The Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science has developed teaching resources that will be used by women empowerment organisation, Vheneka as well as at CPUT in practical studies.

The department created classroom posters, topics knife skills, personal hygiene in the food industry and table setting for the Cape Town-based NPO Vheneka which focuses on “survivors of prostitution and trafficking”. The organisation’s founder and executive director, Marilyn Murugweni says they use a two-pronged intervention method which entails “psychosocial” – a transitional shelter and a fulltime social worker and, skills training in the form of a five months’ beginners culinary course which covers the basic culinary skills. The course has an intake of small groups where 12 students are enrolled per course. The intake has been smaller due to challenges related to the COVID-19 epidemic.

“The partnership with CPUT Department of Biotechnology and Consumer Science has enriched our programme immensely as we have received learning material in the form of posters and some ingredients. Over and above that, the interaction with the University’s staff has boosted our students’ confidence and self-esteem,” Murugweni remarks.

Consumer Science lecturer, Raché Hanekom expressed her delight with working with Vheneka. Hanekom says: “I am excited to work with the NPO; it will give our students the opportunity for peer teaching and some experience in training, an aspect they may be required to do in the industry.”

She says these organisations rely heavily on assistance from external stakeholders for input. “In this case, we have the opportunity to add value to the educational experience of the students at Vheneka, who may otherwise not have the opportunity to experience ‘real-life’ production environments whilst in training.”

Hanekom adds: “If you feel you can make a difference, do so, big or small. Any contribution, assistance, support is valuable to NPOs.” She explained that one of their part-time lecturers became involved with Vheneka and that the idea developed from an informal conversation where the department realised the programme each have to offer which is the training in a large-scale environment. This allows our students to mimic training in the industry. We then designed a plan of action where both parties would benefit”.

She adds that in 2021, the Vheneka students may have the opportunity to join a large-scale food production day to experience life in the industry. The department will also aim to share Quality Control skills from a business and entrepreneurship view.

“As a department, we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with community partners and to contribute through student interaction and peer teaching… The meaning for CPUT is short and simple, make a difference, however small, to someone it may be a big difference,” Hanekom remarks.  

However, it has not been a roller coaster ride for both partners as the COVID 19 Pandemic disrupted their planned programme for 2020. “We adjusted the project (downscaled), it became more theoretical than the envisaged practical lessons: Even when the unexpected happens, find a way to make something happen, even if it’s not the original Plan A.”

Albeit the challenges they faced to fulfil their plans, Hanekom says: “I am happy that despite us not being able to complete the original project; we have developed teaching resources that will be used at both institutions in the practical laboratories.”

Murugweni adds: “We feel very honoured and privileged that the Department of Consumer Science at CPUT, deemed us a worthy partner for this very strategic and enriching partnership.”

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

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) staff members pride themselves in their contribution to the 2020 World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) and the Global Engineering Dean’s Council Virtual Conference (GEDC) held recently.

The conference is a prestigious annual event in furthering the mission of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) to bring together the global community to build excellence in engineering education.  The CPUT staff members who participated in the conference in 2020 include; Cheryl Belford, Tafirenyika Madzimbamuto, Dr Bronwyn Swartz, Dr Sweta Patnaik and Prof Daniela Gachago from CIET.

The event was supposed to be the first one on the African continent at Cape Town International Convention Centre but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was held virtually.  The theme for this year’s conference was: Disruptive Engineering Education Amid Global Challenges.

Academics, industry leaders, researchers, students and governmental organisations were all invited to the conference.  Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Prof Marshall Sheldon, says CPUT gave its support to this conference as part of the bid for it to be held in Cape Town. Sheldon was part of the initial local organising committee when the international organising committee visited Cape Town in 2019, with CPUT hosting the delegation for an evening event.  FEBE is also a member of the GEDC and wants to congratulate Prof Sunil Maharaj, Dean of the University of Pretoria, who was the general conference chair on his appointment as the chair-elect for the GEDC.

Swartz wrote two papers for the conference: “Assessment as Learning” to prepare Engineering students to solve ill-defined problems in industry and Ethics in Engineering Education 4.0.

She says the conference was fantastic but that initially, she felt “out of sorts” because of not knowing what to do or was expected of her because of the lack of traditional chat rooms.

“But once I figured it out, it was pretty cool. I personally believe that our own learner management system, Blackboard, is really powerful and that the software would be the best software to use to host a virtual conference,” adds Swartz. “But my experience at this conference was really good.”

