers.

“Those that managed to get their products in have been very motivated and it’s been great to get high quality products from junior students and not just from B- and M-Tech’s.”

Design Garage is staffed by shop manager, Tracey-Lee Schwartz and is open Monday to Friday from 8am-4pm.

Jaya van den Berg and her X-Opener, specially designed to pop the caps off craft beer bottles

A selection of products on sale to the public

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Christelle Dreyer caused a sensation when she appeared on the cover of CPUT’s Grad Mag in 2015.

Since then, she’s been inspiring and educating audiences across the country with her strength, focus and resilience.

Born with a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Christelles’ bones are very brittle and she uses a wheelchair to support her petite frame. Though small in stature, Dreyers’ achievements are huge.

Having completed her BTech in Graphic Design in 2008, she now works freelance as a graphic designer, but her true passion is dance. Amongst her many titles, Dreyer won the World Championships in Holland in Ballroom and Latin American dance in 2007.

More recently, Dreyer has been performing No Fun Ction All anguage, produced by the Chaeli Campaign and funded by the National Lottery Commission. She says the Chaeli Campaign stresses the importance of diversity and inclusion and how society can benefit from the lessons that can be taught by differently-abled people.

“The production features a diverse group of collaborators who challenge mainstream narratives around communication, ability, access and inclusivity. It takes a microscopic look at the in-between spaces where words fail us – where we desperately search for meaning – between vowels, consonants and silences.”

The work has been performed at the Masque Theatre, Family OBS Festival and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and parts of it can be seen here: 

Dreyer also works with a non-profit called WOW, who use arts and culture to teach impoverished children about their creativity. Her old wheelchair is reaching the end of its functionality and she is raising funds for the design and manufacture of a new specially-adapted wheelchair. Please click on this link if you would like to help this incredible alumnus: http://www.fundfind.co.za/projects/666-christelle-s-wheelchair-project

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Theresa Williams made maritime history by becoming the first female marine pilot on the African continent, in 2001. She’s also a committed alumnus, having recently being voted onto CPUT’s Alumni Association (AA) executive by fellow alumni.

Williams completed her National Higher Diploma in Maritime Studies in 2010, having initially completed her certificate in 1998. We spoke to this trailblazer for more insight into her life and aspirations.

Tell us about your time at CPUT – your lecturers, classmates and general experience?

Head of the Maritime Studies Department, Associate Prof Captain Snyders, was a great mentor and teacher. He was instrumental in the earlier years when I started studying and was struggling to understand various concepts related to the maritime world. He was a consistent believer when I was a student and also gave me great support later, when I lectured in the department.

I’d also like to acknowledge Captains Stohr, Pawley and Pearson for their positive contribution, especially as they embraced change in the early 90’s, when larger groups of previously disadvantaged students entered this sector.

Since graduating, please tell us a little of your career progression, your current position and what this entails?

I’ve been active in the maritime industry for more than 20 years. Over the past two decades I have progressed from being a Ship Navigation officer to becoming the first woman to pilot a ship in Africa. I’ve worked as a Marine Operations Manager at Transnet, and am currently running my own consultancy as a Maritime Specialist. I work with the European Union as an independent consultant, developing and delivering maritime training materials to the Western and Central African region. I work closely with Maritime institutions of higher learning there.

What are the things you love about your job – and what personality traits would you say are essential for dealing with the inevitable stresses?

The maritime industry is ever-changing and I’m always learning new things. I’ve been to many countries on various continents, which is a huge plus! I’ve met many different people, experienced different cultures and enjoyed all kinds of cuisine.

I’m an adventurous person by nature. I love exploring and have an ability to be away from my family and country for long periods at a time. The longest I was away was for eight months in 2014, serving on a vessel which operated between the Republic of Congo and South America. That was very exciting.

Being able to remain focused on long-term goals is a good trait to have in this job. I don’t give up when facing challenges - I always keep my eyes on the prize.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now and what advice would you give to new graduates (especially women) about to enter the world of Maritime Studies?

