Five exceptional postgraduate students have been announced as the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards for 2024.

The programme supports postgraduate students who have shown academic excellence and embody the University’s graduate attributes.

This year a record of 38 applications were received from postgraduate students hailing from across the continent.

The five outstanding candidates selected were celebrated during a recent ceremony at the Bellville Campus, where they also had the opportunity to do a short presentation on their research areas or topics.

They are:

Nomnqophiso Zantanta (Doctor of Horticulture) - Research title: The feasibility of soilless cultivation of selected indigenous legumes as fodder crops for small scale livestock farming in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

Kudzai Mugejo (Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering) - Research title: Infrastructure performance and water governance for climate change adaptation in smallholder farming systems in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Rentia van Heerden (Doctor of Business and Management Sciences in Business and Information Administration) - Research title: Navigating the consequences of occupational health and safety Influences for flexible work practices in a public health sector.

Rinae Ndou (Master of Food Science and Technology) - Research title: Physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of gluten-free conventional and steamed bread from Bambara Groundnut, Sorghum, Cassava and Cocoyam flour composites.

Phakama Ngwane (Master of Business Management: Hospitality Management) - Research title: The effect of sustainable practices on hotel performance in Cape Town.

Prof Joseph Kioko, chairperson of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Awards Committee, said it was an immeasurable honour to chair the awards.

He said all of the recipients were cum laude students and embody the CPUT graduate attributes.

Since the inception of the programme, 26 awards have been made and 11 recipients have already graduated.

“I implore all the recipients, to make your own contribution, in your own way, to the success of others,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo said his key message to the recipients was “to always transform your daily grind into a source of daily joy.”

“You must always strive to get better at getting better, improving at improving. And define your identity in terms of values, not opinions.”

He expressed the university’s gratitude to the Mauerberger Foundation Fund (MFF) and its chairperson, Advocate Dianna Yach, for making the programme possible.

In her message to the achievers, Yach stated that the MFF’s support for the programme stems from their longstanding commitment to growing future leaders who are devoted to serving society in diverse ways through advancing social justice, ethics, good governance and human rights.

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

The excellent work produced by the Marketing and Communication Department (MCD) was recognised during the recent MACE Excellence Awards, where the department walked away with two prizes.

The MACE (Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education) Excellence Awards takes place annually and celebrates excellence and the achievements of specialists and practitioners in marketing, advancement and communication in the higher education sector.

This year’s awards ceremony and annual MACE conference were hosted by the University of the Western Cape and 255 award entries were received from 17 institutions.

MCD won two bronze awards – the first was in the Campaigns category: stakeholder engagement campaigns for the Shero campaign, which ran on the university’s social media channels during Women’s Month and featured phenomenal female staff members at CPUT.

The second award, which was in the same category, was for the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s State of the University address.

Cathy Cloete, who manages Public Relations and Events, said winning two excellence awards for these campaigns for CPUT was a significant achievement and a testament to the outstanding efforts and creativity of the individuals or team involved.

“Such recognition typically reflects a high standard of work, commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of marketing, communication, or related areas,” said Cloete, who submitted the entries.

She said receiving an excellence award acknowledges the successful execution of a well-planned strategy and the ability to effectively communicate and connect with the target audience.

Kurt Mitchell, who played an integral role in the Shero campaign and accepted the award on behalf of the department, said: “This was a collaboration between myself and Cathy Cloete, as well as the support from colleagues. I'm grateful for the opportunity and appreciate the recognition received from MACE."

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

Coming from a family which is deeply ingrained in the values of unity, shared experiences, and collective resilience has shaped the academic success and personal growth of Melody Mukandi, a recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award , who graduated with her Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering this afternoon.

The elated Zimbabwean-born graduate said: “Every family harbours a unique essence that propels its members through life’s daily demands. For me, it was a maternal figure, having endured the loss of her mother at a tender age, my mother took it upon herself to display unwavering support to her children without restrictions, instilling in me an intrinsic drive, free from the need for external validation, and nurtured by unwavering support.”

Mukandi enrolled for a Diploma in Biotechnology in CPUT in 2011. Graduating in 2014, she furthered her studies with a BTech in Biomedical Technology, followed by a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, passing both cum laude. She embarked on a Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, publishing several manuscripts in Q1/Q2 scientific journals. Her journey to where she is today required resilience against financial and social challenges, coupled with “unwavering support from my supervisors, Prof Karabo Ntwampe and Prof Mushe Basitere, as well as from my family and friends”.

