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

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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 Marketing and Communication Department is ending the year on a high note – scooping four prestigious awards in recent weeks.

The awards are: the Marketing, Advancement and Communication (MACE) Award of Excellence - Gold Award for SMART Graduation December 2021; the MACE Award of Excellence Bronze Award for Virtual Open Day; the Silver Quill Award of Excellence for Virtual Open Day and the Silver Quill Award of Excellence for SMART Graduation December 2021.

The International Association of Business Communicators – Africa Region facilitates the annual Silver Quill awards programme, which recognises business communication excellence across the African continent. It salutes work that makes a significant contribution to business outcomes, and that is innovative and unique. Entries are scored independently by two evaluators, who reconcile scores together. They review each entry against the International Association of Business Communicators’ (IABC) standard of excellence, ensuring that communicators can demonstrate the impact their work has had on business goals. The aim is to encourage the pursuit of excellence rather than competition.

The MACE Excellence Awards takes place annually and recognises and celebrates excellence and the achievements of specialists and practitioners in marketing, communication and advancement in the higher education sector. Out of 171 entries from universities across South Africa, only 16 were awarded gold and 37 bronze.

Some of the comments the team received from the Silver Quill evaluators for the Virtual Open Day entry included:

“I commend you on creating an engaging platform that is unique and novel, and very relevant to a dispersed and tech savvy audience.

With reference to the SMART Graduation entry, the evaluators stated: “Congratulations on executing the project in a professional manner. We liked the look and feel of your videos and slides, they exude a feeling of warmth and connectedness. Your key message that CPUT cares, comes through clearly in the work sample.”

A proud Dr Garth Van Gensen, Director of the Marketing and Communication Department, said these industry awards show that the Marketing and Communication team were never happy to be average.

“We consistently provided innovative and creative solutions to satisfy the events and marketing requirements of the Western Cape’s largest university. We reinvented virtual events in a way in which the higher education industry had never seen before, and I am very proud of my team for consistently pushing the envelope and thinking outside the box. That is truly One Smart CPUT thinking.”

In terms of future plans, Virtual Open Day will run in parallel with a physical Open day next year and will feature a new user interface that lets visitors experience CPUT by creating a metaverse-type experience that enables them to explore various parts of our campuses in 360 degrees.

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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Three new Master’s and four returning PhD students are the proud recipients of this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) Prestigious Achievers Award.

Their names were announced at a virtual award ceremony held recently. The grateful students who received the awards are: Bimpe Omolara Alabi (Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering), Justine Angadam (Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Health), Zamavangeli Mdletshe (Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering), Melody Ruvimbo Mukandi (Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering), Namhla Matwa (Master of Sport Management),  Anza Ramatsia (Master of Sports Management) and Nontsikelelo Noxolo Tafu (Master of Food Science and Technology). 

The VC Prestigious Achievers Awards committee chairperson, Prof Janet Condy said at the end of a very critical review of all the applicants, “we selected three new Master’s students... Despite being mindful of transformation issues, trying to balance gender and race, in the end we had three females, all three from South Africa,” Condy continues.

“So, to all the students who have been awardees,  your hard work, commitment and achievements are inspirational to all of us and you are a shining beacon to all the staff and students at CPUT.”

The Doctoral students are awarded R120,000.00 per year for three years, depending on the receipt of good progress reports. Master’s students are awarded R100,000.00 for two years, also depending on the receipt of good progress reports.

The Vice-Chancellor, via the VC Prestigious Achievers Awards CPUT website, receives abundant applications from academically performing students to fund their education. The aim of this award is to financially assist CPUT students in completing their Master’s or Doctoral studies, who have achieved excellent results throughout their academic studies and who show a potential contribution to our society.

This award which was started in 2019 is conferred every year to deserving students who have shown academic excellence and an embodiment of the CPUT graduate attributes. Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo said the CPUT management aimed to build future academics who will contribute to the transformation of the higher education sector. “This is a momentous occasion on the calendar of CPUT,” Nhlapo enthused.

“We must celebrate excellence and make sure we support the excelling students.”