I’d like to play a more active role internationally in the Maritime industry through my consultancy. My advice would be to stay focused and have a positive attitude – it definitely determines your altitude. Don’t be afraid to give this industry your best. The maritime sector is one of the fastest growing economic sectors worldwide. It’s an industry that still has real employment opportunities, with jobs internationally.

As newly-elected to the executive of the AA, please tell us about the plans you may have for taking the AA from good to great?

Together with the AA Exco team, we’d like to ensure that we help CPUT achieve its strategic objectives and strengthen its African footprint in this regard. Part of our mandate is to build greater relationships with current learners and previous alumni. We’d especially like to develop partnerships in giving unemployed graduates access to the workforce. We can only do this by working closely with other partners, such as the SRC. I’m humbled by this opportunity to serve on the AA Exco and hope to make a real impact over the next 3 years. My favourite quote, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, says it all.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alumnus Cindy Waxa is making a name for herself in the media industry.

In 2005 she graduated with a National Diploma in Photography and a decade later she is now the senior photographer at Independent Newspapers (Cape Argus, Cape Times, Weekend Argus) covering everything from news to sport and features.

From photographing the luminaries like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan and the late Nelson Mandela, Waxa has no regrets about following her passion.

“Photography has taken me out of my comfort zone and into places that I would never have access to if I was not behind the lens. I have definitely experienced fear and danger, but excitement and joy too,” she says.

Waxa is renowned for documenting the Cape Town International Jazz festival for the past 10 years and has also held several successful photographic exhibitions of her work.

“Ritual Entry to Womanhood is one of the projects I am most proud of. This came about when I was in Qunu covering Madiba’s funeral,” she says.

“This is a ritual that prepares young women to learn about the social responsibilities that comes with womanhood. It's one of the important rituals for all Xhosa girls.”

In 2014 she was also part of the 20 Years of Democracy exhibition at the Artscape, a showcase of images of South Africa after 20 years of democracy.

Waxa encourages future photographers to equip themselves with the correct skills.

“Equip yourself not only with photography but skills like multimedia and videography. The world is moving to a digital era so it’s wise to combine photography with emerging technologies,” she says.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Since its early days as a newly-merged institution CPUT has demonstrated confidence in women leadership by appointing women in key positions in the university’s management structures.

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Thobeka Mda, is one such woman. Mda joined CPUT in 2012 and has also recently been appointed as the Institutional Forum Chairperson.

She shared some of her highlights at the university with the CPUT news:

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being able to influence the quality of new teachers we send out to the world, and being part of decision-makers at the institution.

Can you point out a career highlight during your time at CPUT?

Every time I have over-exceeded the targets set for me by management and by myself. For example, in the area of equity transformation in the faculty and its research outputs, as well as when faculty staff and students excel and bring glory to the university.

What do you attribute your success to?

• A good upbringing
• Fair minded in implementing decisions and systems
• Consistent in standards
• Remaining calm under pressure
• Being able to weigh up all relevant factors before reaching decisions

Do you have any words of advice for the generation of women behind you?

A quote I find very true: “Management is not for sissies” or “If you cannot take the heat, stay out of the kitchen”.

Women are not particularly handicapped or weaker than men as managers, but usually have a different style of leadership and management, so women should not try to act like men to be effective. It’s important to know who you are, and what you stand for, and not get swayed by flattery, intimidation or the need to be popular.

Often you have to take unpopular decisions; as long as these are justified, and for the common good, and not personal or intended to harm or frustrate anyone, stand by your decision.

Withdraw and apologise if necessary when proven to have made a mistake.

What woman inspires you and why?

Women who are strong, confident and high achievers, and yet show no pride, but carry themselves with calmness  and dignity.

Examples are Advocate Thuli Madonsela and Mrs Graca Machel; there are others, but these came to mind first. There are more women who inspire me in different categories, for example. Oprah, Serena Williams etc.

