The Faculty of Education’s Intermediate Phase Department at the Wellington Campus has earned multiple accolades – highlighting the department’s commitment to excellence.

This includes seven awards at the Dean’s Awards (Education) Ceremony as well as the Quality Enhancement Award: Blue Flag Status for Best Commendable, Blue-Flagged Department during the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Awards.

“I am immensely proud of the colleagues in the Intermediate Phase Department (Wellington) for the outstanding achievements celebrated at the Dean’s Award ceremony and through the Vice Chancellor’s recognition. Having seven staff members honoured for Academic Excellence, Community Engagement Excellence, and Excellence in Leadership and Coordination speaks to the depth of talent, dedication, and passion within our department,” said Head of Department, Prof Lizette de Jager.

“Equally, receiving the Vice Chancellor’s Award for maintaining Blue Flag status for three consecutive years affirms our sustained commitment to quality assurance, deep reflection, and continuous improvement. These accomplishments are not accidental; they are the result of a shared vision, collaborative teamwork, accountability, and a culture that values excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact. Our recipe for success lies in supporting one another, setting high standards, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to both our students and the broader community we serve.”

The seven winners were:

Chris Dumas – Exceptional Achievement for Faculty - Leadership, L & T, Academic Excellence, Administration, Technology
Wilna du Plessis – Community Engagement Excellence
Amanda Anker – Community Engagement Excellence
Debbie Cilliers – Academic Excellence
Dr Kobie Meiring and Dr Adriene van As (Team) - (Community Engagement and Research Excellence)
Prof Pieter Boer- Research Excellence
Dr Sanet Cox – team (with SP/FET department member - Community Support for Luanda Project

Dumas said he felt both proud and humbled about winning the award.

“It's great to be recognised for one's efforts, but the joy and satisfaction of solving a problem and helping ease the anxiety or load for a colleague is a far greater reward. My award was one of many. It's a privilege to be in the Faculty of Education, and the Intermediate Phase Department on the Wellington campus.”

He started working at Mowbray Campus in 1996 and has been at Wellington campus since 2002 and was recognised for his contributions to institutional initiatives such as a centralised timetabling solution, LMS administration, the Work Sharing Model, Smart Environment project, and AI, as well as his role in the faculty where he serves on a number of committees including Campus Management, Quality Assurance, and Learning and Teaching.

“I provide operational support e.g. Marks Administration and data extraction for various reports. I also serve as a Union Representative. As an academic, my focus is on the adoption of ICTs for learning and teaching, specifically focusing on student participation and support when using a HyFlex model. I have also contributed to a textbook on Teaching with ICT.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Ntuthuzelo Lusithi, a Diploma in Mathematical Sciences student, has achieved another significant milestone by being elected as the Chairperson of the USSA Table Tennis Association.

He was part of the CPUT men’s team, alongside Scelo Mkhetho and Everard Isaacs, which won gold in the team event. Additionally, Ntuthuzelo and Everard secured a second gold in the men’s doubles at the recent USSA Table Tennis Championships held at the Major Sports Hall on the Bellville Campus.

Now, Ntuthuzelo aims to contribute to the development of sports at universities across South Africa. Hailing from Katlehong, Germiston, he takes pride in witnessing the commitment of both players and administrators in supporting youth involvement in table tennis. “I feel entrusted by the players and management to promote our unique sport at the university level and ultimately create an international impact.”

A passionate, driven, and resilient individual, Ntuthuzelo had little reaction when his name was announced as chairperson. Instead, his thoughts quickly turned to his plans for changes and growth in the sport. “My mandate is simple: let’s get to work. I believe that if we want to see change and growth in our sport, we need to put in the effort. This means we will start by improving certain areas so that our neighbouring institutions and the rest of the country can join us.”

During his two-year term, he intends to pursue these goals diligently. Reflecting on the recently concluded championships, he feels he performed exceptionally well, stating, “Some have even said I was their player of the tournament.”

He acknowledges that playing in the Cape Town Table Tennis Premier League was beneficial for his development. “Even though many were against my decision to join the Premier League with my club Duinefontein, I knew it would pay off in the long run.” Ntuthuzelo reached three out of four finals: the team event finals where they defended their gold from the previous year, the doubles finals which they won alongside Everard Isaacs, and the singles final, where he unfortunately lost to Keenen Jooste.

“My performance was inspired by my CPUT team and the effort they put in. I wanted to show them that success is possible.”

He has been playing for about eight years, and during that time, he has achieved quite a bit, especially when he was part of Gauteng Central, where his potential was first recognised. One of his career highlights has been making the USSA national team for two consecutive years and helping to defend their gold medal. "Getting silver at the CUCSA (Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association) Games, where we could have won gold, is a significant accomplishment for me because there’s no greater feeling than representing your country. I made the USSA National Squad again, and I hope we can compete in the World Student Games next year in Germany. That would not only benefit us as players but also promote the sport in our country. I truly hope we can go and compete.”

He adds, “I hope to cause some upsets if we go to Germany because I believe we can make this happen. It’s time for Table Tennis to shine, and that can happen if we are given the opportunity.”

He attributes his achievements to discipline. “There have been days when I didn’t want to train or play, but I still went anyway, and that’s not easy. Having honest friends who keep me grounded and supportive of my goals has helped me, especially when they call me out on my lazy days and keep me in check. My family, friends, and others motivate me because I know that every day, someone out there looks up to me. I want to show that someone from a township can work hard and make waves in the world.”

