CPUT recently hosted the Western Cape Regional Round of the EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 competition, organised by USAf through EDHE, showcasing exceptional student-led businesses from South African universities at the UWC Innovation Hub.

The EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 is the flagship national platform across South Africa’s 26 public universities aimed at identifying, recognising, and showcasing outstanding studentpreneurs. Zinzi Magoda, lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, said Universities South Africa (USAf) spearheads the event through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Programme. “It is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) via the University Capacity Development Program (UCDP), with sponsorship from Absa Group and long-standing support from the SAB Foundation.”

In her opening speech, Dr Xena Cupido, Director of the Fundani Centre for Higher Education Development, said the 2026 InnoVarsity is a particularly significant and exciting opportunity, as the programme creates a national platform intended not simply to celebrate good ideas, but to help students translate ideas and research into viable and scalable enterprises. This year’s theme, ‘Entrepreneurship in Action: From Vision to Implementation. From Policy to Impact,’ is therefore especially appropriate.”

Cupido told the participating students that it’s easy to think of an event such as this primarily as a competition, where someone must win. “But its value is much greater than the outcome of today’s judging.

“Every student who stands here and presents an idea is developing the confidence to say: I see a problem, and I believe I can do something about it; that is inspiring. That creates an important capability for our graduates. South Africa needs graduates who are not only looking for opportunities, but who are capable of creating opportunities for themselves, for others and for their communities.”

The two-day event included regional activities, including an insightful Canva Business Storytelling session led by Canvassador and Deputy Head for Generation Schools Leazle Harker-Myataza, intensive student pitch presentations across five competition categories, and a decisive adjudication session to crown the Western Cape winners.

The core goals of this project are to:

• Identify top talent: Pinpoint the brightest student entrepreneurs across participating institutions.
• Promote promising ventures: Discover and elevate high-potential, student-led businesses.
• Strengthen institutional support: Encourage universities to build robust ecosystems for enterprise development.

Reflecting on the event, Magoda said this year’s round stood out for several notable moments, including groundbreaking solutions across five distinct categories: Existing Business, Social Impact, Existing Business General, Innovative Industries, Existing Business – Tech, and Academic Research Commercialisation, as well as inspiring presentations.

“The highlights included impact-driven ventures like Magaye Cleaning Services and Pest Control, tech breakthroughs like Lupak Healthcare and DriveCred, creative enterprises like Fishtank Clothing, and cutting-edge research outputs like FM Safety and GreenLoop. Capacity Building: Workshop elements like the Canva business storytelling session gave our students practical skills to refine their brand narratives.”

Nicole Arendse from the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management added that the event was a “resounding success”. “Despite major last-minute logistical hurdles and disruptions that forced them to move off campus, the team showed incredible resilience. The collaboration among CPUT, USAf, EDHE, UWC, and our external partners kept everything running seamlessly, and the student pitches were inspiring, high-energy, and deeply professional.”

The EDHE Absa Entrepreneurship InnoVarsity 2026 Western Cape Winners included:

• Innovative Industries Winner: Sivise Magqazolo, Director of Fishtank clothing - Eco Blend, CPUT.
• Existing Business – Tech winner: Tumelo Mokoena, Director of SafeGuard Technologies, Stellenbosch University.
• Existing Business – Social Impact winner: Sonwabise Gcolotela, Director of Guideian EDU, University of Cape Town.
• Existing Business – General winner: Kamogelo Mokale, Director of Vhutomi Trading Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, University of Cape Town.
• Academic Research Commercialisation: Dr Gugu Gama, Director of GreenLoop, Stellenbosch University.

Magoda expressed the excitement within the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, highlighting their delight with the fantastic outcome of the event. “The quality of the business models, the depth of market research, and the poise demonstrated by the contestants exceeded our highest expectations. These outcomes

confirm that our ongoing efforts to embed practical entrepreneurship within higher education are bearing tangible fruit.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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In honour of Mandela Month, the third-year Project Management students in the Department of Management and Project Management undertook impactful projects focused on social responsibility, dignity, appreciation, and entrepreneurial development.

Dr Amanda Vester, a lecturer in the Department of Management and Project Management, stated that the event was developed as a Mandela Day project showcase, allowing students to apply project management principles in a practical context related to the community and workplace.

“Its purpose was to commemorate Mandela Day, and to provide students with an experiential learning opportunity grounded in the Mandela Day principles of service, dignity, active citizenship, collective responsibility and positive social action. The event also supported students’ preparation for Work-Integrated Learning. Students were expected to work within defined project roles, complete assigned work breakdown structure activities, manage deadlines, coordinate stakeholders, solve implementation challenges and account for their individual performance,” Vester notes.

One of the key initiatives shines a light on period poverty, inspiring students to raise awareness about the challenges faced by female students in CPUT residences, like Catsville Residence, who struggle with inconsistent access to menstrual products.

Vester states that the project encouraged students to view period poverty not just as a material issue, but also as one that impacts dignity, participation, and equality. A second initiative aimed to recognise and appreciate the contributions of CPUT's security and cleaning staff. Through this project, students acknowledged the essential role these employees play in maintaining a safe, clean, and functional university environment, even though their efforts may not always receive adequate public recognition.

“The project encouraged students to engage respectfully with members of the university community and to understand the importance of dignity, inclusion, and workplace appreciation,” Vester observes.

The event, which was aimed at strengthening students’ project management competence, leadership, teamwork, professional communication, entrepreneurial thinking and social responsibility, was developed in collaboration with the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinator, Mihlali Sityata, whose support helped strengthen the connection between academic learning, workplace preparation, and experiential engagement.

“The initiative also demonstrated the importance of academic departments working closely with their WIL coordinators when designing authentic learning experiences,” says Vester.

