In a bid to professionalize the paralegal sector and contribute to the transformation of the legal profession as well as higher education curricula, CPUT will from 2018 be offering the new Bachelor of Paralegal Studies degree.

The degree, being the first of its kind in the country, is designed to consolidate the fragmented approach to paralegal education in South Africa and bring comprehensive paralegal education firmly within the domain of higher education.

The Unit for Applied Law at CPUT obtained approval for the degree from the Department of Higher Education and Training as well as the Council on Higher Education.

Whilst preparing students for existing and future paralegal careers, aimed at meeting the primary legal needs of individuals and communities, the academic programme will also assist with the current challenges in the country’s legal education by providing a conduit to the LLB degree that serves as both a preparatory and screening mechanism for prospective candidates for the private legal profession, says the unit’s HoD, Adv Noleen Leach.

The programme rests on four core pillars of legal education, namely Private Law, Public Law, Mercantile Law and Formal Law.  Formal Law, for the most part, has been integrated into the other three pillars where appropriate, and the work-integrated components woven into the programme.

The programme takes three years to complete on a fulltime basis and five years part-time in the absence of any credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.

An APS score of 30 points is required to apply for the degree, but for more information about entry requirements contact Adv Leach on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0219596418.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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A ground-breaking facility offering management development programmes in partnership with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA) and CPUT was recently launched.

The facility features equipment like computers, an interactive data projector and other essential equipment valued at around R500 000 and will be used in the offering of essential short courses to retail industry workers.

The event hosted at the W&R Leadership Academy also saw more than 160 certificates awarded to employees of the 17 retailers who participated and completed the academy’s programmes in 2016. Mathealira Mokupo, W&RSETA Administrator, says the day was a milestone.
“Today we launch the seventh SETA simulation centre, the centre will not only be used for training purposes but also for assessment of RSM qualifications,” says Mokupo. 
“The academy plays a huge role as part of the Research Chair and is inclined towards the use of technology and innovation to improve the profession.”

Graduates were awarded certificates for completing the Retail Store Manager Qualification (Certificate in Retail Marketing) and the Retailing 1 course. Acting Dean in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, Willem Lotter, says the university’s W&R Leadership Academy started in 2016 and has a proud legacy because when his recently retired colleague Petrus Venter was still at the helm of the Retail Management department the course boasted a 100% employment record of his graduates.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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An academic in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences will be teaming up with European universities in research collaboration projects for which funding will be solicited from the European Union (EU).

Dr Michael Twum-Darko has recently returned from Slovakia where he formed the partnerships during the 4th International Week of Erasmus+ Teaching Staff Mobility at the University of Economics in Bratislava (UEB).

Twum-Darko says the event saw him building rapport with teaching staff from UEB and other European universities in order to strengthen international networks and exchange ideas.

“The participation is also for CPUT to meet the objective of supporting the staff mobility as part of its modernisation and internationalisation strategy, and to recognise it as a component in any evaluation or assessment of the teaching staff member.”

He will embark on collaborative research projects with the UEB and Niccolò Cusano University, Rome.

The projects include research on e-Leadership and e-Readiness in the public sectors of South Africa and Slovakia.

“A conceptual paper will soon be published as well as data collection in Bratislava City for comparative research.”

Sustainable Energy and Women Empowerment are some of the issues that will be explored. Twum-Darko adds that these issues require a substantial consortium to deliver outcomes aligned to the EU’s Sustainable Development Goals.

He says that at the event he shared his experience with his European counterparts and received knowledge that is likely to impact the research and collaboration agenda of his faculty and CPUT.

“I hope this will be a source of inspiration to other staff members.”

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Graduates were reminded that success in life requires hard work which no one else but them will have to do.

“Worry about the mark you will leave in the world,” said Councillor Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services in the City of Cape Town as well as CPUT councilor.

Limberg was addressing this afternoon’s graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences as the guest speaker.

“Use your newly-found freedom to determine what your contribution to the world will be,” she said.

She warned the graduates that the road ahead may be rough and hard and that they should not despair even when doors are slammed in their faces or when their dream jobs seem to elude them.

“Fortune favours the bold. With courage you can’t be defeated.”

She added that nothing is someone else’s problem and that each individual needs to address the challenges they are faced with.