She felt virtuous after her research findings were well-received by other delegates. “I’m really grateful that I was given the opportunity to participate. It’s most rewarding when one gets the impression that one’s research adds value, and other people might get ideas or benefit from the research that one has done,” she raves.

Patnaik, who worked with Gachago, says the conference speaks about engineering education and it covers many aspects that are close to “my heart, e-learning, blended learning sustainability and curriculum development”. Through her two papers, Patnaik highlighted two things, that are very relevant to this year. The first paper is about the role of e-learning champions within FEBE and their roles and responsibilities within the department during COVID 19.

The second paper highlighted the need for sustainability within the Engineering curriculum and its need and relevance in the current world,” she explains.

Belford is very happy that she made the final cut (42 of 100 papers) and that people found her research relevant.  “I took a lot of practical advice away from the experience and have a new idea around students, creating learning material for students for next year,” she remarks.

Her research was about designing integrated knowledge projects which was assessed solely by graduate attributes.  “I communicated the journey as well as realisations of principles and pedagogies which really need to be in place to create the student experience where competencies can be measured.”  Her research seemed very popular and resulted in quite a few discussions.

Madzimbamuto explains that his joint presentation with Prof Tunde Ojumu was titled: “An Innovation in the Teaching of Thermodynamics – A Constructivist Case Study using a Pilot Plant Facility”. The paper provided a version of a constructivist theory to the teaching of thermodynamics which is based on pilot plant operation experience for senior undergraduate students.

“Innovation in the teaching and learning of thermodynamics is evolving incrementally,” Madzimbamuto pronounces.

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

Following a presentation made in relation to the CPUT Convocation Covid-19 Fund at a board meeting of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS), the fund saw a spike in staff donations.

Convocation Executive Member and the Fund’s Head of Campaign, Andiswa Mrasi, says the Faculty was highly supportive of the initiative and offered some limited administrative assistance in support of the campaign.

“We are very grateful for the support we have from staff and are still receiving from the Faculty, especially the Dean’s office,” says Mrasi.

She adds that the Faculty got on board after the concept and objectives of the Fund was presented at a meeting of the university’s Management Committee (ManCom). “I was invited to present during a ManCom Meeting with the Dean of the FBMS being a committee member. It was after this meeting that the Dean, Prof [Paul] Green, invited me to a meeting with other colleagues from within the Faculty and [I] ultimately then presented on the Fund at the Faculty Board Meeting.”

She concedes that it is difficult to quantify the Faculty’s efforts as the Fund’s marketing efforts have been broad and therefore they cannot attach any amount to a specific marketing effort, except for donations from corporate donors such as bursaries and laptops.

The Fund announced in October that since its inception earlier this year it has raised donations to the value of R380 814.50. It was officially launched in May by the Convocation in partnership with the Advancement Department and the Vice-Chancellor’s office to assist the institution in its attempts to save the 2020 academic year in the midst of the  Covid-19 pandemic.

Mrasi adds that plans to sustain the Faculty’s role in support of the Fund are afoot. “We are in a development phase of a strategy to see how the expertise of departments such as marketing, events, retail, etc. can assist us in growing the Fund.”

Green says the Faculty is happy and proud to support such an important initiative which assists students with academic resources they require to complete the 2020 academic year.  “We continue, as a Faculty, to seek creative and innovative ways to stay true to our core values, vision and mission and through our participation in such institutional initiatives, we are afforded the opportunity of doing so,” he adds. 

*For donations to the Fund use the Account Name CPUT Alumni, ABSA Account No. 40-6934-6192, Branch code 630305, Reference Covid and please email proof to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Alumni from across the globe recently tuned in for the Advancement Department’s first Alumni webinar, which placed the spotlight on Staying alive in the current labour market crisis.

Alumni officer Valerie Deelman said the lockdown which followed the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic had affected the lives of most people and forced people to adapt to the “new normal”.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has rocked the foundations of the world – economies are struggling, unemployment figures have escalated as a result of companies closing down, staff are being retrenched, demand for products/services shrunk and the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths continue to rise. So, we decided to engage with our alumni through hosting a webinar on ‘Staying alive in the current labour market crisis’”. 

The Alumni Office invited Dr Liiza Gie, Head of Department: Human Resource Management at CPUT, SA Board for People Practices Master HR Professional in Learning & Development and an alumna, to collaborate in hosting its first alumni webinar.