The students embarked on an exhilarating journey, diving into projects designed to ignite their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. They were challenged to transform innovative ideas into practical, viable ventures while exploring key principles like strategic planning, resource allocation, effective communication, teamwork, marketing, and value creation. Throughout this dynamic process, students took charge of their own destinies, crafting meticulous plans, distributing roles through a detailed work breakdown structure, and mastering their timelines. They coordinated resources, delivered captivating presentations, and showcased their amazing outputs, highlighting not just the group’s achievements but also the unique contributions of each individual.

The project sites and presentation areas needed to be fully prepared before the assessment process began. The Student Project Managers were responsible for collaboratively developing a consolidated site-visit schedule that took into account the location of each project, the order of presentations, and the logistics of moving between sites.

The programme started with the first Project Manager picking up the lecturer and the moderator, Siyata, and guiding them to the first project site. Each group then presented their project, explaining the identified need and showcasing the physical work completed. They also facilitated activities that allowed lecturers to view the projects from the students' perspectives. After each presentation, the project manager collected the assessment team and directed them to the following site according to the agreed-upon schedule. This process continued until all student projects had been presented and assessed.

Reflecting on the event, Vester says the quality of the presentations, the preparation of the project areas and the students’ ability to explain their work showed that the intended academic and developmental outcomes had been achieved. “For students, the event provided practical preparation for Work-Integrated Learning and the workplace. It enabled them to apply academic knowledge, manage real responsibilities,

communicate with different stakeholders and understand how their skills can be used to address social needs and create value.”

She continues: “For CPUT, the event reflected the institution’s commitment to socially responsive education, applied learning, entrepreneurship and community engagement. It showed how students can contribute positively to the university community while developing the professional competencies required in the workplace.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Strategic Brand Management postgraduate diploma students in the Department of Marketing recently worked with the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled (CTAPD) as part of a service-learning project.

Led by Dr Pieter Steenkamp and Dr Sandra Williams, the Department of Marketing aims to apply academic knowledge in a real-world organisational context. The CTAPD is dedicated to empowering persons living with disabilities through inclusion, dignity, advocacy, skills development, employment support, and greater independence.

The department and students were honoured with the presence and active participation of Shadley Diedricks, the Chief Executive Officer of CPTAPD, and Stanley Poggenpoel, Chair of the Board of CTAPD. The student group worked with CTAPD to support the organisation in strengthening and clarifying key aspects of its strategic brand identity. “These included its values, purpose, differentiation, stakeholder engagement and overall community impact,” Steenkamp noted.

They conducted a successful brand strategy workshop with the CTAPD to support the organisation in strengthening and clarifying key aspects of its strategic brand identity. The workshop followed the three-step Brand for Success process, developed by the lecturer and facilitator Steenkamp through years of research and industry application. “The process is designed to help organisations clarify their brand direction, align their people and strengthen the consistency of their communication and stakeholder experience,” he explained.

A key learning derived from the workshop was that a brand is far more than a logo or visual identity. Students explored how brand meaning is shaped through every organisational touchpoint, including services, communication, staff interactions, digital platforms and the experiences of stakeholders. The workshop also provided students with an opportunity to take on professional roles and responsibilities. The group included:

Siwaphiwe Matiwane, who served as group leader and was responsible for guest welcoming and overall leadership during the workshop; Thuto Michel Motema, who facilitated the session and helped ensure the smooth running of the programme; Linathi Mpukumpa, who assisted with content creation, compilation and catering support; Bomi Solomzi Maphothoza, who was responsible for workshop documentation and data capturing and Ofentse Seleka, who managed videography, the full session recording and the student responsible for IT support and consent coordination.

What stood out strongly during the engagement was the depth and importance of CTAPD’s work in the disability sector. The organisation works closely with approximately 12 social workers to strengthen community outreach and support systems for persons living with disabilities. Dr Amanda Ismail, institutional Coordinator and Delicia de Vos from the CPUT Disability Unit, joined the workshop and engaged with CTAPD to explore future collaboration between the two entities.

The students expressed their appreciation to Steenkamp for his mentorship, leadership and guidance throughout the project. His facilitation helped ensure that the workshop was conducted in a professional, welcoming, and hospitable environment. Steenkamp observed that “The service-learning project offered students more than an academic assignment. It created an opportunity to apply strategic brand management principles in practice while contributing to the work of an organisation that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of persons with disabilities”. He added that “through the experience, students gained valuable insight into teamwork, professional practice, community engagement and the role of strategic branding in supporting social impact.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Department of Tourism and Events Management has once again connected with 32 students this year, providing ongoing support for non-funded students in need as they prepare for the upcoming June and final exams for the 2026 academic year.

This forms part of the continued collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism and Events Management and Shoprite. This initiative was launched to improve student welfare by providing essential nutritional support. Acting Head of Department: Tourism and Events Management, Dr Nokubonga Dube, conveyed her department’s sincere appreciation for the “generous food donation received from Shoprite in support of our needy students during the examination period”.

“This contribution comes at a critical time and will go a long way in ensuring that students are able to focus on their studies with dignity and peace of mind.”
Dube said her department values partnerships that demonstrate compassion, social responsibility, and a commitment to student wellbeing. “We thank Shoprite for standing with our students and contributing positively to their academic journey and success.”

Nobesuthu Magida, a lecturer in Tourism and Events Management, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Shoprite team for their generous contribution of vouchers for the June Exam Food and Hygiene Drive. With this support, they successfully distributed food and hygiene parcels to 32 deserving students. Magida stated that this invaluable contribution has allowed students to approach their examinations with dignity and pride.

“I am deeply touched by these students every time they come to collect their food parcels, as some of them share the difficult challenges they face at home. Even today, I referred one student who came for the parcel and also reached out for assistance with student counselling services, which shows that this issue goes far beyond hunger.” Magida also revealed that they received 54 requests from the survey that they conducted for food parcels, but they were only able to assist 32 students.

“The growing number of requests from students reflects the deeper societal struggles facing many of our university students.