“My mother serves as my primary inspiration and role model, always prioritising my well-being and having my interests at heart, hence, her contributions are loudly noticeable.” She also acknowledges that her journey has been a roller coaster ride. “Covid-19 posed significant challenges, delaying my project due to equipment delivery issues. Financial and social struggles also threatened my academic journey at times to the point that I almost walked away from everything.

“Nonetheless, being one of the first recipients of the Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship grant at CPUT and also receiving the CPUT’s Vice-Chancellor Prestigious Achiever’s award were notable highlights.”

Currently, Mukandi is seeking employment or a fellowship. “The Vice-Chancellor Prestigious Achievers Award provided critical financial relief during a challenging period, enabling me to persevere and complete my studies. I am forever grateful to the Vice-Chancellor and his team.”

She adds that life has its challenges in general and towards the end of her studies when she was overwhelmed and contemplated giving up, the award was instrumental in overcoming the challenges, providing accommodation and financial support that allowed her to focus on completing her research.

Mukandi also acknlowdges the support from CPUT staff , stating that “their guidance and technical assistance was invaluable, particularly Mrs Hannelene Small, Mr Alwyn Bester, and the Biotechnology team. “This includes the supervisors who patiently guided me through the doctoral study. The Bioresource Engineering Research group at CPUT, became a home, and a nourishing environment to conduct high level research, thus instrumental in my academic success.” The academic, who considers herself as proactive finds solace in nature and enjoy going for walks during her free time. The hardworking individual who is driven by results, believes that if she can achieve her goals, anyone can. “To aspiring students, particularly young women, I encourage you not to be confined by societal norms; you are capable of achieving greatness.

“If I address the younger me I would tell her that it is okay to be unique and not to try to fit in. Embrace your uniqueness and strive for excellence. Our African context presents unique challenges, but with passion and determination, you can redefine your narrative and make a meaningful impact. Navigating through life is demanding, take it one step at a time, the point is to survive not to be consumed.”

Mukandi also extends “my heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, and the awards committee for their invaluable financial support during challenging times”. “I hope that future initiatives will consider integrating award recipients into the workforce to maximise the socio-economic contributions of young talents. Additionally, a structured support system for students pursuing a thesis by publication would be beneficial, enhancing the University's publication profile.”

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

The hard work and creativity of staff members who contributed to the success of CPUT Open Day 2024 were recognised during a recent event.

Open Day 2024 attracted an estimated 18 000 learners, parents, teachers and members of the public who were given the opportunity to explore the University’s 2025 course offering and to interact directly with staff and students.

Some departments also offered informative tours of their facilities.

Dr Garth van Gensen, Director of the Marketing and Communication Department, welcomed the attendees and said the Open Day “was nothing short of brilliant”. He thanked the staff members for their participation.

The winning stalls were also announced and four prizes were awarded as follows:

• Most Informative Stand - Interior Design
• Best Team Spirit - Emergency Medical Care
• Best Faculty Experience - Horticulture
• Best Marketing Concept - Film Production

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

The Faculty of Education recently recognised employees who reached their retirement milestones in 2023 and celebrated the outstanding second annual Support Staff Awards.

Odumeleng Ramatlo, The Faculty of Education (FED) Manager, says they rounded off the year by celebrating retirees and lauding support staff in the faculty for their contribution to the academic project. “Following the emotionally charged moments of bidding farewell to the faculty retirees, the atmosphere became dense with excitement in the last segment of the Faculty Support Staff Awards comprising administrative and technical support staff on both campuses.”

The Faculty Support Staff Awards are project-led by Ramatlo and were approved at a Faculty Executive Committee Meeting in 2022 to commence in that year. At the Faculty’s first Student Life Cycle and Debriefing workshop of 2022 for support staff, Ramatlo introduced archetypes in leadership as one of the team-building activities. “After a thoroughly enjoyed and eye-opening exercise, archetypes in academic administration coined by the office of the Faculty Manager became crucial to the awards. “The purpose of the awards is to bolster the desired outcomes of Focus Area 4: Smart Human Capital and Talent and Focus Area 7: Smart Student Engagements and Learning Experiences of CPUT’s Vision 2030.