He draws inspiration from various attributes of different people, including those outside of sports, and combines these lessons to improve himself every day. “Mr [Mohamed] Ally, our Sports Development Officer, has taught me a lot about CPUT sports and high performance, guiding me even behind the scenes.”

He states, “People can expect that I will give my best with whatever resources I’m provided. I have a strong and diverse team working alongside me, and I believe we will all strive for what’s best for the sport.”

Ntuthuzelo, who never backs down from what he believes in, views this as an opportunity to showcase “what I am capable of doing.” He invites everyone to join them, saying, “The more, the merrier! But they should be prepared to have their minds blown; if they are used to ping pong, we will introduce them to Table Tennis.”

Ally commented, “Ntuthuzelo has grown by leaps and bounds since arriving at CPUT. He is multi-talented and never settles for anything less than success.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The unwavering dedication and loyal service of more than 200 employees were celebrated during the recent Long Service Awards ceremony.

The event, which was held at the Major Sports Hall, Bellville Campus, honoured employees with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of unbroken service at CPUT.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said the event served to honour and acknowledge the recipients for their hard work and loyalty to the institution.

“This event today is a platform to say thank you. It's a platform to look back with admiration … for recognising employees’ long relationship with the institution. It is a platform for us as executive management to acknowledge loyalty and a strong sense of belonging.”

He acknowledged the role the awardees had played in building the institution.

“This year we are celebrating our 20 years of growing from greats. And some of these greats are here before us. I know that sometimes when we talk about these greats people are thinking about people who have retired, but you are the greats that we’re talking about because some of us who joined later benefited from the work that you have done and we are standing on your broad shoulders.”

Denise February, who celebrated 40 years of service, said she looks back at her journey at CPUT with deep gratitude, pride and joy.

“I’ve been privileged to witness countless students cross the graduation stage, knowing the dedication and perseverance behind each success story. I’ve celebrated innovative projects that united colleagues in creativity and purpose and I’ve treasured the friendships forged over shared coffee breaks and late-night deadlines.

“As I prepare to embark on my retirement journey, I extend my heartfelt wishes for the university’s continued success and prosperity.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Design-junkies, budding film-makers, fashion-fundis and multi-media mavens will be joining forces this Tuesday 23rd November at the Cape Town campus of CPUT. In an evening filled with spectacular designs and concepts, the Faculty of Informatics and Design hosts one of the highlights of its calendar - the annual FID Year End Exhibition, themed "Come See my Work".

Students from the 15 design courses will be showcasing work completed in 2010, as well as work that won prestigious prizes or was highly commended in external competitions. Some of these award-winning students include the Fashion Design Department’s Rene Burger, Le Roux Hofmeyer from Interior Design and Geoff Brown from the Industrial Design Department. More than just a showcase of student work, the event also provides for interaction between upcoming designers, industry members and the general public. Some students will choose to sell their work, but if sold, the item will remain on exhibit until the show closes on Saturday 27th November.

The opening night begins with industry speakers addressing the students about career opportunities. This will be followed by an address by FID Dean Johannes Cronje and a video presentation showcasing the top achievers across the Faculty. The exhibition is then open for viewing, with a fashion show scheduled for the evening’s finale. Kicking-off at 6pm on Tuesday the 23rd, this not-to-be-missed exhibition takes place over all 3 floors of the Design Building, part of the Student Center and the Multi-Purpose Hall.

By Jan Weintrob

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The CPUT Hotel School recently made a mark on the culinary world with the inclusion of their unique recipes in a rooibos-inspired cookbook.

The cookbook, titled A Touch of Rooibos, received a bronze award for best cookbook in the world and was also voted the best single subject cookbook in South Africa at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris, France, earlier this year.

The cookbook was published by the Rooibos Company Limited and offers over 100 original recipes from fourteen of South Africa’s leading chefs, with four CPUT chefs having contributed their original recipes.

The chefs ranged from professional restaurant chefs to culinary lecturers who were selected for their shared passion for local cuisine and local ingredients.

Rooibos Ltd., whose head offices are located in Clanwilliam in the Cedarberg region of the Western Cape Province where the rooibos plant grows abundantly, approached the Hotel School two years ago for to get the chefs involved in recipe development for the book.

The CPUT chef team, comprising culinary lecturers Mariette Hattingh, Nina Septoe, Sarah Withey, Clinton Bonhomme and Executive Sous Chef for the Hotel School Jerome Peters was then selected and tasked with the job of developing rooibos inspired recipes.

Some of the contributing chefs already had their own rooibos recipes, but most contributors took up the challenge of developing new recipes especially for the book.

“We were each given a liberal brief to develop a recipe, like a starter, main course, beverage or dessert that uses rooibos tea as an ingredient, so that gave us the freedom to be original with our creations,” said Mariette Hattingh, a pastry chef who submitted a malva pudding recipe.

The aim of the book was to promote the cooking versatility of rooibos tea and inspire new culinary creations, while placing an emphasis on the tea’s health and wellness benefits.

This compilation has a wide variety of recipes and styles that makes can be used for special occasions and preparing everyday meals.