“It’s better to inspire others than directing them. For me there’s only one type of leadership and that is servant leadership.”

She urged the graduates to toss down a ladder for those less fortunate than them to step on it and achieve their dreams.

She encouraged them to be interested in the developments around them so that they can find themselves a role to play to influence their direction.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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CPUT graduates were encouraged to allow worthy causes to determine their actions instead of being motivated by material gain.

This was the advice given by Dr Hasmukh Gajjar, Director of Free Your Mind Technologies, who was the guest speaker at last night’s graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

Having practised as a medical doctor for 12 years, Gajjar told the audience that he entered the world of business by accident and not by design.

“I was not motivated by material gain, but by a worthy cause,” he said.

“Spin the wheel, but never spin it expecting something in return because it may not spin for you.”

He said in the 1990s he was handpicked by former Director-General of the Department of Communications, Andile Ngcaba, to become the chairperson of the Vodacom Board of Directors where he ushered an era of transformation.

He told the audience that transformation was not a spectators’ sport and that everyone has a role to play.

He encouraged the graduates to follow their passions when choosing their vocations and warned that while tertiary education is necessary, it is not enough to spearhead them into fulfilling careers.

He urged them to gear up for life-long learning. “Learning does not cease today, you are about to enter the world of knowledge economy.”

He forecast that in 2019 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa will be covered in 3G Mobile Technology or even 4G and advised the graduates to enter the world with a mobile mind-set.

News of CPUT’s extraordinary alumni can be found in our Grad Mag 2016.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Prof Harry Ballard from CPUT’s Public Management Department urged graduates in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences to make the university proud by attracting only good media publicity after they enter the world of work.

“We look forward to reading in newspapers about only the good things you do,” said Ballard.

He said that everyday newspapers are filled with stories of corruption, non-compliance with good governance principles and unethical behaviour.

He added that the country needs ethical leaders who treat followers like they themselves would want to be treated.

He said the graduates should adhere to values of honesty, probity, accountability as they are the university’s greatest pride.

“In the workplace you’ll be judged by how you interact with your colleagues, subordinates and customers,” he said.

He pleaded with them to never stop learning. 

This morning, hundreds of graduates were awarded diplomas and degrees in Hospitality Management, Public Management, Sport Management and Taxation.

News of CPUT’s extraordinary alumni can be found in our Grad Mag 2016.

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CPUT is at the forefront of developing highly skilled individuals, each who  are playing a positive role in developing the economy and communities of South Africa and beyond.

From Monday, 11 April up until Friday, 15 April, CPUT will confer 6 807 qualifications, during its annual Autumn Graduation, which will take place on the Bellville Campus.

Those graduating will enter the workforce in the fields of Applied Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, Engineering, Education, Health and Wellness and Informatics and Design.

Of the 6 806 graduates, 74 will be awarded MTech qualifications, while 12 will take to the stage to receive their DTech qualifications.

For more information on the Autumn Graduation, please see:  http://www.cput.ac.za/students/about/graduation

Written by Candes Keating
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Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.

An academic in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences who researched the employability of students in office environments will be awarded a Doctor in Education (DEd) degree at the CPUT Spring Graduation, which takes place this Friday.

Shairn Hollis-Turner, Head of Research in the Department of Office Management and Technology, says it was hard work.

“I learnt a lot as I had to remain focused and balance teaching with my studies,” she says.

Her doctoral study examined the contribution of higher education to the work readiness of graduates in a diploma curriculum at a University of Technology.

The thesis argues that employability is enhanced by the programme and its content.

Her study focused on the knowledge bases of the current and new Office Management curricula, and how these were aligned with the broader aim of enhancing the employability of graduates.

Her innovative work has provided an understanding of the knowledge base of the Office Management curriculum and guidelines for the curricular arrangement for the training and education of office administrators.

The findings have contributed to the recurriculation process of the new Diploma in Office Management.

* Hollis-Turner is grateful to her supervisor, Prof Chris Winberg, for her academic support and guidance, her faculty management and colleagues for their support as well as her family for encouraging her. 

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Located in the heart of District Six, the Cape Town Campus accommodates the largest number of CPUT students, with over 16 000 calling the campus home.

The campus houses the university’s largest faculty, the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, as well as the Faculty of Informatics and Design. A select number of courses offered by the Faculties of Applied Sciences, and Health and Wellness Sciences are also offered on the campus.