Along, with Gie, two other alumni, communication professional and entrepreneur Kim Webster and the founder of Red Village, a 3D printing technology company, Luvuyo Ndiki completed the list of guest speakers.

Gie’s presentation centred on Employability in I4.0 (Industry 4.0) while Webster’s talk centred on:  Coping with the new normal/Surviving Covid-19. Ndiki, whose company was recently featured on BBC world news for its innovative biodegradable products made from sugarcane and corn-starch, delivered an inspirational message.

Participants in the event received a virtual welcome from Calvin Maseko, Director: Advancement Department, while Deelman officiated as programme director with the support of colleagues Helena Pietersen and Nadine Waterwitch. 

“Our guest speakers connected well with the audience in the virtual space and their presentations were well received.  Our participants eagerly posed their questions and comments on the chat platform,” Deelman said.

A second webinar is planned for later in the year.

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

Inspiring hope was at the heart of a recent Service-Learning project in the Southern Cape town of Mossel Bay.

The Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SLCE) Unit, under the leadership of Jacqui Scheepers, recently joined forces with the Faculty of Education, Wellington Campus, and the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences for the Hearts of Hope, Health and Happiness project.

Mossel Bay is one of the areas where the Faculty of Education’s students do their practice teaching and Department of English lecturers, Valencia Theys and Dr Hanlie Dippenaar, heard about a soup kitchen that was started in Asla Park during the lockdown. It was started by Pastor Thys Wagenaar from the Filippense Christian Church, Community of Africa, Angelina Wagenaar and Mary-Ann Michaels and feeds around 50 children twice a week.

“The learners were previously beneficiaries of feeding schemes at their schools but were now going hungry. Pastor Wagenaar and his team purchased food and supplies from their own pockets and rose at 4 am to cook the meals, before they went to work to earn a living,” said Dippenaar.

The two lecturers approached the SLCE Unit to conceptualise an intervention and the project was born. Students created motivational posters of hope for the Asla Park learners while Scheepers assisted in securing donations from local businesses who supplied vegetables and fresh fish to feed the learners.

Theresa Burns from the SLCE Unit contributed learning materials and other items which they transported from Cape Town to Mossel Bay.

Lovetta Bolters from Camissa Solutions, who is engaged in a broad range of community projects in Mossel Bay, partnered with CPUT and contributed care packs, transport and accommodation costs.

“The learners were invited for an afternoon of fun and educational games on 7 October where they received the posters and goodie bags. Bolters presented an inspirational message to the learners, telling them that they ‘matter very much’. Theys played educational games with the learners and, joined by two postgraduate students from the Faculty of Education, conveyed the students’ messages of hope and support,” said Scheepers.

The programme was supported by CPUT’s EMS Department Head, Lloyd Christopher, who invited EMS Master’s student Daniel Tilley, who is based at the Western Cape Government in George, to facilitate a session on health and safety. Tilley reminded the learners of the importance of safety during COVID-19 and taught them about the paramedic services. After the event Wagenaar and Michaels provided a warm meal to the learners. 

Scheepers said the highlight of the event was the feedback from students that working across disciplines was an enriching learning opportunity that gave them broader insight.

Scheepers thanked Grandslots for their support.

*The SLCE Unit supports staff and students across faculties and departments and advises on ways to collaborate with government agencies and community-based organisations in implementing relevant projects in urban and rural locations. Such projects are important experiential learning opportunities for students and enable the university to contribute to society in its aim to be an engaged and relevant university. 

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

The CPUT Convocation Covid-19 Fund has announced that since its inception earlier this year it has raised donations to the value of R380 814.50.

The announcement was made by Convocation Executive member and the Fund’s Head of Campaign, Andiswa Mrasi, at a recent handover event on the Granger Bay Campus where seven brand new Lenovo laptops with bags were donated to students by American global corporation PerkinElmer. The donation is worth R50 352.

Mrasi said that the Fund received R53 700 via Electronic Fund Transfers and the online donation portal, three bursaries worth R204 000 and arranged for training on conflict management for the 53 Student Representative Council members to the value of R65 000. She added that the Fund also received a donation of R7 762, 50 for snacks and coffee.

“The fund was established in order to ensure that no student drops out of university due to lack of academic enabling resources,” explained Mrasi.

The Fund was officially launched in May by the Convocation in partnership with the Advancement Department and the Vice-Chancellor’s office to assist the institution in its attempts to save the 2020 academic year in the midst of the  Covid-19 pandemic.