Hattingh added: “Working on this project has been very inspirational and rewarding for me and I’ve started using rooibos more often in my cooking. There’s nothing that can’t be made with rooibos.”

Hattingh has also been featured twice in the culinary slot of the Afrikaans lifestyle programme Pasella on SABC 2 and uses the rooibos recipes in her teaching practice.

A Touch of Rooibos is available locally both in English and Afrikaans and has even been adapted for the international market, where rooibos tea is gaining popularity as one of the country’s biggest exports.

The book is also due to be exhibited later this year in a special exhibition of food and wine books from South Africa, and all other countries of the African Continent at the Cape Town Book Fair.

By Thando J. Moiloa

Photograph: The CPUT culinary team (from left) Nina Septoe, Jerome Peters and Mariette Hattingh

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Professor Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design at CPUT was recently named the top ICT educator in Africa.

The announcement was made at the 10th Annual African ICT Achievers Awards, which was held in Johannesburg on 28 November 2008. The awards recognise companies and individuals who have had a significant impact on the ICT industry in Africa.

Prof Cronjé’s passion for ICT in education along with his ground-breaking work in this field ensured that he clinched this prestigious award.

His interest in this field developed more than 15 years ago, when he was lecturing at the then Technikon Pretoria.

“I just believed that there must be better ways of getting high quality learning to take place than putting a talking head in front of a class,” he said.

This determination to impact on teaching and learning saw Prof Cronjé become a pioneer in ICT in education, with many of his innovations becoming standard practice in classrooms across the globe. In 1997 he ran one of the first Internet-based classrooms in the world and was also a pioneer of “peer teaching” in the field of ICT, where learners would sit two to a computer and assist one another.

“I further developed methods of teaching students outside regular contact time by using social software sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtude and Del.icio.us,” he said.

Prof Cronjé has also developed a popular website, Research Methods Online where students can access resources for their postgraduate studies. During the past few years he has also used his skills and knowledge to impact on the broader community.

“I regularly meet on a one-on-one basis with schools and provinces who invite me,” he said.

He was awarded a C rating by the NRF, has conducted extensive research in ICT, published extensively and presented papers at hundreds of national and international conferences.

He has also acted as a consultant in the area of using computers to reach out to various African countries.

Prof Cronjé said he is honoured by the award and “believes that it is an affirmation of the work” that his students have completed under his leadership. To date 150 of his students have been awarded master’s degrees, 35 have been awarded doctorates, while four have gone on to become professors.

Prof Cronjé plans to continue his work in ICT in education.

“My plans are to continue investigating, specifically the use of mobile devices and web 2.0 applications – that is cellular phones and Facebook – in education,” he said.

By Candes Keating. Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: Prof Johannes Cronjé, Dean of Informatics and Design, displays his African ICT Achiever award.

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A student in Architectural Technology at CPUT, Marla Bekondo Plunkett, was recently awarded a study grant for an architectural drawing that he submitted for the Georgian Group Architectural Drawing Prize 2008.

The awards were presented by HRH The Prince of Wales at a ceremony at the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly, United Kingdom on 26 November 2008.

The competition is organised annually by the Georgian Group, a London-based British charity founded in 1937 to preserve Georgian buildings, monuments and landscapes.

The 2008 event was held conjunction with The Prince’s Drawing School and the Traditional Architecture Group of the Royal Institute of British Architects, to celebrate the Georgian Group’s patron HRH The Prince of Wales’ sixtieth birthday. Competition entries were exhibited at Fitzroy Square in London during the week leading up to the Prince’s birthday.

Hailing from Cameroon, Plunkett was encouraged to enter the competition by his History of Architecture lecturer John Samuels, who noticed Plunkett’s talent during coursework practicals.

Plunkett’s submission, the only entry from CPUT, was submitted for the competition in September 2008 and was amongst ten finalists to be shortlisted and subsequently to receive the title of ‘commended entry’.

Overall, out of over 240 entries received, Plunkett was the only international student architect to be placed fifth in the amateur measured drawing category.

The entrants, being professionals and students alike, had to sketch the exterior or interior of an existing Georgian building.

For the purposes of the competition, the term ‘Georgian building’ referred to architectural structures that were completed in the period 1660 to 1840.

The building chosen as the subject of Plunkett’s series of drawings was an old municipal building in Tokai, one of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs.

According to the Georgian Group, the aim of the architectural drawing competition is to promote and reward excellence in technical drawing and to encourage a close study and understanding of Georgian buildings.

The competition was open to British subjects and to all citizens of the British Commonwealth, British Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and the USA under 40 years of age.

The Architectural Technology course offered at CPUT aims to equip students with independent technological innovations, researching skills and the capability to perform professional architectural services in technology, design and management in the public and private sectors of the built environment.

To learn more about the Architectural Technology course at CPUT, contact the Faculty of Informatics and design at +27 +21 460 3136.

By: Thando J. Moiloa, Department of Marketing and Communication

Photographs: Architectural Technology student Marla Bekondo Plunkett; HRH The Prince of Wales examines one of the competition entries.

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Dr Kamilla Swart, Head of the Centre for Tourism Research in Africa at CPUT, has recently been awarded the Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Youth Award for Research and Development.

Dr Swart, who is involved in 2010 research projects and initiatives, is among several other South Africans who received awards in various categories at the inaugural BBQ Youth Awards in March.