“I encourage individuals and organisations that are in a position to donate and support these initiatives to do so, as every contribution can make a meaningful difference in a student’s life. We all have a responsibility to show compassion, uphold the CPUT university values of Ubuntu, and help create opportunities through education and support.”

Despite a recent survey indicating an increase in the number of students requiring assistance, the Department of Tourism and Events Management remains profoundly grateful to Shoprite for facilitating the realisation of this initiative and supporting the university in embodying its values of Ubuntu. This partnership has significantly alleviated the burdens faced by vulnerable students during this critical examination period.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Cape Peninsula University of Technology Accounting Sciences Student Society recently hosted a prestigious student recognition and stakeholder engagement event, aimed at celebrating academic excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, and advancing student development across the Accounting Sciences disciplines.

Hosted under the theme: Shaping the Future of Accountancy: Competencies, Ethics, and Innovation in a Changing World and guided by the slogan: “Harmony in Numbers - Every Student Counts, the event reflected the Accounting Student Society’s commitment to ensuring that every student is recognised, supported, and exposed to opportunities that extend beyond the classroom.

Held at the District Six campus, the event brought together students, academic staff, university stakeholders, alumni, professional bodies, and industry leaders in a meaningful engagement focused on leadership, academic achievement, professional growth, ethics, innovation, and mentorship.

The programme was officially opened by the Head of Department, Dr Aletta Neethling, who highlighted the purpose and importance of the day.

Neethling emphasised the role of collaboration between academia, industry, professional bodies, and alumni in preparing students for the evolving world of work and ensuring that students are holistically developed both academically and professionally.

The event was further elevated by the attendance of high-level industry and professional body representatives, including the CEO of CIBA, the CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and the CEO of SAIGA, alongside senior representatives from CIMA, SAIPA, and ACCA. Their participation demonstrated the strong relationship between CPUT and the broader professional accounting and auditing community.

The guest speaker for the event was Yibanathi Jezile, currently serving as Manager: Internal Audit at PwC and a proud alumnus of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS). His address inspired students through reflections on professional growth, resilience, leadership, and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities presented during university life.

As part of the awards programme, three overall best-performing students within the Advanced Diploma streams received bursaries in recognition of their academic excellence. In addition, six top-performing students from the Diploma programmes each received laptops sponsored through the office of Calvin Maseko from the Advancement Department. The sponsorship formed part of ongoing institutional efforts aimed at supporting academically deserving students and improving access to digital learning resources.

Furthermore, three students received Historical Debt Bursaries through a special initiative led by Lolwethu Luthuli CPUT Convocation Executive Fundraising, Partnership and Engagement leader under its “Release of Certificates Campaign.”

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Advancement Department and the office of Chumani Waxa as a GCM Special Project coordinator, seeks to assist graduates whose academic certificates remain withheld due to historical debt.

Postgraduate students were also recognised through the awarding of professional body examination vouchers and additional gifts sponsored by the professional bodies present at the event. These contributions highlighted the continued importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and professional organisations in supporting future professionals.

The organising team comprised Nelly Msiza, Lolwethu Luthuli, Mvelo Siyaya, and Inga Sityata, whose collaborative efforts contributed significantly towards the success of the initiative.

Organisers highlighted that events of this nature go far beyond awards ceremonies. They serve as important platforms that bridge the gap between students, employers, professional bodies, alumni, and the university by creating opportunities for mentorship, networking, professional exposure, ethical leadership, and career development.

The event further reinforced the importance of student-centred initiatives that continue to empower and inspire future leaders within the Accounting Sciences profession in an evolving global environment.

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Senior Lecturer in the Marketing Department, Dr Pieter Steenkamp, has been honoured with a 2026 Men of Valour Award.

The awards honour extraordinary men who strongly inculcate leadership, remarkable service, and have created a lasting impact.

Steenkamp was recognised for his contribution to education and community brand-building programmes and engagements.

“To receive the Men of Valour award with others that are referred to as 'progressive thinkers and those uplifting communities' is both humbling and inspiring. We just do what we do and when it is acknowledged it is nice.”

His work focuses on bridging theory and practice - taking academic knowledge into communities while integrating real-world industry insight into the classroom. Over the course of his 20-year career, he has facilitated more than 300 community-based service-learning projects, with the aim of empowering both students and the communities they engage with.

In his acceptance remarks, Steenkamp reflected on the central role of education in societal transformation:

“Like Nelson Mandela, I have always believed that education is one of the most powerful ways to improve lives. This award is not just a recognition of individual effort, but of the many students, colleagues, partners, institutional support and communities I have had the privilege to learn from and serve.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Two Tourism and Event Management students are spending three months in Ravensburg, Germany, broadening their academic and cultural horizons as part of the Erasmus Exchange Programme at DHBW Ravensburg.

Students Anathi Booysen and Courtney Wyngaard have indicated that they are learning far more than what is taught in the classroom. Through language, culture and everyday experiences, they are gaining a deeper understanding of the global tourism and events industry and the different ways people connect, communicate and live.

Anathi has found the experience to be exciting and eye-opening. She has already explored cities like Stuttgart and Ulm and experienced snow for the first time during an excursion to Oberstdorf. She has also grown to love Germany’s bakery bread and snacks, and appreciates how seriously sustainability, recycling, and waste management are taken. While getting around was confusing at first and the language barrier has been a small challenge, she is taking German classes and slowly finding her feet.

Courtney has found the first three weeks “challenging but truly life changing”.

Being in a new country has pushed her to become more independent, from cooking and cleaning to navigating daily life on her own. She has already started German classes, joined a gym to stay active, and attended event seminars that have opened her eyes to how vast the events and tourism industry is across Europe, England, and Australia. Visiting Ulm Cathedral was a memorable moment, and a trip to the Porsche Museum, where she got to sit inside a Porsche, has been another highlight of the journey.