Inspired by CPUT’s vision to be at the heart of technology education and innovation in Africa, students have access to cutting edge facilities such as high-tech laboratories, computer labs, study areas and a well-stocked library.

While the university concerns itself with the intellectual development of the nation’s future leaders, it also cares about students’ wellness.

For advice on health matters, such as HIV testing and TB screening, student can visit the well-equipped HIV/Aids Unit, which is based in the Administration Building. Students also have access to social workers and psychologists at the Student Counselling Unit.

For healthcare, student have access to the various services offered by the professionally run clinic, which is also housed in the Administration Building.

The campus’ amphitheater, called the Piazza, is a hub of social activity as students attend various functions hosted by Department of Student Affairs, while the student centre attends to everyone’s nutritional needs.

HUB OF SOCIAL ACTIVITY: Students flood the Piazza during events hosted by the Department of Student Affairs

View Cape Town Campus contact details and maps

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Academics in the Department of Human Resources (HR) have put together the first book which encapsulates professional standards with contemporary theories. This is the only book endorsed by the national HR professional body.

Dr Liiza Gie, who heads the Department, is the book’s editor while her colleagues Frances de Klerk and Taryn Kroukamp contributed chapters. The three academics contributed five of the book’s 15 chapters.

Published by Juta, Human Resources Management in Southern Africa: Contemporary Theories and Professional Practice Standards is endorsed by the South African Board for People Practices, the professional body which sets HR standards.

The book is priced at R450 and orders can be placed using the following link:

https://juta.co.za/catalogue/human-resource-management-in-southern-africa_28331

The authors are academics from various higher education institutions and HR consultants based throughout South Africa who are leaders in their areas of specialisation. It is divided into five parts and, to promote active student learning, each chapter concludes with its review questions, additional readings as well as useful websites, over and above the separate online resources accessible via the Juta link.

Designed for both novice and experienced HR students and practitioners to promote good governance and ethical standards within HR departments across Southern Africa, this is the first book which encapsulates the HR standards with contemporary theories as the underpinning theoretical knowledge combined with practical applications for the 21^st century world of work.

Gie said that as a CPUT alumna from National Diploma through to Doctorate levels, for her to put together an HR Management textbook for higher education students was “surreal and could only be completed by the grace of God Almighty”. “And as the Rector’s Medallist of 2002 I dedicated this book to my late mentor, Prof Marcus Balintulo,” she added.

She argued that the book is the scholars’ contribution to the HR body of knowledge, as they also conduct research to share with the fraternity. “In my HR professional career, it is important to give back to all HRM students, as they in turn, will pay it forward in the future,” added Gie.

“I am immensely proud of Dr Liiza Gie, Ms Frances de Klerk & Ms Taryn Kroukamp from the Faculty of Business & Management Sciences,” said the Faculty’s Dean, Prof Paul  Green.

Prof Mervyn King SC, former Advertising Standards Authority President, said the textbook is a concise but detailed collection of everything relevant to HR managers as the authors have been cognisant of the importance of human capital as a resource in the production of goods and rendering of services.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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The Bank Sector Education and Training Authority (BankSETA) has awarded R1.19 million to the Graduate Centre for Management’s Business Incubation and Innovation Centre (BIIC) as a research partner to conduct cutting-edge research.

Lecturer Judith Smith said the Centre’s partnership with the SETA will run up to March 2023 and that the former will conduct research on skills analysis of FinTechs and how they bridge skills gaps in the banking and alternative banking sectors and strengthen synergies between the banking sector and FinTechs.

Smith added that the other area of research is how skills development contributes to the transformation of the banking and alternative banking sectors. “How can the SETA expand access to post-schooling education and training to help transform the banking and alternative banking sector,” she elaborated.

She described the BIIC as an academic incubator to actualise the vision of smartness propagated by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, as a measure that sets CPUT apart from our counterparts, and that it told the story of how CPUT is grappling with the phenomenal opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Dr Michael Twum-Darko, Head of BIIC and the Acting Head of Graduate Centre for Management, said the competency that was established to re-curriculate the Diploma in Banking, PGDip in Digital Business, Bachelor of Business Informatics and Doctor of Business Informatics programmes would be used to conduct the research for the SETA. Twum-Darko encouraged interested researchers to contact him if they want to participate in the research.      