The awards are an initiative of the BBQ publication, which has been at the forefront of honouring and celebrating the achievements of black businessmen and women in South Africa.

However, this year they have chosen to honour the achievements of the youth (those younger than 40) of South Africa, who against all odds, have made a positive contribution to the country and shown creativity and innovation in their field of expertise.

The awards honoured individuals in several categories, including corporate, civil society, entrepreneur, information communication technologies, government and arts and culture.

Dr Swart, who is a leading expert in Sport Tourism research, was awarded the BBQ Youth Award for the category Research and Development.

Dr Swart, who received her award on 6 March 2009 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, said: “I am elated to be honoured and celebrated in this manner. I have worked hard to make a positive contribution to building our country through my specialist area of sport tourism research.”

“For my accomplishments to be recognised at this juncture, especially with the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ on the horizon, it feels very satisfying,” she said.

Dr Swart said she would not have achieved this without her colleagues and students who have contributed to her success.

Farouk Roberson, a representative on the Black Management Forum (BMF) in the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership – 2010 Sub Committee, nominated Dr Swart for the award.

Robertson, who serves alongside Dr Swart on the Western Cape Tourism Development Partnership (WCTDP) said: “Her presence in our Committee is always beneficial and meaningful because she has the ability to constructively engage and share her experiences and knowledge as much as she is eager to learn from others.

He said Dr Swart “constantly strives to enhance her skills for the betterment of her students and others within the Tourism sphere.”

“She operates in the international arena with the greatest ease and no fuss at all and is acknowledged by her peers both locally and internationally for the sterling work she does,” he said.

Robertson said this award showcases Dr Swart as a role model for the youth.

“We need people like these from amongst our own with solid credentials to ensure a better future for all in this beautiful country of ours,” he said.

Photo: Dr Kamilla Swart accepts her award from Keabecoe David Motlhoioa, one of the judges of the BBQ Youth Awards.

By Candes Keating

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The Theewaterskloof International Community Development Project (TWK) recently clinched second place in the prestigious MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship.

The prize recognises exceptional student civic engagement initiatives at higher education institutions across the globe

Out of 67 nominations from 40 universities in 19 countries, the projects driven by TWK were recognised for making an impact in impoverished communities in the Western Cape.

The TWK Project was established several years ago and is a partnership between CPUT, HAN University in the Netherlands, the University of the Western Cape, Elgin Learning Foundation and the Theewaterskloof Municipality.

Currently the coordinating office of the project is based at CPUT.

On 6 June 2009 , CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, accompanied by a CPUT student involved in the TWK Project, Fattinald Rangongo, received the prize at a ceremony in France .

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said the TWK Project, along with the other projects that received awards, are making a “huge impact on communities and at universities.”

She said the prize is a “valuable” recognition of the work being carried out at the institution.

CPUT is an engaged university, with research activities and teaching, geared to involving communities.

“Issues in the community must inform the research and teaching and learning agenda of the university,” said Prof Mazwi-Tanga.

She said the institution is also involved in several other community based projects, of which one was internationally recognised.

The Tabeisa project, which aims to develop entrepreneurs in poor communities, won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2008.

“We are on the right path, but need to consolidate all these activities and showcase them appropriately,” she said.

Prof Mazwi-Tanga said while in France, the winners of the MacJannet Prize also had an opportunity to network and discuss how they could support each other.

Jacqueline Scheepers, CPUT Manager of the TWK Service Learning Project, said the initiative sees South African and Dutch students participate in service-learning projects that build on their areas of study. The projects are designed by the students and address the needs identified by the community.

Through the projects students provide services in areas such as social work, education, health services, sports, architecture and environment management. Currently there are more than 30 projects under way in the towns of Genadendaal, Caledon, Grabouw and Villiersdorp.

Scheepers said the prize brings “validity to the whole project.”

“This recognition will help us to develop more links, especially internationally,” she said.

Abraham Oliver, a TWK Project field coordinator said the prize will also assist them in further developing the programme.

“We want to make the project sustainable by securing outside funds,” he said.

Currently the partners are responsible for funding of the projects.

Director of International Affairs, Merle Hodges, who nominated the TWK Project for the prize, said the project is not only impacting on communities in the Western Cape .

“What we’ve found is that Dutch students are now taking the programs back to their institution and implementing them there, so the effects are even wider,” she said.

Ben Bartels, HAN Director International Relations and coordinator for TWK Project said this is a “powerful” programme.

“For us as representatives of universities it is our duty to create and to facilitate powerful learning environments for students in which they can develop their professional and personal growth,” said Bartels.

He said without the students’ enthusiasm, projects like these would be “doomed to fail.”

By Candes Keating

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CPUT management once again paid homage to staff members who have served the institution for several years at the annual Long Service Awards. The event was held on 6 June 2008 at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Milnerton and was also attended by family and friends of the recipients.

Those awarded had served the institution between ten and thirty-five years. During this period, the 160 recipients of the awards had spent 2 685 years of service with an average of 16, 7 years of service contributed by each. They were amont others couples, professors, heads of department, lecturers, administration staff and service staff.

Welcoming the guests, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, Vice-Chancellor of CPUT, thanked the spouses of the awardees for attending the function. She said many of the awardees have sometimes worked till late at night over the years and thanked them for their perseverance and supporting their spouses. She mentioned that CPUT appreciates hard work and thus the awardees were honoured on that night. Prof Mazwi-Tanga also announced that it was Mrs Stoffels’ last day at work as she was retiring. Mrs Stoffels, who ‘had taken care of us’ had served the institution for 25 years.