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Dr Pieter Steenkamp, a senior lecturer in the Department of Marketing in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, in partnership with academics from Germany, has been honoured and recognised internationally for innovative e-learning.

Their project, titled “A Day in Two Lives: Building Empathy and Understanding Across Cultures”, led by Steenkamp, Prof Daniel Michelis, and Carolin Rautenberg (student) from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, was awarded second place in the 2025 e-Learning Excellence Awards. This is a prestigious global achievement and places the project among the top two most innovative e-learning initiatives internationally for the year 2025.

Steenkamp said for CPUT and its partner university, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, this accomplishment enhances international stature, demonstrating leadership in e-learning transformation, global collaboration, and digital pedagogy - promoting the One SMART CPUT vision.

He stated that the e-Learning Excellence Awards, presented annually at the European Conference on e-Learning (ECEL), recognise the most innovative, high-impact contributions in digital education from universities across the globe. Hosted by Academic Conferences International (ACI), “the awards have become one of the most respected benchmarks of excellence in technology-enhanced learning within the international higher education community”.

“The competition is rigorous: entrants must demonstrate pedagogical innovation, measurable impact on learners, and a contribution that pushes the boundaries of what e-learning can achieve. Most finalists came from well-resourced leading institutions and were invited to present their work to a panel of international judges who are experts in digital pedagogy, instructional design, and educational innovation.” The submissions were scored against criteria such as originality, scalability, academic rigour, and societal relevance.

Steenkamp et al’s project competed against well-resourced, first-world universities without any budget. They applied their knowledge and skills, and “through determination, passion, and with an innovative mindset, gave their students a rich international learning experience. “Being awarded second place globally as a department against universities with substantial budgets is almost unthinkable,” he reflected.

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Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT, through its Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation (BiiC), recently celebrated the official launch of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with African Bank.

The ceremony, hosted at the District Six Campus, aligned closely with CPUT’s Vision 2030 of building One Smart CPUT and the university’s MIT of Africa strategy, which positions CPUT as Africa’s leading technology-driven institution advancing innovation at scale.

Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership in strengthening student development, entrepreneurship, research, and innovation. Michael Twum-Darko, Head of BiiC, said the African Bank leadership reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering communities, youth, small and medium enterprises (SME's), and innovators - echoing its own Pitch Cred mandate, which positions African Bank as a champion of inclusive growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

A joint presentation by CPUT and African Bank teams showcased the roadmap for collaboration, including immediate and long-term initiatives across student innovation, financial literacy, youth and women empowerment, and solutions that advance the financial sector.

“At the heart of the partnership is BiiC, which is strategically positioned as African Bank’s innovation partner - leveraging CPUT’s applied research, student talent, multidisciplinary expertise, and incubation capacity. Through BiiC, CPUT will co-develop digital solutions, AI-enabled learning and reskilling systems, and community-centred financial inclusion innovations that respond directly to African Bank’s national priorities,” noted Twum-Darko.

He stated that before the end of the academic year, CPUT and African Bank will convene a high-level workshop with relevant stakeholders to design and prioritise three transformative flagship projects:

• Youth development and financial literacy programmes that prepare young people for economic participation.
• Young women empowerment and graduate internship pathways that strengthen employability and leadership.
• Student innovation and market-access partnerships enabling CPUT-developed solutions to reach industry, communities, and markets - creating shared commercial value for CPUT/BiiC and African Bank.

The partnership is expected to deliver meaningful impact through mentorship, work-based learning opportunities, access to professionals, technology development support, and financial inclusion projects designed to uplift underserved communities. Twum-Darko said the collaboration also positions African Bank as a progressive industry partner investing in future-focused skills development and innovation-driven social transformation.

“As CPUT continues its pathway to becoming the MIT of Africa, this MoU embodies a powerful alignment between academia, industry, and society - showcasing how collaborative innovation can unlock new opportunities for South Africa’s youth and economy.”

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The Department of Tourism and Events Management has compassionately held a student food drive during the October-November period, aiming to support and uplift students who are facing food insecurity.

This initiative was launched to improve student welfare by providing essential nutritional support. Dr Cynthia Dube, the acting head of the department, highlighted that the food drive was made possible through the generosity of corporate sponsors and individual donors. A total of 29 students received meal packets containing staple foods, such as canned proteins (beans, pilchards, baked beans), carbohydrates (maize meal, rice, pasta), and toiletries. These packages were designed to offer well-balanced meals and essential nourishment for a limited time.

“This approach was designed to ease the burden on students, especially those who are financially disadvantaged or unfunded by their bursaries, which enable them to focus on their academics. This initiative has managed to minimise disruptions caused by hunger,” she noted.

The goals of this food drive initiative are to support students facing financial difficulties by providing essential food parcels; to build partnerships with business sponsors who support student welfare programmes; and to encourage student participation and awareness of mutual aid and food security.

Nobesuthu Magida, a lecturer in Tourism and Events Management and the project coordinator, highlighted the department's commitment to student privacy and dignity. To protect privacy, no identifiable photos were used in documentation. Various communication channels, such as class representatives, campus notice boards, and WhatsApp messages to class groups, were employed to raise student awareness and ensure equitable access to the initiative. “Most importantly, in order to maintain the initiative's inclusivity and respect for each student's circumstances, students were urged to ask for help through a private process. This approach promoted a culture of trust and concern throughout the department and emphasised the importance of student-centred support,” Magida said.

The sponsors included Shoprite, African Bank, Unilever, Diamond Works and individual donors.

For this campaign, the Department sent a WhatsApp message to students, placed food drive posters on notice boards in key campus areas, and promoted it through word-of-mouth by class representatives and the student support team. The Department plans to appeal to new and existing donors, to launch a similar initiative during the 2026 academic year. “The goal is to build on the success of the 2025 Student Food Drive by expanding its reach and sustainability. This upcoming phase will not only focus on aiding during the examination period but will also aim to offer continuous support to students throughout their academic journey at CPUT,” said Dube.