Prof Janet Condy said they assessed the 2020 recipients and budget to make a decision to continue to support the current four Doctoral students (R120 000 per annum) and three new Master’s students (each receive R100,000 per annum).

Alabi, one of the recipients, said: “Many thanks for this opportunity, I will always be grateful.” Ramatsia, another recipient, said: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the donors. I hope this initiative continues its impact on students.”

Condy added that the person who has made “this experience possible is Advocate Dianne Yach, who is the Chairperson of the Mauerberg Foundation Fund, but unfortunately she is ill so will not be with us today”.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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What started as a natural curiosity about what happens behind laboratory doors has culminated in a PhD in Biomedical Sciences for Zimbabwean-born, Caroline Tyavambiza.

“l always had a passion and love for medical science. I was also very curious to know what happens behind the closed laboratory doors in the hospitals. When the doctor takes our samples, where do they send them to, who tests them to find the problem..? So I decided to pursue a career in biomedical laboratory science and l have loved the journey.”

When she walked across the stage during the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, she hoped her brother would be looking down at her from heaven.

“The biggest challenge in my studies and in my life as a whole was losing my brother. He passed away in July 2020 due to a car accident. After this l could not study at all. lt was a difficult time and it still is. It's a miracle that l managed to finish this degree. l hope my brother is watching from heaven and is proud of me.”

Caroline’s journey started in a place called Warren Park in Harare.

“I was born in a family of two. My parents separated when l was a few years old so l grew up staying with my mom. l attended my primary school at the local school. Due to good grades l managed to go to a boarding school for my high school studies, ordinary level (Gokomere High School) and advanced level (Howard High School). At both these levels l passed all my subjects with flying colours.” She said there were many highlights on her academic journey and she is grateful for each one.

“l managed to come to South Africa to pursue my studies after getting the Zimbabwean President Scholarship. This came at the right time because my mother, as a single parent, could not afford to send me to university. l worked hard in my studies.

She received several accolades, including the Dean’s Merit Award.

“The second year of my Master’s degree was funded by the National Research Foundation as well as the first part of my PhD. l was also very honoured to receive the Vice-Chancellor's Prestigious Achievers Award for my PhD studies.”

She said being a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award helped her “to go on when l felt like I didn't want to continue”.

“Not only did it assist me financially, but it also gave me the encouragement and confidence that l needed in order to finish my studies. ln my lowest moments, when l felt like quitting, I would tell myself that if the VC of our whole university put his confidence in me then indeed l must be special, l can do this. l will always be grateful for receiving this award.”

Her next step is to become a great researcher “as l know there is much still to be done in the science field”.

“l would also love to give back the knowledge l have acquired for so many years so l am interested in teaching (lecturing). l was inspired by both my supervisors, Dr Samantha Meyer and Prof Mervin Meyer who are not only good lecturers but great supervisors as well.”

Her thesis is titled: An in-vitro evaluation of the wound healing properties of Cotyledon orbiculata extracts and its silver nanoparticles.

She is one of two doctoral graduates in the Faculty who are graduating during the Autumn graduation series. Also receiving her PhD is Dipuo Motswari. Her thesis is titled: Small non-coding RNA profiles in chronic kidney disease in the general population and high-risk sub-groups (with hypertension and/ or diabetes mellitus) in a South African community-based cohort.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Five proud recipients of the Vice-Chancellor's Prestigious Achievers Awards celebrated their graduations this week.

The awards are bestowed annually to deserving students who have shown academic excellence and an embodiment of the CPUT graduate attributes.

The purpose is to financially aid CPUT students, who have achieved excellent results throughout their academic studies and show a potential contribution to society, to complete their Master's or Doctoral studies.

The five graduates are:

• Justine Angadam - PhD in Environmental Health. The title of the thesis is: Plant digestive enzymes for semi-deligni-holocellulolysis of agro-waste.
• Nolimo Mbunge – Master of Business Administration in Project Management. The title of the thesis is: Critical generic skills for successful construction-project execution from conception to project close within the Cape Metropole.
• Caroline Tyavambiza - PhD in Biomedical Sciences. The title of the thesis is titled: An in-vitro evaluation of the wound healing properties of Cotyledon orbiculata extracts and its silver nanoparticles.
• Zamavangeli Moletshe: Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. The title of the thesis is: Development and testing of a renewable energy-based thermal desalination system.
• Anza Ramatsia – Master of Sport Management. The title of the thesis is: Contemporary challenges facing female senior managers in selected sport organisations in South Africa.