The Centre has been identified by Caring4Hope, a Non-Profit Organisation, as one of the incubators in South Africa to turn young South Africans into entrepreneurs. “The Next Big Thing” is a project initiated by Caring4Hope to develop 2 000 South African youth in a year to become job creators for the next three years at an annual cost of R15 million.

The scope of the three-year agreement is for the BIIC to provide theoretical training for entrepreneurial skills development in the form of online coaching and mentoring of selected youth across the country.

Twum-Darko said the contract stipulated that a team of facilitators and assessors meet on a regular basis with the Project’s Coordinator to monitor all aspects of the progress of the students and submit reports to Caring4Hope when available.

Furthermore, Caring4Hope will be responsible for the management of the programme, record- keeping of assessments and forwarding of records and necessary correspondence to all stakeholders including the financial partners.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences was recently awarded over R22-million by the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) to provide financial support to needy students.

The R16 800 000 Academic Support Grant will cater for 300 students who are currently registered a cost of R56 000.00 per student, while the R6 030 000 FASSET Bursary Scheme will support 67 students at R90 000 per student.

For years, the Faculty has been awarded grants to provide the institution with opportunities to implement interventions to improve marks and throughput rates of enrolled students. The

interventions provided much needed support which greatly improved throughput rates within the Accounting disciplines.

The value added through FASSET’s grants was shared during a recent Faculty Board meeting and the success of the implemented interventions was applauded. “As a Faculty, this is one of our key performance areas as we strive to be student-centred and assist our students financially through writing proposals for such awards,” said Prof Paul Green, Dean:

Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

Judith Smith, a Lecturer in the Graduate Centre for Management, said successful students would have their tuition fees paid as well as their stationery, textbooks and other learning devices. “Peer tutors and academic lecturers will work together identifying at risk subjects and supporting those students who most require the support,” added Smith.

She said the Centre would advertise the call for submissions through the university’s channels and social media platforms. “The students would be required to complete an application form together with the supporting documents and submit it to the identified administrators,” she added.

Thereafter a learner agreement would be signed by the successful student and CPUT.

To qualify for a bursary, a student should be registered for the 2021 academic year; either be a Black South African or Coloured South Africans from the Northern Cape and Western Cape only; and/or a disabled student. Most importantly, the beneficiary’s combined annual household income should not exceed R600 000.

Every year the Faculty would submit a proposal with an accompanying budget to FASSET and then get awarded the grants according to both the availability of funds and the Faculty’s experience in managing the grants over the years.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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Always aspire to create meaningful change.

This was the message to graduates from Dr Nonhlanhla Makhanya, Chief Nursing Officer in the Department of Health, during a graduation ceremony for nursing graduates as well graduates in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences.

The ceremony was the 15th of 16 ceremonies in CPUT’s Autumn Graduation Series.

“Remember, if you can imagine it, you can achieve it, if you can dream it, you can become it. However, all dreams come true if you have courage to pursue them.”

She encouraged the graduates to have courage as they venture into the world of work.

“Give all you have in the service of mankind,” she told nursing graduates.

During a badge and lamp lighting ceremony held a day prior to the graduation ceremony new nursing graduates committed themselves to the profession by taking the nurses pledge of service.

The lighting of the lamps is a tradition that goes back for centuries and symbolises the lamp that was carried by Florence Nightingale who is considered to be pioneer of modern nursing.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Talent and discipline are important, but so is humility, said co-founder of Washirika Holdings, Romeo Kumalo.

Kumalo was the guest speaker at the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences graduation, where diplomas and degrees were conferred to graduates in the fields of Management, Human Resource Development, Human Resources Management and Business Administration.

A business tycoon, Kumalo urged graduates to live a life or service, as well as to invest their time wisely.

 “Invest time and effort in knowing what your passion is, because your passion makes you see opportunities where others don’t.”

He also told the graduating class to remain positive, adding that while he was starting his own company, Washirika Holdings, he had to always try and have a positive outlook.

“Optimism opens you up to new ideas.”

Kumalo encouraged graduates to study further, be curious, take action, choose wisely and always be kind.

Written by Kwanele Butana
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A CPUT alumna has advised graduates to have the courage to follow their hearts and live their dreams in a way that strengthens the nation as well as Africa.

Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director of Sport at Stellenbosch University, was the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences on the Bellville Campus on Saturday.

Groenewald said she believes that everyone has a deep vision that speaks inside them and inspires one to action.

“Seek the wisdom of the people around you and tap into their experiences.”

She urged them to aspire to bring about change and follow their passion.

“There’s power in passion, therefore you need to live your passion,” she said.

“The choice is yours; you can be a victim of your circumstances or a hero of your actions.”

She encouraged the graduates not to follow somebody else’s path.

“Your desire to explore must be greater than the desire not to make a mistake.”

She added that CPUT had made an immense contribution to her journey of passion as she obtained two degrees from the then Peninsula Technikon and in the process was appointed a Student Assistant.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the 2017 Autumn Graduation which will continue throughout the week with three ceremonies per day.

The graduation will see the university confer a grand total of 7 268 diplomas and degrees, including Masters and Doctoral degrees.

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The Faculty of Business and Management Sciences kicked off the Women’s month celebrations at CPUT with an exciting webinar under the theme: Choose to Challenge.

The event featured a number of trailblazing women including HERS-SA director Brightness Mangolothi, Attorney Rehana Parker, PhD candidate and founder of cultural education brand KroesRocks, Simone Thomas and Ortem Callaghan, a spoken word artist.

Choose to Challenge was the theme for International Women’s Day 2021 and resonated with the Faculty.

In her opening remarks, Nonkosi Tyolwana, Director of CPUT’s Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity and Social Change, said that while there have been important strides in promoting gender equality and women empowerment, “our work is far from finished”.

“That is why today the faculty is working towards a better day for women and girls. And yet this mission of gender equality and women empowerment needs constant nourishing and multi-stakeholder engagement as well as active support both physically, mentally, morally and materially.”

Mangolothi quoted from the Global Gender Gap Report 2020 which showed that it would take almost a century to attain gender parity.

She said the rise of women was not about the fall of men.

“I want you to apply for those positions, I want you to apply for those awards and I want you to mentor women and that’s how we can actually take up spaces.”

Dr Desiree Scholtz, the Faculty’s Assistant Dean: Teaching & Learning and chair of the planning team for the event, said it was hoped that the take-away from the event would be how different women from different backgrounds have chosen to own their space, to share their stories “about how each of us can make a difference to others’ lives in one way or another”.

Senior lecturer, Mandie Richards said the webinar allowed an opportunity for women to reflect on the progressions as well as the limitations, and to share their experiences and power of influence so as to uplift and inspire women.

“The platform is also a reminder that there is a great deal of work which still has to be done so as to challenge the status quo and social injustices, and that as women we need to continue to pay it forward so that we create a future which is inclusive, thereby creating a positive, more diverse future for current and future generations.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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Two students and one staff member from the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences are ready to jet off to Germany for an exchange programme opportunity.

The two students, both in their third-year of study, are Sinazo Bonga and Likhona Lukholo Mtiya, who will be joined by Wayne Jooste, lecturer in the department of Retail Business Management.

Retail Chair Co-ordinator Fezeka Twalo said the group were going to DHBW Ravensburg University in Germany and are scheduled to leave South Africa on October 3.

Through a strategic partnership formed between Sol Plaatje University (SPU) and CPUT, SPU student Nonhlanhla Dlamini, and lecturer, Isaac Patsa, both have been afforded the opportunity to form part of the 2023 Germany Exchange Programme.

The students will be spending three months in Germany and the lecturers two weeks.

Asked how the group were selected, Twalo said: “At CPUT it was through a Management Operations Committee which emanates from the Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair leadership structures. On the day of deciding the winning nominations, the executive SRC members were invited and attended the meeting where they contributed to the selection of students and staff. At SPU it was at their departmental meeting amongst staff members to which their Head of School gave an input with approval of selections.”

Bonga said she was elated “to be specially chosen from other qualifying applicants as the best student to take part in this life-changing exchange programme in Germany, at the prestigious DHBW Ravensburg University”.

“It's quite amusing how in my high school days I was chosen for a similar opportunity in Washington DC, but due to inescapable circumstances I could not go. However here I am three years later, blessed with another opportunity.