Magida added: “To achieve this, the department plans to strengthen and formalise its partnerships with corporate sponsors like as Shoprite, African Bank, and Unilever, as well as pitching to new industry partners, local businesses, and CPUT alumni. The idea is to create a stable Student Food Drive account that can be used to purchase food vouchers, hygiene packs, and other necessities regularly. This fund will be managed transparently, with clear reporting methods to ensure accountability and donor confidence.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Recently, the Brand and Digital Research (BDR) Hub came together at the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant for its fifth symposium, where Dr Pieter Steenkamp, Dr Kuhle Zwakala, and Prof Rodney Duffett sought to consolidate their research in brand and digital marketing.

The Hub consolidates the two realms to equip postgraduate students to contribute to knowledge production and solve business problems. The purpose statement was: “To advance brand and digital marketing knowledge and skills in higher education and business through technology-led education, research and innovation for the benefit of society”.

Duffett said the advent of AI requires adaptation and innovation to address digital marketing theory and practice challenges. “Strategic branding yields differentiation points and builds a positive brand image and reputation in higher education and business.”

The BDR Hub objectives are to:

Support CPUT’s FBMS research output objectives by focusing on the current industrial revolution.

• Build an intensive research Marketing Department.
• Explore and develop a Pan-Africanist perspective on strategic brand and digital marketing research.
• Improve the quality of research output.
• Attract high-calibre postgraduate students and researchers.
• Attract internal and external research funding.
• Increase research and supervision capacity.
• Foster and leverage industry linkages.
• Expand the Marketing Department’s international footprint.
• Increase research and supervision capacity.
• Foster and leverage industry linkages.
• Expand the Marketing Department’s international footprint.

The 5th BDR Hub symposium focused on advancing its objectives and featured several speakers, including Head of the Department of Marketing, Dr Sandra Williams; Director of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Prof Izak van Zyl and Duffett. Master’s student Llewellyn Church also contributed with a presentation.

The guest speaker was Omphile Setiloane, Lead Digital Marketing Manager at Spur Corporation. The other speakers included Prof Renitha Rampersad, Assistant Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS). A significant highlight was the launch of the book: Marketing Management: Integrated Perspectives, accompanied by a panel discussion led by Prof Nkosivile Madinga from the University of Cape Town, featuring contributors such as Zwakala, Duffett, Steenkamp, Mandy Jones, Andiswa Mrasi and Dr Nicole Morrison.

This annual symposium has established itself as a key event for the Marketing Department, fostering collaboration, innovation, and engagement among academics, students, and industry professionals. It promotes the dissemination of research, aligns with CPUT’s strategic goals, and supports the Department’s focus on research and postgraduate development, while also celebrating academic achievements.

The book provides a comprehensive and integrated view of the marketing discipline, bridging theory and practice for the modern context. The book addresses key areas such as strategic and digital marketing, consumer behaviour, brand management, integrated marketing communications, sales and services marketing, and contemporary issues, including ethics and AI in marketing.

It was also announced that Steenkamp, Daniel Michelis, and Carolin Rautenberg were awarded second place at the highly prestigious international 11th e-Learning Excellence Awards 2025.

Duffett expressed that the 5th BDR Hub Symposium beautifully highlighted the profound impact that research and innovation in marketing can have when academia, industry, and students come together in collaboration. “The discussions highlighted that the future of marketing and higher education depends on our ability to integrate technology into all we do. The Hub’s work demonstrates that CPUT is not only responding to the digital revolution but actively shaping it through applied research.

“Collaboration is key, whether through postgraduate study or industry partnerships; every member of our university community can contribute to advancing brand and digital research that benefits society. Events like the BDR Hub Symposium remind us that we are part of a forward-thinking academic community committed to building One Smart CPUT.”

Further information and the free first two book chapters are available to everyone at:

https://sio.brandforsuccess.com/marketing-book

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Operations Management team put Ubuntu at the centre of a drive to support students ahead of the exams.

As part of a student-centred activation, the department supported about 60 students with essential exam-readiness packs.

The objective was to help reduce exam stress and to reinforce a sense of belonging and peer support.

The event also provided a space for encouragement between peers—students checked in with one another, shared revision tips, and expressed appreciation for the sense of care on campus. The result was a visible boost in morale and a shared commitment to finish the academic year strongly.

This activation is the first in a continuing series designed to ensure that no student is left behind. Over the coming cycles, Operations Management will:

• Scale support before each exam period, informed by simple needs assessments.
• Grow student leadership, with peer teams coordinating sign-ups, packing and handovers.
• Strengthen partnerships with sponsors and units across CPUT to broaden reach and sustainability.
• Share good practice — templates, timelines and checklists — to help other departments run similar initiatives.

The Department thanked Prof Mercy Makhitha, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Shoprite, the Marketing and Communication Department and Operation Management staff members for making the event possible.

Departments, alumni, and partners who wish to collaborate on upcoming drives are warmly invited to contact the Operations Management Department.

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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS) recently held its annual Emerging Researcher Conference (ERC) at the Cape Town Hotel School, creating a dynamic platform for students and staff to engage with industry partners and adjudicators.

This inspiring event served to elevate the FBMS’s academic, developmental, and strategic goals. The ERC is a collaboration between FBMS and the Cape Town Hotel School, along with various external sponsors, and it has been a flagship academic event for over 10 years.

The ERC provides Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral students with an opportunity to present their research, engage in scholarly discourse, and receive constructive feedback from faculty and external adjudicators. This platform enhances the quality of research, promotes critical thinking, and upholds academic rigour across FBMS.

The event, themed: Nurturing emerging voices in business and management sciences research, united participants from various departments, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and innovation. It also cultivated networks that often lead to collaborative research efforts across different disciplines. Additionally, the conference helped develop essential academic and professional skills, such as public speaking, academic writing, and networking.