Do you have a women’s day message?

Do not wait for Women’s Day to celebrate being a woman, or wait for others to acknowledge and appreciate you. Celebrate your existence, your achievements and things that bring you joy. Always have a group of women with whom you celebrate life and share life’s disappointments with.

Written by Kwanele Butana
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Due to robust interest from CPUT supporters and alumni, the deadline for the closing date for nominations for alumni to serve as Executive members of the CPUT Alumni Association (CPUT AA) has been extended until this Friday 29^th July.

The elective AGM of the CPUT AA is scheduled for Friday 12 August 2016, on our Bellville campus in Science Lecture Theatre 2.Before the AGM, we invite interested parties to nominate alumni to serve as Executive members of the CPUT AA for a period of 3 years (36 months).  
 
Please consider the constitution of the Association to nominate appropriate alumni candidates on the official nomination form, as well as the following requirements.

Candidates must show leadership experience and be a role model for alumni and pre-alumni. Our AA execs are expected to be willing and committed to serve as an ambassador for the University in building communities and have a collaborative approach and energetic spirit.Candidates must have graduated at CPUT (includes the historical institutions, Peninsula Technikon and Cape Technikon) and must commit to attend meetings in person at least twice a year in Cape Town and to participate on committees. In addition, candidates must expend time throughout the three years as Executive member of the Alumni Association to work with Advancement department staff to advance the institution.Fully completed nomination forms can be submitted electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - subject heading: NOMINATIONS or hand deliver forms to: 

Alumni Office, Advancement Department, Room 5.1, 5^th floor, Administration Building, Cape Town campus. Before submitting your nomination, please note again that:

• Closing date is FRIDAY 29^th JULY
• Ensure you and the person you nominate fully complete the nomination form (acceptance signature, legible contact details, etc.)
• Nomination forms must be accompanied by a recent head-and-shoulder photo, in colour, of the nominee in jpeg format;
• Please submit a brief resume of the nominee (maximum 3-page document)

Once nominations close on 29^th July, information on the electronic voting process will be communicated to the university community at large.

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CPUT student and alumni design talent will be on show at this year’s Cape Homemakers Expo when the Design Garage exhibits there for the first time.

Opened in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD a year ago, the Design Garage seeks to bridge the divide between theory and real world experience by giving emerging and student designers the opportunity to sell their designs directly to the public.

“We are delighted at the exposure offered to our designers by the organisers of the Homemakers Expo. We’ve always been supportive of the great design talent that is housed at CPUT, and therefore celebrate the fact that through the Expo the wider public will come to know just how talented our students and alumni are,” says Pieter Cilliers, manager of the Design Garage.

The stand will include colourful prints and products by Surface Design students as well as new products by fourth-year Industrial Design students participating in the 5K project. This project sees students creating companies that design and make products, which must rake in R5 000 profit by the end of the year. Another exhibitor at the CPUT stand is Daniel Jennings with his brand of toddler toys and furniture called BooToo.

The Homemakers Expo runs from 31 August to 3 September at the CTICC. The Design Garage is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and is situated at the corner of De Villiers and Roeland Streets.

Written by Abigail Calata

The burgeoning local film industry has seen a spike in Hollywood productions taking place in Cape Town and riding the crest of that wave is CPUT alumnus and part-time lecturer Daryne Joshua.

After six years his company Gambit Films, which he owns with four partners, is producing commercials for well-known brands, has three feature films in production and was recently selected to screen a short film at the Cannes Film Festival and currently has another one accepted into and playing at The Kyknet Silwerskerm Fees.

Daryne was a graduate of the inaugural three-year course in Multimedia.

An additional year studying directing at AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) in Cape Town also helped Daryne pursue his passion for movie making.

One of his latest works The Briefcase is making waves internationally. It was scripted and filmed in only 72 hours as part of the Shnit Film Festival where it won the award for Best Real Time film. This led to the film being selected for screening at the exclusive Cannes Court Metrageś which is dedicated to short films from across the world.