The 11 categories and respective awardees are listed below:

• Shining Star Award (Academic Administration Excellence) awarded to Mearl Williams.
• Eager Beaver Award (Initiative and Readiness) awarded to Tamara Nozewu.
• Eagle-eye Award (Meticulous and attentive to detail) awarded to Chrystal Weitz.
• Peter Pan Award (Curiosity and determination) awarded to Nandipha Smallpox and Ms Liteboho Adonis.
• Investigating Officer Award (Problem-solving skills) awarded to Rene Benecke.
• Rosary Award (Kindness and empathy) awarded to Shirley du Plessis.
• Flamingo Award (Well-groomed in presentation) awarded to Arlene Diedericks.
• Flight Attendant Award (Pleasant and professional in interaction) awarded to Ntombizodwa Mbili.
• Extreme Sport Award (Courage and bravery) awarded to Robert Meyer.
• Extinguisher Award (Conflict management) awarded to Isebell Appollis.
• Early Bird Award (Punctuality) awarded to Nomalizo Mapasa.

All permanently employed staff members were eligible to cast their e-votes which were tallied and vetted by the adjudicating panel comprising of the assistant deans and the faculty manager. Further to the awards listed above, all support staff were also awarded with certificates of acknowledgment for their contribution and commitment in 2023.

The strategic intention of identifying and using archetypes in academic administration is for staff to be able to recognise them and aspire to all these identities which are all required for a high-performing team, and which are much necessary for a student experience that inspires positive institutional memories with the faculty’s student support touch points.

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

The loyalty, commitment and dedication of 240 staff members who have collectively served the institution for 4190 years, were celebrated during the recent CPUT Long Service Awards ceremony.

Among the recipients were ten staff members who have each served the institution for 40 years. They are:

• Darrol Abrahams
• Adenaan Abrahams
• David Bailey
• Gillian Khan
• Charmaine Nutt
• Patricia Samuels
• Sonja Swanich
• Elizabeth van Zyl
• Jessy Van Wyk
• Vidonia Viviers

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, thanked all recipients for the many years of dedication and sacrifice and said all of them had helped to “build up this institution brick by brick”.

“The fact that you are Long Service awardees means that many of you have seen and done it all during your tenure and have a wealth of institutional knowledge. Institutional memory is critical for the efficient functioning of any organisation.”

Nhlapo added: “CPUT will never forget what a marvellous job you have done, and you’ll always be one of us.”

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

Three outstanding CPUT women academics have been named as finalists in the prestigious 2024 HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards.

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 to inspire and attract new leadership talent to the sector, thus creating role models, advancing gender transformation, and creating visibility for higher education women leaders in South Africa.

The three CPUT finalists are:

Prof Kareemah Najaar, senior lecturer in the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, who was nominated in the Women in STEM category. She is the leader of a community project that supports Life Science matric learners from selected disadvantaged schools in preparation for their final exams.

The project has been running for six years and has become a Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences service-learning project as well as an inter-institutional endeavour with the University of the Western Cape’s, Medical Biosciences Department.

Dr Gunjan Gupta, senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering and F’Sati, who has been nominated for the Emerging Young Women Leaders (academic) Award. Gupta has published numerous technical papers in accredited journals, peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and book chapters. Her research focuses on LoRa Networks (Reliability and accuracy), LPWAN Technologies, LoRa-based Air quality IoT devices, LoRa WAN in satellite communication (CubeSats), and Satellite systems mission and design. Her current research activities include the Integration of LoRaWAN and 5G for IoT, LoRa Direct-to-Satellites, and IoT ground stations.

Dr Ekaterina Rzyankina, lecturer in the Department of Maritime Studies, who was also nominated for the Emerging Young Women Leaders (academic) Award. Rzyankina’s research area focuses on the education of STEM subjects in engineering. Rzyankina aims to support students by utilising digital technology to enhance their understanding. Her theoretical framework is rooted in Cultural Historical Activity Theory, which she uses to analyse and improve educational practices.

The winners will be announced during the Awards Gala Dinner, which will be held at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 29 August.

*Profiles of the three finalists will be published later this month.

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