 By hosting a high-impact academic event like the ERC, FBMS enhances its visibility and reputation. This demonstrates our commitment to student development and research excellence, making us more attractive to prospective students, collaborators, and industry partners. Furthermore, the ERC fosters a sense of belonging and motivation among students and staff, contributing to the development of a supportive and vibrant academic community.

Sinethemba Dangazele, the founder of Promotions & Events with Sinethemba, delivered a heartfelt keynote address at the conference. His words resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impact as he shared his journey and insights.

In her welcome address, Prof Renitha Rampersad, Assistant Dean Research and Innovation: FBMS, said the theme of the conference appropriately covered the strategic intent of the FBMS, and they had gathered not only to share research and insights, but to celebrate the dynamism, creativity, and intellectual curiosity that drive the next generation of thinkers and leaders in their field. “The faculty is proud and excited to offer these state-of-the-art programmes that are designed to address the demands of a rapidly changing world of work.

“Today marks not only an academic gathering, but a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and the bright emerging minds of our undergraduate and postgraduate students who will shape the future of business and management in our country and beyond.”

She mentioned that they have come together under the banner of knowledge and collaboration. She acknowledged that the world is changing rapidly — markets are evolving, technology is redefining industries, and leadership is being redefined. In this dynamic environment, she emphasised that their ability to think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose has never been more important.

“In a global environment marked by rapid technological innovation, shifting markets, and complex social challenges, it is essential that we create platforms where fresh perspectives can thrive and influence the direction of our disciplines. And this conference provides a platform for you, our students, to present your research, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers, academics, and industry professionals. It is a space where theory meets practice, and where innovation meets opportunity.”

Chris Hattingh-Niekerk, Assoc Prof in the Department of Tourism and Events Management, said he was extremely pleased with the organisation and outcomes of this year’s ERC. “The event ran smoothly, thanks to the excellent collaboration between the organising committee, academic departments, and the Cape Town Hotel School team. The level of engagement from both presenters and attendees was exceptional. Students demonstrated strong preparation, confidence, and enthusiasm in sharing their research, while the audience actively participated through thoughtful questions and discussions.”

Hattingh-Niekerk was also impressed by the maturity and originality of many of the presentations, “particularly from our postgraduate students, which reflected the growing research culture within the faculty”. “The presence of external adjudicators and industry guests added significant value by providing students with constructive, real-world perspectives on their work. The atmosphere throughout the day was one of intellectual curiosity and collegiality, which truly embodied the spirit of the ERC.”

Hattingh-Niekerk was impressed by CPUT alumnus Dangazele, who captivated the audience with his inspiring journey from ECP student to successful entrepreneur running an event management business in Cape Town. He is also a lecturer in Entrepreneurship and was recently accepted to pursue a Master of Philosophy in Inclusive Innovation.

“There is no greater reward than witnessing the success of our students and seeing their journeys come full circle. Sinethemba is a true testament to the transformative power of education and an outstanding CPUT product.” The awards ceremony at the end of the day was another significant moment. It celebrated academic excellence while recognising the hard work and perseverance of our students. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors whose vital support made the ERC a reality.

Hattingh-Niekerk said the Cape Town Hotel School, Europcar, Cape Town Tourism, Southern Sun, XL Events, Emerald Publishing, and The Diamond Works Institute exemplified a commitment to advancing research and fostering student development at CPUT through their unwavering partnership.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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The Department of Applied Legal Studies recently celebrated a major milestone — the official launch of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) CPUT Student Chapter.

The launch marks the beginning of an exciting new era for students, offering them the opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals and bridging the gap between academia and practice.

In his welcoming address Servious Hungwe, Acting Head of the Department and student advisor to the new chapter, said the Department of Applied Legal Studies and ACFE had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that marked the beginning of the journey.

“With that MOU, we undertook to achieve quite a number of things. And the launching of this student chapter is one of the deliverables,” he said.

 “We are indeed proud to partner with the world's largest anti-fraud organisation and premier provider of anti-fraud training and education, and we remain truly grateful for their continued support.”

He said the main objective was to introduce fraud-related topics to members and students and to get the younger generation interested and excited about fraud-related careers.

“The ACFE CPUT Student Chapter provides students with opportunities to network with industry experts, attend regional conferences, and gain insight into the realities of fraud prevention and investigation,”

He thanked the ACFE national delegation, including President Jonathan Le Roux and Membership Officer Katleho Seqapotsa, the ACFE Western Cape Committee delegation, advisory board representative Sanlam’s adv Sankie Morata, and the students for their attendance and support.

Le Roux, a CPUT alumnus, said an important aspect of the student chapter was networking “amongst yourselves and secondary to that, you also have access to conferences”.

He said ACFE South Africa was formed in 1998, adding that by joining the chapter, the students had access to people, not just on the continent, but globally.

Seqapotsa said the students would be tasked with organising anti-fraud events and AFCE would provide support in terms of expert speakers.

Senior Lecturer Prof Noleen Leach said the event was a milestone in the lifespan of the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies.

“It's confirmation that our curriculum bears value – that it’s unique, that it's increasingly being recognised everywhere, not only in the public sector, but also in the private sector.”

Aluve Mnqika, president of the student chapter, encouraged the students to attend their events and to ask questions.

“Our mission as the student chapter here is that we want to connect students with industry experts, who will be able to inspire you and also mentor you.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation (BiiC) recently engaged with executives from First National Bank (FNB) in the Western and Eastern Cape at the FNB Portside Tower in Cape Town.