Mr Jayanthlal Bhana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, said the awards were recognising those who have served CPUT for the better part of their lives. He said each and every person had in his or her way contributed to making the institution a better place. “No person is an island. A lecturer can only teach in a lecture hall that is clean” and whose electricity has been properly connected,"" he said demonstrating how each job fits to the whole. Mrs Ingrid Coetzee received the award of her late husband, Mr Adriaan Coetzee who passed away in February, posthumously. The late Mr Coetzee was in the twenty years category. Only one recipient, Mr J.A.D. Human, electrical engineering, braced the thirty-five years service category.

In his vote of thanks, Prof Anthony Staak, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, said the awardees were a ‘rare breed’ with a different set of aspirations. He thanked and reminded them that they were very special people who have been loyal and committed to CPUT. After the formalities the guests danced to the music of the Gary Hendrickse Trio.

By Thami Nkwanyane, Marketing and Communication Department

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A 21-year-old teaching student, based at the Wellington Campus has been chosen to represent the Cape Peninsula University of Technology during a three week leadership trip to the United Kingdom.

Maria Louw is one of 17 South African students, who has been awarded the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.

The bursary was established in terms of the will of the late Abe Bailey, who was a mining magnate and politician in South Africa. The aim of the bursary is to broaden the views of South African students by exposing them to different cultures.

Marog Taylor, trustee of the fund, said bursaries are awarded each year to students from South African universities, and covers the costs of a three week educational tour of England and Scotland. Taylor said students selected for the trip are those who demonstrated leadership skills at their campuses or within their community. Students also have to excel academically, said Taylor.

Louw said she never expected to be awarded the bursary. However, her leadership roles in faith based community projects in Wellington and in several cultural programmes at the campus helped her clinch the bursary.

Louw, who is currently completing her practical teaching course at Durbanville Primary School, said her chosen career also requires of her to have leadership skills.

“When you are in class, you have to take the lead,” she said.

Louw, who is from Nieuwoudtville, a small rural town in the Northern Cape, said she is positive that the trip will be a success and is looking forward to be exposed to a different culture.

“I am very excited,” she said.

Louw, along with the other students will travel to the United Kingdom on 21 November 2008.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

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The CPUT Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team won seven trophies at the South African National SIFE competition on 3 July 2008. The competition was held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg and challenged students to demonstrate their expertise in business leadership.

The CPUT team won trophies in several different categories including Success Skills, Financial Literacy, Sustainability, and Business Ethics. Eighteen teams participated in the competition and more than 450 people attended the event, including leading business executives who judged the competition. CPUT competed against finalists from institutions like Rhodes University, University of Fort Hare, Durban University of Technology and University of Limpopo.

Student teams were rated on the strength of their projects. Their work aimed to create sustainable economic opportunities by helping others understand market economics and by transferring skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, success skills and business ethics.

The overall champions were the team from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. This team will represent South Africa at the 2008 SIFE World Cup, due to take place in Singapore in October.

The SIFE organisation’s focus is to create global partnerships between business and higher education that prepare university students to make a meaningful contribution towards a better world as entrepreneurs and business leaders. SIFE challenges students to address real world business and economic issues in their communities.

The organisation was founded in 1975 in the United States of America and is currently affiliated with 24 South African universities. Students from around the world are encouraged to implement projects that will transform the lives of people facing real social and economic problems.

The CPUT team was led by SIFE faculty advisor Buntu Gwija and Co-advised by Brian Ntlangula. Gwija said that with limited resources, the University’s team went to Johannesburg with their heads up high and made a name for CPUT in academic and scholarly involvement.

The 45 active CPUT SIFE members were represented by six students (Vusumzi Thomas, Edwin Msuthwana, Fertinald Phaka Rangongo, Sandy Zigana and Tshegofatso Moshane and Thando Ngese).

Optimistic Gwija congratulated the team with the words,, “Bravo SIFE CPUT. Keep up the good work.""

By Ruth Chisesa, Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: CPUT SIFE faculty advisor Buntu Gwija (centre), co-advisor Brian Ntlangula and the six SIFE team members proudly display the trophies they won at the national competition.

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CPUT Executive Management paid homage to staff members at the annual Long Service Awards.

The event is a highlight on the CPUT calendar and provides Executive Management with the opportunity to recognise staff members who play a vital role in the running of the university.

Held at the Bellville Campus, this year 203 staff members were honoured. Awards were given to those who have been employed at the university between ten and forty years.

During this period, the 203 recipients of the awards had spent a collective of 3 465 years working at the university.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Anthony Staak expressed his gratitude towards the staff members.

“Such loyalty and dedication is something really special in this day and age,” says Prof Staak, who received an award for 30 years of service.

This year, two staff members where recognised for 40 years of service – Cornelius Botha and Michael Sebastian.

Botha, a laboratory technician in the Applied Science Faculty, says working with students has been the highlight of his career at CPUT.

“I enjoy being able to help students. Every day is different at CPUT and I enjoy that,” he says.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo says CPUT will continue to invest in its staff members.

By Candes Keating

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A third year student’s passion for photography recently helped her clinch a top prize at the Sanlam Private Investments Innovation Awards.