“My family and I are overjoyed. Excitement and gratitude flow in our veins for this opportunity that CPUT and WRSETA, through the Retail Chair, has afforded me. It's not just about traveling on a long-haul flight for the very first time; but also having knowledge of international standards in a first world country being imparted upon me, is indeed a dream come true. Once again, my heartfelt thank you goes out to CPUT, WRSETA and my supportive family. “

Likhona, who hails from King William's Town, said his journey had been marked by personal growth and development and the thought of international travels “was and still is overwhelming to take in”.

“My sincere gratitude goes to CPUT, the Retail Chair and W&RSETA for turning one of my long-term dreams into a reality I can see and feel. I believe the availability of such opportunities and monetary support genuinely proves your commitment to the growth and development of individuals like myself - an aspiring, motivated, hard-working African man who comes from an underprivileged background.

“To my parents thank you for your many sacrifices for my siblings and I – your sacrifices have paved the way for my success and this selection and trip is as much yours as it is mine. I promise to make my family proud.”

Jooste, who is also a CPUT alumnus said he was excited to have been selected for the exchange.

“Sharing all my retail knowledge and experience with students is my passion and I am thrilled at the opportunity to lecture to students internationally and provide them with unique perspectives on retailing in South Africa and likewise, I am keen to learn more about their local retail landscape and how it differs to ours. I always try my utmost to make my lectures engaging, humorous and thought provoking using a variety of learning methodologies and technology, and I am looking forward to seeing many ‘light bulb’ moments with the students in Ravensburg! I am privileged to have this opportunity and I wish to thank CPUT, the WRSETA and DHBW Ravensburg for making this all possible.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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Setting students on a successful career trajectory was at the heart of an event recently hosted by the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).

Senior Lecturer Mandie Richards, who is the Faculty’s Transformation Forum Chairperson, said the Career Hook-up and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, was a collaboration with PAWA Africa, its All4Youth Programme and their partners Nestle, NielsenIQ, ABB and Publicis Groupe Africa.

The objective was to engage with students and to enhance their understanding of the skills, competencies and graduate attributes required and to assist in shaping their futures.

Richards said the Transformation Forum also continuously explores various strategies which aligns to the Focus Areas of CPUT’s One Smart Vision 2030 and engages with industry partners to ensure that curriculum is responsive to the social and economic needs, whilst integrating programmes into the curriculum which are relevant and aligns to industry trends and, in so doing, improves career and employability opportunities.

“Institutions of Higher Learning and academics can no longer work in silos, as the voices of the students, their lived experiences as well as 21^st century skills need to be integrated into the curriculum, thus contributing to positive change and social and economic empowerment of youth and communities.”

Prof Desiree Scholtz, FBMS Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning, welcomed attendees and told students that the event was an opportunity to learn.

“We have experts in the field to share with you how your future can change for the better. You need to make today the start of a mindset of how you can go about changing your future. The future is not going to happen to you, you need to make it happen.”

More than 200 students across the faculty were given the opportunity to engage with a panel of experts, which included: Shireen Lutchan (NielsenIQ); Noxolo Mnisi (Nestle); Refilwe Mocumi (ABB), Kaylyn Alexander (Publicis Groupe Africa) and the Faculty’s Work Integrated Learning Co-Ordinators, Bonita Allies, Lauren Swart and Beverley Seager.

PAWA Africa Executive Director, Alesimo Mwanga, said the event was important as institutions “sometimes operate in silos from what private sector needs”.

She said it was important to bring together the two worlds, “particularly for the benefit of the students so that they can also hear from industry what is to be required from them to be employable but also for Higher Education Institutions to hear from industry what the gaps are”.

Richards further stated “As graduates are also faced with the stark reality of unemployment, the event allowed for students, together with the All4YOUth partners to explore their side hustles and further create awareness as to entrepreneurial possibilities.

Students were invited to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas in teams at the entrepreneurship bootcamp and provide solutions to address the challenges experienced in communities in a speed pitch. The various pitches were indications of the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of students, when afforded opportunities”.

The winning team provided a solution to load-shedding as it pertains to refrigerator storage for communities, to ensure that their meat does not spoil, and at a nominal fee, and each team member won Uber Eats vouchers. One student also won an Exclusive Books voucher for the best pitch of an idea which was to create a Dial Up App to connect runners who could assist people with errands.

Mwanga added that the event presented an opportunity for dialogue with young people, to hear from them what their perception is of getting employed and what challenges they face.