Professor Michael Twum-Darko, Head of BiiC, noted that the meeting was exploratory, aiming to assess how academic research and innovation capabilities can align with the strategic interests of FNB and its clients. “The session left a strong impression on FNB’s leadership, who expressed enthusiasm for the pioneering work being conducted by BiiC,” he stated. The executives committed to further discussions to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Twum-Darko, who teaches Technopreneurship to third-year Diploma in Banking students, attended the engagement with his class. The students had the opportunity to showcase innovative business models developed during their coursework, emphasizing venture building in the digital economy as the primary assessment method. The module prepares third-year Banking students to design robust ventures by developing:

• Compelling business visions and value propositions
• Clear objectives, business models, and business plans
• Marketing strategies and competitive analyses
• Entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital economy
• Administrative and management skills relevant to banking entrepreneurs
• Customer service frameworks and pricing strategies for banking and alternative banking sectors.

Using a design thinking approach integrated with an introductory banking research module, the students test and refine their business models on MyLaunchPad, a digital platform developed by BiiC.

The interaction with FNB executives provided the students with a unique opportunity to present their work, ask critical questions, and explore potential employment pathways. This direct exposure not only boosted their confidence but also underscored the relevance of CPUT’s academic programs to the financial services industry.

Twum-Darko provided an overview of BiiC’s structure and operations, particularly its role in FinTech venture building and startup incubation. He highlighted various minimum viable products (MVPs) developed within BiiC that are ready for strategic partnerships.

Central to his presentation was the introduction of Entreprenetics, a research-driven methodology that he co-developed with American partners. This methodology has been validated at Southern University, Upper Iowa University (Louisiana, USA), Harvard University, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Auckland. Entreprenetics is defined as a philosophy for driving entrepreneurship success, summarized by the formula:

E (Entrepreneurship success) = G (Genetics – who are you?) + M³ (Matrix, Methodology, and Mechanics as tools) + D (Ability and passion to adopt a new mindset)

He explained that this methodology integrates design thinking, systems thinking, and cybernetics to guide entrepreneurs and researchers in building sustainable ventures. Notably, it is also applied in postgraduate research, where students are encouraged to design research proposals with the explicit goal of creating businesses from their theses, rather than only after publication. A structured proposal template has already been developed for this purpose.

“FNB executives praised BiiC’s innovative approach to integrating academia, research, and industry relevance. Twum-Darko said the FNB executives emphasised his leadership and BiiC’s philosophy of innovation offer strong foundations for potential collaboration. “This engagement marks the beginning of what could become a transformative partnership between CPUT, BiiC, and FNB -one that not only advances innovation in the financial services sector but also enhances opportunities for CPUT students to become future leaders in banking and entrepreneurship.”

Written by CPUT News
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The third CPUT International Week was elevated by the inspiring presence of two esteemed diplomats: Her Excellency Joan Edwards Thomas, the Jamaican High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa, and Her Excellency Elsa Caposso Vicente, the Consul General of Angola to Cape Town.

The International Week, recently held at the Cape Town Hotel School, is an annual conference hosted by the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS). The three-day event was organised in collaboration with the Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships (SIP) Directorate and the Jamaican High Commission. The event is vital for positioning CPUT as a global university and provides a platform to strengthen relationships with quintuple helix partners, including the diplomatic community, government, industry, academia, and civil society.

Prof Marshall Sheldon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, conveyed her “sincere appreciation” to the guests with a special mention to the diplomats and their teams, and industry partners for joining CPUT in the conference.

“This week is more than just a celebration for us as the institution; it’s our commitment to shaping the university that is purposefully connected to the rest of the world. That is responsive to local challenges. That’s open to meaningful partnerships and opportunities that are aligned with our institution’s vision 2030.”

Dr Tasmeera Singh, Director: SIP Directorate said: “The purpose of the 3rd International Week under the theme: ‘The Role of Universities, Through Internationalisation, in Economic Growth in Developing Economies,’ brings together the diplomatic core, industry partners, and higher education stakeholders as we navigate the challenges of internationalisation in a BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear and Incomprehensible) context.” 

The conference convener, Andiswa Mrasi said the event was important in positioning CPUT as a global university, while creating a platform to strengthen relations with quintuple helix partners, namely, the diplomatic community, government, industry, academic, and civil society.

There was also an industry roundtable on how universities can leverage entrepreneurship, employability, and tourism to drive national economic growth.

Caposso Vicente participated in the Diplomatic Roundtable, and she shared her insightful reflections on the theme “The Role of Universities, Through Internationalisation, in Economic Growth in Developing Economies,” elevating the event. “Your contributions, shaped by your distinguished leadership and profound dedication to fostering international relations, were deeply inspiring to all our delegates. The perspectives you offered on the importance of sustainable partnerships between higher education institutions and the diplomatic community were invaluable,” said Mrasi.

Edwards Thomas reflected on the 31st anniversary of diplomatic ties between Jamaica and South Africa – a bond that predates formalisation in 1994. “Jamaica’s steadfast support during South Africa’s struggle for freedom, and your country's unwavering commitment to the fight against apartheid, have been instrumental in shaping the deep and enduring friendship between our nations. Your remarks resonated with all of us, reminding us of the importance of solidarity and shared history,” Mrasi remarked.

The event was a resounding success, more so as it attracted industry stakeholders as well as nine South African universities. Mrasi, Manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects, FBMS, was impressed with the event’s goal of attracting international partners: “Witnessing such an increased participation from local universities as well as private institutions of higher education is evidence to the strategic importance of promoting internationalisation.”

She continued: “We are proud to have been the official hosts of the Jamaican Culinary Tour featuring the multi-award-winning Chef Brian Lumley, who treated our delegates to a taste of the Caribbean dinner, which forms part of the celebration of 31 years of diplomatic ties between Jamaica and the Republic of South Africa.”

The exceptional sponsors of this event included: Appleton Estate, VISA, Southern Sun Waterfront, Jive, Cape Town Hotel School, and Double Barrel. Together, they elevated the event, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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CPUT recently hosted the 2nd International Conference on Business Innovation and Incubation (ICBII), a dynamic event which served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration.

The four-day conference, presented by the Business Incubation Web Association (BIWA), offered attendees the opportunity to engage with leading professionals in the fields of entrepreneurship, business incubation and economic development.