Tyavambiza said being a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award helped her “to go on when l felt like I didn't want to continue”. “Not only did it assist me financially, but it also gave me the encouragement and confidence that l needed in order to finish my studies. ln my lowest moments, when l felt like quitting, I would tell myself that if the VC of our whole university put his confidence in me then indeed l must be special, l can do this. l will always be grateful for receiving this award.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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CPUT acknowledged the dedication and loyal service of 190 staff members during the recent Long Service Awards ceremony, held at the Bellville campus.

Among the recipients were 11 staff members who each boast 35 years of service while nine staff members received awards for 30 years of service.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo also celebrated 15 years of service with the institution.

The Marketing and Communication Department’s Cathy Cloete, who received an award for 30 years of service, said she started studying in 1989 at Peninsula Technikon and was employed by the institution in 1992.

“When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I’m blessed to be here for so long and I’ve grown so much. Both of my daughters have also studied at CPUT and the institution has allowed me to further my own education.”

Driver Cyril Klein, who received an award for 35 years of service, said he enjoys the comradery of the CPUT community and working with executive management including watching someone arrive as a nervous interviewee, helping to calm their nerves and eventually being appointed to CPUT.

Hlokane Terence Mabela from the Faculty of Applied Sciences’ received an award for ten years of service and said a decade isn’t a long time when you are where you are supposed to be.

Asked what he enjoys most about his job, he said: “Being able to share my skills and field expertise to make a difference in the academic learning journey.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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It is extreme passion, dedication and enthusiasm about the subject areas he teaches, and seeing his postgraduate students excel in their research projects that won Marketing Department Lecturer, Prof Rodney Duffett, three awards in the Faculty of Business & Management Sciences Faculty Achiever Awards 2023.

At this glittering ceremony recently held at the Cape Town Hotel School, Duffett scooped the Teaching Excellence Award, Researcher of the Year Award, and Supervisor of the Year Award. The Achiever Awards function is an annual event that recognises and acknowledges staff for their research achievements, innovative teaching methods, and consistent and exceptional administrative skills. A structured and accountable process was ensured by selecting individuals for their prowess in research, teaching and learning and administration in the faculty. This is an annual event that has begun in 2021.

FBMS Dean, Prof Paul Green, opened the event with a warm welcome to all guests, who included Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr David Phaho and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Rishi Balkaran, assistant deans, heads of departments, awardees and Guest Speaker, Prof Linda Ronnie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the University of Cape Town.

In his welcome address, Green said at the heart of the evening’s celebration lay the recognition of excellence in three vital areas: research, teaching, and administration. “We take this opportunity to honour and acknowledge the remarkable contributions of our faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional prowess and dedication in their respective fields. These awards are a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and education.”

He said the selection process had been rigorous yet fair and transparent, reflecting “our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence”.

“As we embark on this evening's programme, I encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of celebration and camaraderie. Let us come together to honour our colleagues' achievements and draw inspiration from their success.”

Reflecting on his achievements, the modest Duffett, who was the shining star of the night, said: “I was very humbled and surprised, especially in terms of the research awards, as I felt that there were others in the FMBS who may have had a better year than I did in terms of research supervision and output”. He believes that with total commitment and hard work, it is possible to achieve anything, “provided to you to do it as if working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23–24), so my faith plays a fundamental part in who I am and is the major driving force behind my success”.

Duffett also believes that there are many staff in the Marketing Department, FBMS, and CPUT who are doing fantastic work, but it is just a matter of keeping a detailed record and evidence of everything “that you do so that you are able to write it up when the opportunities arise to apply for the various awards”.