She added that an Institutional survey to assess the number of students not receiving support from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, Department of Higher Education Science and Training, CPUT or any other source was used to determine the recipients of donations and that final year students were given priority.

Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director in the Vice-chancellor’s Office, said that the last six months were traumatic as lives were lost to the pandemic and that the big divide between the rich and the poor was exposed.

“I have to say thank you to our donors. While it’s easy for people to apply for donations many are not good at saying thank you,” added Hay-Swemmer. She concluded that no matter how small a donation is, it will impact change in the world.

Dianie Lamprecht, Senior Sales Specialist at PerkinElmer, said her company was privileged to pay it forward by contributing seven laptops with bags to CPUT. “I hope to contribute to CPUT again in the future,” added Lamprecht.

*For donations to the Fund use the Account Name CPUT Alumni, ABSA Account No. 40-6934-6192, Branch code 630305, Reference Covid and please email proof to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

When the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande recently announced that universities are allowed to operate at 100% capacity, CPUT counselling psychologists endorsed measures to follow if students had contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Head of Student Counselling, Louisa Brits and two other counselling psychologists, Dr Charlene Petersen and Hanro Lourens say they aim to create awareness around procedures for dealing with a roommate or peer, who may test positive for COVID-19. The measures are more specifically aimed at guiding students.

 Brits says being confronted with a situation like this can be overwhelming and scary, often evoking a panic response.  When confronted with a scary situation one might struggle to find accurate information, trying to search through protocols and manuals. This increases uncertainty and fear, furthermore, testing one’s own coping and stress management mechanism. “This anxiety response may lead to unhealthy responses like discrimination or stigma (including gossip, spreading false rumours, unconfirmed information) towards the person/peer who tested positive.”

She says having accurate and up to date information on what steps to take eliminates panic and can assist in more rational and clear thinking.

Tips for students or people who are confronted with a peer/family member who tested positive:

• Know the facts about COVID-19 - consult CPUT’s COVID -19 webpage for accurate information.
• Know that there are different levels of exposure and that exposure to a person with a positive COVID diagnosis does not necessarily imply you will contract the virus.
• Know how to protect others in the event that you might have been exposed, be responsible and maintain physical distancing.
• Know the symptoms and understand that only a small percentage of people develop serious or life-threatening symptoms. The recovery rate from COVID-19 is currently high for South Africa.
• Know which safeguarding measures to implement- social distancing, wearing a mask, sanitising and disinfecting protocol
• Know the difference between quarantine and self-isolation and when to implement which protocol
• Know when to seek help and do not be scared to consult the helplines provided by the university

An HIV peer educator says it was scary when her friend tested positive for COVID-19 because they share the same space 90% of the time. The friend tried to push their friends away but they didn't allow that to happen because that was the time she was going to need all their (friends) support the most.  “We had turns to check up on her with video calls. She cried the day she came back to our residence; she couldn't thank us enough for making her life easy during the difficult times.”

Another peer educator, Nicole Birabwa helped a student in her discussion group on mental health who tested positive and couldn’t focus on her books.  With Nicole’s advice, the student received counselling from one of the student counselling online groups. “It’s important to stand together to fight COVID, let’s not be selfish and neglect those who have tested positive but rather, let’s check up on them and provide help where needed because they feel just as we do, scared, shocked and sad.”

*If your worry or anxiety is persistent and constant, and you are finding it hard to stop worrying about the coronavirus, it is best to seek support.

COVID-19 toll-free line: 0800 029 999

Higher Health 24-hour counselling support line: 0800 36 36 36

For CPUT students, request counselling support at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For staff, contact the CPUT Lifestyle and Wellness Specialist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

Dealing with COVID fear and anxiety requires one to assume daily responsibility for these emotions, so that they can be managed properly.

Leanie Brits, Zain Julies, Janine Van Sitters-Mintoor and Samantha Hanslo, counselling psychologists in the Student Counselling Department, say COVID and lockdown have certainly overwhelmed people’s basic ability to cope and deal with the daily stressors associated with the current uncertain situation.

Brits says fear is often made worse by having limited knowledge about COVID and may often lead to panic-buying, excessive avoidance of situations or even stigma and discrimination against others. “These behaviours often are an unhealthy attempt to make sense of the pandemic and to try and control the situation,” she adds.