About 180 delegates from South Africa and abroad attended this year’s conference, which was held at the SA Renewable Energy Technology Centre.

BIWA is a collaborative initiative dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and transforming societies through impactful research commercialisation and business incubation.

In his opening remarks Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, expressed the hope that the platform provided by BIWA would, among other things, transform the scientific discoveries and innovation into tangible economic benefits, leverage strategic partnerships and promote entrepreneurship education, both in terms of theory, practice and tactics.

BIWA founder and chairman Prof Thobekani Lose, welcomed attendees.

“This gathering today reflects the spirit of people coming together from all over the world to share knowledge and also initiate partnerships and stimulate new ideas.”

He said BIWA aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia. More than 50 abstracts were received for this year’s conference.

The Faculty of Business and Management’s Sciences’ Manager: Strategic Initiatives and Projects, Andiswa Mrasi congratulated the founding members of BIWA namely CPUT, Nelson Mandela University and Walter Sisulu University whilst expressing enthusiasm to see the new member universities namely, Central University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology, Durban University of Technology Business School as well as University of Mpumalanga.

Some of the highlights of the event included a keynote address at the BIWA Gala Dinner by Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, a keynote address by Pat Lynch, founder of Compliance and Risk Company, interactive workshops, informative panel discussions and master classes by experts in a range of fields.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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A powerful collaboration between the W&RSETA, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, and the Department of Retail Business Management recently hosted a Transformative Workshop aimed at tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV), inspiring change, and fostering a safer community for all.

In this workshop, the Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM), in collaboration with CPUT, invited students to engage in an interactive and empowering session dedicated to tackling GBV through meaningful dialogue, education, and practical practices. Jonathan Aspeling, a lecturer in Retail Business Management, emphasised that this event was vital for raising awareness among students about the critical issues of GBV and femicide, providing a platform for student voices to resonate. Aspeling, who is also the project manager, commended the facilitation team for their extensive experience in GBV awareness training and support, ensuring that the workshop's goals of enhancing awareness and equipping participants with practical tools were successfully met.

“The workshops have reduced stigma, encouraging help-seeking, equipped students to support survivors, challenged harmful attitudes, and promoted a culture of accountability and equality.” 

He said the workshops benefit students by enhancing their awareness of GBV under the banner of “Not in my Name”, adding that the GBV awareness workshops are funded by the W&RSETA and hosted by the Retail Business Management Department, but have resulted in dynamic partnerships within the Business Management and Sciences Faculty and between different faculties. “Creating awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence prevalent in our communities and country, ensuring that our CPUT community is not only aware but is also encouraged to speak out, support, and address correct attitudes.”

Thuli Mjwara, the Strategic Advocacy Coordinator at IAM, facilitated the workshop. During a participatory exercise, students identified societal factors that contribute to GBV, including patriarchy, toxic masculinity, and restrictions on women’s choices. The session also emphasised the process of obtaining a protection order and explained important legal documents, such as the J88 form and victim impact statements, which are essential when reporting cases to the South African Police Service.

 “I believe this workshop will foster meaningful change, as it equips students with immediate access to a comprehensive directory of support services available within the Western Cape province. By empowering victims and first responders with this vital information, we take a crucial step towards ensuring timely assistance and intervention. Eradicating gender-based violence requires not only raising awareness but also making support services easily accessible to all, enabling survivors to report incidents and hold perpetrators accountable. This approach strengthens our collective effort to create safer communities.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Senior Lecturer in the Media Department, Dr Blessing Makwambeni, has been elected to the executive committee of the South African Communications Association (SACOMM).

Makwambeni will serve as the Chair of the Communication Science Stream.
SACOMM is the biggest communication association in the country and brings together academics from across the region.

“I feel humbled by the trust reposed on me by fellow academics in the region. I do not take for granted the responsibility given to me by SACOMM to steer the field of Communication Science at a time when the tide brought by new digital technologies and most particularly AI is sweeping across our field,” he said.

“I also see my elevation as a form of recognition for CPUT and the work I have been doing in terms of expanding the frontiers of knowledge in my field through my research.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences recently partnered with the Alliance for Youth Sub-Saharan Africa to host the Career Hook-Up.

The event, which was held at the District Six Campus, brought together industry leaders, academics, students and young professionals to explore this year’s theme: Human-AI Collaboration: Optimising Partnerships Between Humans and AI (Artificial Intelligence).

It focused on how young people can build smarter, more meaningful partnerships with AI across industries.

The day opened with a welcome from Prof Sharhidd Taliep, Acting Assistant Dean: Learning and Teaching in the Faculty, before the first panel discussion, which focused on how AI is transforming the way we live, work and create.

Panel members included Juan Geel (Publicis Groupe Africa), Millicent Hopane (Nestle), Tiara Pathon (Microsoft), Lawrence Kanotsauka (ABB), Louis van Tonder (Adcorp), Brett Wyngaard (Puma) and Beverley Seagar (CPUT).

The second panel discussion reflected on, amongst other things, first encounters with AI in the workplace. Panel members included Shareef Cornelius (Philips Medical Systems) and Mkhuphuli Ncube (Conversion Science) and Lindelani Khunou (Cape Grace Hotel).

The programme concluded with an energetic speed mentoring session, connecting students with professionals.

Senior Lecturer and the Faculty’s Transformation Forum Chairperson, Mandie Richards, thanked all the partners. “It has been an absolutely amazing event. This could not have been possible without the support of PAWA Africa, Alliance for Youth, our various partners, our students, and the support of Prof Taliep, Fundani and the Marketing and Communication Department. Very importantly, to all our speakers and panellists, we thank you for the information that you imparted to the students, the ideas you gave them, of always ensuring that they do their best, that the sky is not the limit, and that they can achieve greater heights with a positive mind, a positive mindset, and the careers of tomorrow have never ever been formulated yet and they are the leaders who are going to take us forward.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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