Photography student Robyn Rickers is one of 10 tertiary students who recently walked away with R10 000 in prize money.

The awards, which were launched this year to mark the 10th anniversary of Sanlam Private Investments, celebrate students who in their field produce unique ideas and concepts which are practical and add value.

The awards, which took place on 30 October 2009, were exclusive and only institutions that were identified as being among the top in their respective fields, were invited to participate.

The Photography Department at CPUT and all its third year students were invited to showcase their skills and participate in the awards. Several other tertiary institutions were invited to participate in the catergories of fashion design, wine-making, interior design, architecture, culinary arts, jewellery design, music and fine art.

The CPUT students were tasked with creating an entry that displayed one or a combination of the criteria, which included creativity, beauty, luxury and quality.

Rickers, who hails from Wellington, produced an emotive portrait that featured a man and woman embracing. She said although well dressed, their faces tell a story of individuals who have struggled with poverty and other hardships.

Rickers, who comes from a family of photographers, said she was inspired by the conditions in her community to capture the image.

Although she hopes the photograph will raise awareness of what is happening in communities, Rickers said: “Everyone creates their own story when they see a picture.”

One of the judges, celebrity photographer Gerda Genis, who was moved by the photograph, said Rickers is a “great photographer.”

Genis described the photograph as “visually captivating and communicating instant and alarming honesty.”

She said the photograph highlights the social issues of those less fortunate and offers insight into the couple’s platonic love and their lost aspirations.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT is celebrating the contributions of 200 staff members who have 3370 years of dedicated service between them during the annual Long Service Awards.

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the awards will take place in a virtual format, which awardees will be able to watch online from this afternoon (25 August).

Each recipient will be individually recognised during the ceremony which has been pre-recorded by the Marketing and Communication Department.

The two longest-serving recipients are Christian Strauss and Karel Jacobs who have each been working at the institution for 40 years.

Strauss, who is the senior print supervisor, started working as a general worker at the then Peninsula Technikon on 9 May 1979.

“During my first year, I was asked by Dr Franklin Sonn and the late Mr David Nadus to work in the printing room. My job description entailed printing student notes and binding of documents. Over the years I have gained invaluable experience and appreciate the knowledge that I have gained by working with various technicians,” he said.

“Throughout my tenure, I have learnt that we do not have to agree with one another, but it is important that we respect each other and be willing to learn from each other. Being kind does not cost a thing and therefore I have always been willing to walk the extra mile for our community.”

Jacobs, a senior lab technician in the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Applied Sciences said he started off as a lab assistant at the old Cape Technikon.

He said one of his career highlights was working in organic chemistry as an assistant to Prof Victor Hugo when Hugo was appointed as head of department and gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge on laboratory glassware.

His advice to young people entering the workforce is to try and learn from everyone.

“Ask many questions, don’t keep quiet and be nice to people. You learn something from everyone, no matter who it is. Develop a love for your job, then it will become your passion.”

Cathy Cloete, Public Relations and Events coordinator at CPUT said to make the occasion extra special, a personalised snack box with a special message from Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, would be delivered to each awardee.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The dedication and loyal service of 178 staff members, who have 3150 years of service to CPUT and its heritage institutions between them, were celebrated during the recent Virtual Long Service Awards ceremony.

“In an age when job-hopping is fashionable, the continual search for better opportunities and new experiences means that staff seldom stay longer than a few years at any company. A Future Workplace survey conducted a few years ago found that the average person born between 1977 and 1997 could expect to have 15 to 20 jobs for their working lives,” said Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo.

“So, in a sense, this group represent a rare breed of employee. During your service, you may have considered other attractive job offers but decided to remain at CPUT. I believe that is a reflection on the level of job satisfaction you must have felt.”

The recipient with the longest period of service was Hilda Haupt who will soon be retiring after 45 years of service.

“She has diligently worked alongside six vice-chancellors, including myself, and I certainly couldn’t do my job without her unwavering support. Hilda Haupt, you are appreciated; 45 years of service is certainly something worth celebrating."

Nhlapo said the recipients’ institutional knowledge was irreplaceable and added to the unique culture of CPUT.

“We salute you for being loyal employees of CPUT. Congratulations again on this career milestone and I look forward to meeting you again at your next long service awards ceremony in a few years’ time.”

The Marketing and Communication Department’s Cathy Cloete said each recipient was surprised at their home with a special and personalised snack pack which they could enjoy with their families while watching the ceremony online.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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In the inaugural DVC Innovation Award, sponsored by IP law firm Spoor and Fisher, was jointly bestowed on Associate Professor Maretha Opperman and Assoc Prof Spinney Benade (posthumous) for their research into a portfolio of nutraceutical and food supplement products.

In his address at the awards ceremony last week Dr Revel Iyer, director of the Technology Transfer Office, said the award was a new initiative meant to recognise the contribution of researchers at CPUT to technological innovation stemming from research.

“In choosing the recipient of the award we look beyond the simple creation of innovations. The requirement is that the technology must be packaged in a translational form such that it has a tangible effect on the society and economy. Preference is given to innovations making an impact in South Africa,” explained Iyer.

The Award was presented on World Intellectual Property Day, April 26.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology, Innovation & Partnerships Prof Marshall Sheldon pointed out that this year’s World Intellectual Property Day campaign celebrated the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and courage of women who are driving change in our world.