The Briefcase follows a petty thief who steals a briefcase containing a bomb from a car. His mother and sister convince him to return the briefcase just as its owner realises its missing.

“Since the screening, we still get an email every week or so from people interested in licencing the film,” says Daryne.

“It is an exciting time. It feels like all the hard work over the past six years is all coming together now.”

To view a trailer of The Briefcase and the rest of Gambit’s work visit www.gambitfma.co.za

Written by Lauren Kansley
Tel: +27 21 953 8646
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.

A whopping 20% off accommodation and conferencing – that’s what all alumni of the university can expect when visiting Best Western Cape Suites Hotel.

Nestled beneath Table Mountain, just opposite the Cape Town campus and with easy access to the city center, V&A Waterfront and major attractions in and around Cape Town, Best Western Cape Suites Hotel was recently acquired by the university.

Alumni officer Francois Jooste says the 20% discount applies to all graduates of the former Cape Technikon, the former Pentech and of course, CPUT.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our alumni across South Africa and the globe to revisit the Mother City – and for our alumni who live here, it’s a wonderful space to relax and enjoy a meal, or use as a conference facility.”

Best Western offers a restaurant, swimming pools, a bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, a conference centre with audio-visual equipment, airport shuttle, free parking and dry-cleaning and laundry facilities.

All reservations are subject to the terms and conditions of the Best Western Cape Suites Hotel.

For more information visit www.capesuites.co.za or call hotel reservations at 021 461 0727. Simply quote the code CPUT 8830 when making a booking to qualify for the discount. 

Written by Janyce Weintrob
Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The hard work and contribution to the industry by two CPUT alumnae has been recognized by the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC).

Anneke Wiehan received her diploma in Dental Technology cum laude while Warren Spencer received both his diploma and BTech cum laude. The commendation was bestowed to the pair during a special gala dinner which celebrated their excellence as students as well as industry experts at the Bo-Kaap Kombuis in Cape Town.

Dental Technology’s Head of Department Louis Steyn who is also Vice-President of the SADTC, says both Anneke and Warren are examples of excellence within the industry.

After qualifying for his BTech, Warren got employed by a commercial laboratory in the Southern Suburbs where he worked for four years before opening his own lab. He attributes the growth of his business to consistently providing clients with top-quality dentistry.

Anneke on the other hand started by working as a laboratory sales representative before joining the family business. Her father, who is also a dental technician and former lecturer, owns a laboratory in Parow.

“My father has more than 30 years’ experience in the laboratory business and I regard him as my mentor and teaching master. I learned my passion for my work and creativity from both my parents and enjoy every moment of it,” says Anneke.

Both President of the SADTC Catherine Makwakwa and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof Dhiro Gihwala congratulated the pair.

Prof Gihwala reminded the gathering that they are running the course on behalf of the SADTC adding that he is extremely satisfied with the quality of students graduating.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In yet another milestone for CPUT, as it celebrates its tenth birthday, alumni have unanimously adopted a constitution designed to steer the body to greater heights.

The constitution provides a framework of governance and spells out the conditions of power within which the Executive and alumni of the CPUT Alumni Association (CPUT AA) may conduct themselves and manage the affairs of the Association.

Speaking at a recent gathering of alumni and convocates, Vice Chancellor Dr Prins Nevhutalu urged alumni to become active members of the AA. He reminded the gathering that while Vice Chancellors, Deans, managers and council members come and go, an alumnus of CPUT is an alumnus for life.

The AA Executive will determine a date for the 2015 Annual General Meeting later this year. Plans are also in the pipeline to establish alumni chapters in Zimbabwe in August, while a visit to alumni in the Eastern Cape by the Vice Chancellor and Alumni Office is planned for late October.

Written by Janyce Weintrob

Tel: +27 21 460 3514
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.