Brits point out that while fear may be overwhelming it can be managed responsibly. Hanslo, Van-Sitters-Mintoor and Julies share the following tips for staff and students:  

• Focus on what you can control in your immediate environment. Try to focus on the here and now. What tomorrow or the day after may bring is not in our control. You can plan your day and engage in routine activities- keep your focus on these.
• Adjusting your routine can also create new energy and motivation if you feel overwhelmed by boredom
• Engage in practical tasks and activities that will assume your focus including listening to music, reading or cooking a new recipe.
• Maintain healthy coping mechanisms and ensure that your eating, sleeping and exercising habits are maintained.
• Be aware of news and social media triggers that increase your anxiety. Rather limit media exposure and screen time.
• It is essential that you connect with people and try to maintain social/virtual contact- this will boost your sense of belonging and enhance your sense of support

The psychological impact of COVID on the CPUT community is evident. Ruben, an HIV Peer Educator in the Faculty of Applied Science says that missing one’s campus friends to whom one usually confided can make life unbearable.

“Being at home, seeing the reality of the household can be scary for most. Seeing how mom or dad or the elderly sibling having less food than normal to accommodate you, yet we are sometimes ungrateful can also affect one mentally,” adds Ruben.

The Department of Student Counselling has launched various online activities, including support groups, workshop and webinars and psychoeducational resources aimed at addressing various topics related to COVID fear and stigma, mental healthcare and support topics.

This includes two weekly student online support groups, Lockdown Worriers and Coping with Covid-19, aimed at supporting students with adjustment to lockdown and supporting those who have been directly impacted by COVID.

* If your worry or anxiety are persistent and constant, and you are finding it hard to stop worrying about the coronavirus, it is best to seek support.

COVID-19 toll free line: 0800 029 999

Higher Health 24-hour counselling support line: 0800 36 36 36

Request CPUT counselling support at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For CPUT students, request counselling support at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For staff, contact CPUT Lifestyle and Wellness Specialist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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

“When I started seeing the symptoms, I kept quiet, I hid my symptoms from everyone because I feared what they were going to say, if they are still going to see me as a good peer educator. As a peer educator I was supposed to be more careful. It was hard accepting that I was sick but I had to stop being selfish and accept it and find help for the sake of everyone else.”

These are the words of a CPUT HIV peer educator describing the fears and concern about stigma they felt after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Leanie Brits and Thirushni Sam, counselling psychologists from the Department of Student Counselling, said the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people in many ways.

“You may be someone who has experienced stigma or discrimination first-hand or may be someone trying to come to terms with your own personal fear and anxiety related to the pandemic.”

She said that people often do not realise that they are expressing stigmatising language, attitudes or thoughts or engaging in stigmatising or discriminatory behaviour.

“Fear and anxiety are the root cause of stigma related behaviour.”

Groups of people who are often stigmatised include people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are receiving medical care, their close contacts or family as well as frontline and healthcare workers.

“The impact of stigma and discrimination create lasting psychosocial consequences that persist longer than the infection and pandemic itself,” said Sam.

The consequences of having been subjected to stigma and discrimination, can result in the following:

• Hiding symptoms of any illness to avoid discrimination
• Avoiding health check-ups
• Avoiding seeking help when feeling ill or disclosing a positive COVID diagnosis
•  which may lead to furthering transmission within the community
• Social exclusion or rejection by others
• Denial of services
• Struggling to adopt healthy behaviours
• Physical abuse or violence
• Self-blame and shame
• Increasing mental health challenges like depression, anxiety and substance use
• Personal trauma due to being treated differently
• Self-isolation and not obtaining support due to fear of stigma

“Through self-awareness and personal reflection, one can become aware of one’s own personal beliefs and attitudes that accompany the pandemic. Therefore, it is each person’s personal responsibility to manage COVID-related fears and anxieties and reduce social stigma.” said Brits.

Sam highlighted that “COVID-19 presents an opportunity to strengthen our social resilience and build a stronger community.”

The Department of Student Counselling has launched various online activities, including support groups, workshop and webinars and psychoeducational resources aimed at addressing various topics related to COVID fear and stigma, mental healthcare and support topics.

This includes two weekly student online support groups, Lockdown Worriers and Coping with Covid-19, aimed at supporting students with adjustment to lockdown and supporting those who have been directly impacted by COVID.

 *If you have been affected by COVID-19 related fear, anxiety or stigma, please consider making use of the following support resources:

COVID-19 toll free line: 0800 029 999

Higher Health 24-hour counselling support line: 0800 36 36 36

For CPUT students, request counselling support at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For staff, contact CPUT Lifestyle & Wellness Specialist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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