“Everyday women come up with game-changing inventions and life-enhancing creations that transform lives and advance human understanding from astrophysics to nanotechnology and from medicine to artificial intelligence and robotics.

“At CPUT we have a number of women whose research is directed at innovation that has created intellectual property,” said Sheldon.
Opperman said she and Benade had worked together for 13 years, establishing the Functional Food Research Unit in 2009.

Together they worked on various projects including three which yielded patents for an Omega-3 capsule called Omega Caro-E; a nutritional supplement premix containing carotenes, vitamin E and minerals known to be deficient in groups of people consuming a starch-heavy diet, called Nutri Caro-E; and a soon to be released emulsion version of Omega Caro-E for children.

“I am working with Food Technology to work on the taste,” she said about the emulsion.
Their initial focus on community research, doing clinical trials to determine the optimum daily level of fatty acids needed by people, is a model they have replicated ever since as they developed different nutraceutical and food supplements.

“Prof Spinney always said ‘you don’t just do research for a publication to sit on your shelf. If you can’t apply it, you don’t do it. That was a very big motivation for me,” Opperman remembers.

An associate professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science, Opperman is also in her second year of study for an MBA from Stellenbosch University Business School to help her manage an NGO she is starting that will distribute the Omega Caro-E emulsion to local preschool children.

Prof Benade worked on carotenes his whole career, but the nutritional supplement premix containing carotenes was the last project he worked on at CPUT, and the last research he was investigating was using said premix in a biscuit to mitigate the effects of Vitamin A deficiency in children.

“The other interesting thing is vitamin E. Prof indicated that in that population [which they were testing] 70% of the children were deficient in Vitamin E which is important for brain development. It protects your blood against oxidation and damage to arteries.

“After the biscuits were given to the children their deficiency declined to 10 percent and then their school attendance improved, their levels of inflammation decreased.

“Then, they withdrew the biscuits for six months to see what happened and all their levels turned back to deficient.

“I think he did really good research in that regard. The publications are not 100% finished yet, so I asked his wife if she wanted me to continue and finish it, and she said I must.”

While working on what would eventually become the Omega Caro-E capsules, the two professors did extensive research into various omega-3 supplements available on the South African markets and they passed on their results to the Registrar of Medicines at the Medicines Control Council, which led to an invitation for Opperman to sit on their Complementary Medicines Committee.

There she is collaborating on the writing of new regulation into complementary medicines and overseeing the writing of the guidelines on fatty acid supplements for the South African market.

Written by Theresa Smith
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Provides coverage for the Applied Sciences and Engineering Faculties and the Wellington Campus.

Financial constraints nearly frustrated him out of the doctoral degree programme, “Glory be to the almighty God for an open door of opportunity to be a recipient of Vice-chancellor Prestigious Achievers Award twice”.

Here, Dr Imisioluseyi Julius Akinyede shares his story.

Akinyede was born into a polygamous family in Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State of Nigeria to the family of the Akinyede-Asamo dynasty. 2013, he registered for MTech in Construction Management at CPUT and graduated in 2015. He then worked as a project manager from 2015 to 2016. Akinyede commenced his DEng degree in 2016. His work experience manifested in his research on affordable, sustainable housing delivery, and his role as a research assistant, mentor and lecturer helped him “tremendously with research outcome”.

His mother, Felicia Akinyede, a trader, made Akinyede understand that the road map to success is through education, and she encouraged him to achieve his set target in education morally and financially. The primary factor that helped him to get to the present position is his endurance and perseverance “through God's guidance.

“And I always set a target for myself and focus on the achievement.”

Akinyede received the Vice-Chancellor Prestigious Achievers Award in 2019 and 2020.  “It helped me greatly to complete my doctorate within the record time as scheduled by the university. I was a debtor to the university, and registration became difficult due to the debt I owed the school [CPUT]”. Immediately, I received this award, and after that, I could register in 2019 and 2020, respectively.”

“The Vice-Chancellor Prestigious Achievers Award impacted my career and life significantly. I was on the verge of dropping out of school because of financial challenges, but the monetary value attached to the award helped me pay the fees and accommodation expenses.”

Akinyede, the construction management and quantity surveying lecturer, passed his master’s degree at CPUT. During the master’s degree programme, he presented and published nine conference papers accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for subsidies. His excellent work manifested in his doctoral degree programme, consequently, Akinyede published an article in an international journal accredited by DHET and presented five conference papers at local and international level. His thesis focussed on affordable housing delivery, based on the challenge of housing affordability and availability in South Africa.

Reflecting on the support he received from CPUT staff during his studies, Akinyede says: “My departmental staff are virtuous people, ready to assist at all times. The love and kindness shown to me by the academic staff of the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying during this study was wonderful and appreciated.”

Akinyede also pays tribute to the Vice-Chancellor and the awards committee. He acknowledged the support of the Vice-Chancellor for skill development at CPUT. “I am one of the beneficiaries. The formation of the Vice-Chancellor Prestigious Achievers Award is a good initiative by the CPUT management team. My appreciation goes to the award committee for nominating me as one of the recipients.”