All awardees received a certificate and a monetary grant to be used for work-related purposes:

• Research Department of the Year: Tourism and Events Management.
• Researcher of the Year: Prof Rodney Duffett.
• Emerging Researcher of the Year: Dr Christiaan Hattingh-Niekerk.
• Supervisor of the Year: Prof Rodney Duffett.
• Top Doctoral Student of the Year: Dr Maritsa Grewe.
• Top Master’s Student of the Year: Rentia Van Heerden.
• Runner Up Master’s Student of the Year: Ilanza Perold.
• Administration Assistant of the Year: Lungiswa Antonie.
• Secretary of the Year: Nicole Arendse and Fazeela Salie.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Three outstanding CPUT academics have been named as finalists in the 2023 inaugural Higher Education Women Leaders Awards (HEWLA).

They are:

Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design (Humanitarian category)

Prof Beatrice Opeolu, Faculty of Applied Sciences (Trailblazer category)

Dr Sisanda Nkoala, Faculty of Informatics and Design (Emerging Young Women Leaders category)

Higher Education Resource Service – South Africa (HERS-SA) announced the finalists this week and the Awards Ceremony will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Woodstock, Cape Town, on 7 September.

The awards recognise the achievements of South African women in Higher Education who lead, inspire and motivate those in and outside their institutions to be more and do more. It is aimed at inspiring and attracting new leadership talent to the sector, thus creating role models, advancing gender transformation and creating visibility for higher education women leaders in South Africa.

According to HERS-SA Director, Brightness Mangolothi, this year marks HERS-SA's 20th anniversary. "We believe that this is the best way to celebrate what has been achieved to steer gender transformation in higher education. We received 218 nominations, which is a huge number for an inaugural award. The calibre of women nominated is a testament to the fact that we have women who can hold the reins of power."

Written by CPUT News
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It was a proud moment for CPUT when the institution scooped three of the seven awards at the HERS-SA inaugural Higher Education Women Leaders Awards (HEWLA).

The winners were Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design (Humanitarian category), Dr Sisanda Nkoala, Faculty of Informatics and Design (Emerging Young Women Leaders category) and Prof Beatrice Opeolu, Faculty of Applied Sciences (Trailblazer category)

The awards recognise the achievements of South African women in Higher Education who lead, inspire and motivate those in and outside their institutions to be more and do more. It is aimed at inspiring and attracting new leadership talent to the sector, thus creating role models, advancing gender transformation and creating visibility for higher education women leaders in South Africa.

Ngqondi said winning the award made her feel both humbled and excited.

“I feel encouraged and motivated to do more in serving the wider society. It is a humbling experience, being lifted higher than one could imagine.”

She said humanitarian work is not a planned activity for her but a natural gift.

“I was born to serve at least one person every day. As a leader in academia, I have and am still mentoring young academics in realising their potential, completing their postgraduate qualifications and we have our formal and informal sessions of ethical leadership.

“I have a young Women Programme called The Women of Virtue that focuses on empowering young women in terms of growing up as virtuous women, conforming to moral and ethical principles; morally excellent; and upright characters. The young girls are taught social responsibilities, where they were assisted to learn the fund-raising strategies through participation. There are various other programmes I have conducted across the country on various field domains.”

Opeolu, whose daughter accepted her award on her behalf, obtained her PhD (Environmental Toxicology) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 2007. She is a full professor (Environmental Chemistry/Toxicology) and an established researcher (C3-rated). She has published over 120 articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and conference proceedings in Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology discipline.

“In accepting this award, I want to emphasise the importance of empowerment and mentorship. We must empower the next generation of women leaders by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. Mentorship is critical, allowing us to share our experiences, knowledge, and insights with those who come after us. Let us all commit to being mentors and advocates for the aspiring women leaders in our midst,” her acceptance speech read.

Nkoala is a Senior Lecturer in the Media Studies Department with a PhD in Rhetoric Studies from UCT. She has held leadership positions in several professional organisations, including Brand South Africa and the International Association of Media and Communication Research.

On social media she dedicated the award to her students “who inspire me to lead and my children who are my heartbeat. I'm grateful to be in a personal and professional environment where my leadership is nurtured and invested in”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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