“I think the engagement was really fruitful.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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More than 150 students recently participated in a thought-provoking webinar, jointly presented by the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and the District Six (D6) Museum.

The collaboration with the District Six (D6) Museum started in 2013 and has been integrated into the Diversity Management curriculum for the Diploma: Business and Information Administration (BIA) in the Faculty, said senior lecturer, Mandie Richards.

“The purpose of the transformation conversations is so that students may understand the past, the present-day situation and look at the way forward by engaging in positive collaborations. The curriculum needs to be socially responsive, to contribute to the graduate attributes of students and ultimately contribute positively to communities and humanity.”

During the webinar, the history of the country and social injustice were integrated through an exploration of culture and identity, that engaged students in dialogue as to the impact of apartheid. Joe Schaffers, an ex-resident of D6, recalled the hurt of the past, social injustices and the inhumanities still suffered today, and shared his story of his family being forcibly removed from the Bloemhof Flats, D6 in 1967 to Hanover Park on the Cape Flats.

Schaffers has been bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh for the work he does in communities and keeping the spirit of D6 alive by sharing his knowledge with local and international students, and visitors to the museum.

Students were immersed in the conversation with Mandy Sanger, the Education Manager at the Museum.

“The engagement by students was reflective, interactive and probing as the many questions and comments emphasised that these platforms are pivotal as they allow for students to share their voices as to their lived experiences and thereby have a deeper understanding of the impact of apartheid and the continued systemic racism as a result of this social evil. Discussions pertaining to moving forward through civic engagement is part of the dialogue and result in students engaging in a project which requires deeper research, and in so doing allows for critical engagement, and culminates in a digital storytelling video,” said Richards.

 Fidelis Chu, a lecturer in BIA, has lived in South Africa for 21 years and connected for the first time with the museum three years ago.  He highlighted the distortion of history and the value of the first-person narrative.

Yannick Vermeulen, a second-year student, commented that the session was very informative and that for change to happen, a positive paradigm shift is required as to the way we speak, understand and do things in our everyday lives.

Richards added that before the Covid-19 pandemic, students would engage in ‘Pay It Forward Projects’, and their engagement with the past and present, resulted in them being part of civic engagement initiatives in communities, and further enhancing their understanding by creating digital stories through intergenerational conversations with ex-residents, their family or members in their communities. 

The collaboration with the District Six Museum has been implemented as one of the transformation conversations in which the Faculty engages to enhance an understanding of how the past impacts the present, and the future.  The Faculty has also included this project in 2021 for departments to integrate into the curriculum.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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The Bachelor of Paralegal Studies, which is the first degree of its kind on the continent, was launched to an audience of some of the countries brightest legal minds last week.
The three-year degree is part of the Unit of Applied Law in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and can accommodate only 100 registered students in its inaugural class of 2018. 

In his opening remarks, former Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs reflected on the importance of paralegals in the South African context and remarked that the degree was being launched at a pivotal point in South African history.
“These past few years we have seen the Constitutional Court working and we are at a point of renewal in the country. There couldn’t have been a more precipitous moment for this unit to be launched. What this degree does is dignify the paralegal professional which has always been part of the fabric of society,” he says.
Sachs concluded by predicting that degreed paralegals of the sort that CPUT is producing will one day infiltrate all levels of society like trade unions, big institutions, and universities where access to justice is sorely needed.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development John Jeffrey called the Paralegal Studies Degree a legal pioneer that follows in the footsteps of icons like Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.
“Being a legal pioneer is important because the legal professional can be slow to change and adapt. You are here to take justice to the people,” he says.
“A recent survey by the Justice Department showed that 76% of respondents found it difficult to challenge a violation of their rights through a legal process. What this shows is that people feel that enforcing their rights is difficult. This unique degree will fill a significant gap.”

The Paralegal Studies Degree was curated over a number of years by Advocate Noleen Leach who benchmarked the course material in Canada and consulted stalwart community advice centres like Black Sash and members of paralegal organisations in the UK and US. The programme is designed to consolidate the fragmented approach to paralegal education in SA and bring comprehensive paralegal education. Students will work in a simulated environment with work-integrated components that will see them collaborate with community advice offices, justice centres, and government departments.

Applications for the 2019 intake of students will open in in May.
Visit for more course information.

Written by CPUT News
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