“I will forever be grateful to the Vice-Chancellor and the awards committee for the financial value attached to the award. Furthermore, I appreciate the Vice-Chancellor for the letter he sent to me on my graduation. I am willing to continue my academic career at CPUT about the content of the letter sent to me by the VC to join a group of talented academics at CPUT.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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The Client Service Account Manager at advertising agency M&C Saatchi Abel, Sivenathi Jayiya, says the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award assisted her in completing her Master’s degree in Public Relations Management, “which was the biggest accomplishment of my life”.

“The greatest highlights of my life were being awarded with the VC Prestigious Achievers Award and graduating with a Cum Laude for my Master’s degree,” Jayiya enthuses. The Stutterheim (Eastern Cape)-born Advertising Account Manager embarked on a higher education journey at CPUT in 2013. Jayiya had initially applied for Journalism, which she wanted to study, but my interview letter was delivered a month after the deadline. She then forfeited her spot in the Journalism department. Her name was then forwarded to the Public Relations (PR) Department, and at that point, she had no idea of what PR was.

However, Jayiya enjoyed the course, graduated with her Diploma in 2015, and enrolled for her BTech, which she completed in 2016. In 2018, Jayiya registered for a Master’s Degree in PR to further equip herself in corporate communication, strategic communication and corporate social responsibility with the hope of landing a job in corporate communications. Her Master’s degree took longer than she had expected due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, “with God’s grace, I managed to complete my Master's Degree in 2021 and graduated with a Cum Laude” with the assistance of the Vice-Chancellor Prestigious Achievers Award.

She says receiving the VC Prestigious Achievers Award motivated her to do her best to get good marks without the stress of academic finances. “Being a recipient of such an award was a great honour and a privilege as I got to study without worrying about my fees or academic expenses. I am [not] where I want to be in my career yet; I am currently an Advertising Account Manager, hoping to become a lecturer one day. It has been a struggle, but graduating for my mater and being a recipient of the VC prestigious achievers award will hopefully open up doors for me and my career.”

Reflecting on her life journey, Jayiya reveals that she comes from a family of four, raised by a single mother who never got a chance to finish high school after she lost her parents at a very young age.

“Growing up on the Cape Flats was never easy; crime was at its peak, young girls were being raped, young boys were getting pulled into drugs etc. One had to decide which route she wanted for herself.

“I grew up telling myself that I would go to school, graduate, get a job and move my family away from that life, but the reality is that life is not as smooth, but we can only do our best to navigate the hardships we go through.”

In her message to the younger generation from a similar background, Jayiya says: “Believe in yourself. Believe in your uniqueness as a person. Ignore the pressures around you, telling you you’re not anybody unless you have this or you have that. Ultimately, you have to affirm yourself and not compare yourself to someone else. Remember, you always have a choice and can always do something to change a situation.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce

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CPUT celebrated the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards during a recent ceremony held at the Bellville Campus.

The purpose of the awards is to provide financial support to CPUT students on their journey to completing their Master’s or Doctoral studies. It is aimed at student who have achieved excellent results throughout their academic studies and who show a potential to contribute to society.

The 2023 recipients each received a certificate during the ceremony and were given the opportunity to present their research topics. Graduates of the programme were also given an opportunity to share their stories.

They 2023 recipients are:

Oritonda Muribwathoho (Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering) - Research title: Development of metal matrix composites suitable for hulls and ship decks

Murendeni Nethengwe (Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences) - Research title: Evaluation of antioxidant potential and mechanism of action of phenolic compounds from South African indigenous plants used in the management of diabetes-related male infertility

Shaun Mgoma (Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering) - Research title: Recovery of valuable compounds from agricultural food using green technologies: Process design and Techno-economic analysis

Bongisiwe Zozo (Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry) - Research title: Purification and characterisation of the native black soldier fly larva Protein

Mzoxolo Ntabeni (Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering) - Research title: The influence of academic and industry-specific project management qualifications on the effectiveness of project managers in the construction industry

Nontle Mbana (Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering) - Research title: Development of an optimal fabrication procedure for producing aluminium based surface composites

Sindisiwe Ntsondwa (Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering) - Research title: Development of catalysts for enhancement of H2 sorption kinetics for intermetallic hydride storage application

Mfundo Radebe (Master of PR & Communication Management) - Research title - An Assessment of the integration of social media in news production in selected community radio stations in Gqeberha

The awardees all thanked the donors and the committee for the investment in their education.

Murendeni said not only had the award helped her to focus on her studies without worrying about finances but it has also boosted her confidence.  

She said she would continue to strive to make a difference in her community.

Prof Joseph Kioko, chairperson of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee, said that since the programme started in 2018, a total of 21 students have been awarded and of these, 13 have completed their degrees, with 10 having graduated.

He thanked the programme’s donor, the Mauerberger Foundation Fund, under the leadership of Adv. Dianna Yach.

“The impact of the Foundation’s generosity and support for our students will ripple across many generations in many communities.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said the awards are bestowed annually to deserving students who have shown academic excellence and an embodiment of the CPUT graduate attributes.

“This afternoon, we are celebrating people who think they can, we are celebrating people who have demonstrated the power of choice.”

Yach said the awardees had already shown that nothing would deter them from reaching their dreams.

“I want to congratulate you all on your outstanding academic achievement. But I also want to stress.. it’s not so much the theories and the ideas that we gather through reading and knowledge seeking, it’s the human factor that makes the difference.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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