Abenathi Ntelezi, who has been named the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal recipient, has no doubt that she deserves this award; “the effort put in is well worth the results, and I am grateful that the university recognises all of our hard work we put into our studies”.

The Vice-Chancellor’s medal is awarded to the “top” Advanced Diploma student who graduates at the graduation ceremony.

For the Advanced Diploma student, the highest average mark is calculated for all subjects over all four years of study at the institution. The student must have passed all courses at the first attempt and have completed the “four-year” qualification in the minimum time permissible.

The Vice-Chancellor is presented with a list of approximately five “top” students at the institution based on the average marks obtained for all subjects. The Vice-Chancellor has the discretion to invoke other criteria in determining which of these students should be awarded the medal, such as leadership qualities, contribution to society and/ or student development, strength of character, and so forth.

Abenathi, who graduated with her Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, says: “My path to this accomplishment is similar to that of those who have received the award in previous years. The only difference, in my opinion, is knowing and trusting God.” The bubbly A student started this journey with few resources to help make it easier, and it was far from easy. In her first year, she remembers travelling from her home, Khayelitsha, to campus every day, arriving early for class and leaving late at night because the environment at home was not conducive to learning.

When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in 2020, it made matters worse for her. Abenathi, who is the only child with matric in a family of four children doesn’t recall receiving a grade below 80%, working tirelessly and with determination. Losing her father, who passed away when she was still in high school and being raised by a single parent, “a very strong and prayerful woman”, who works as a domestic worker didn’t deter Abenathi’s dream to “greatness”.

However, this top achiever has never imagined herself in this field; in high school, she studied Maths and Science, and Abenathi always assumed that was where her destiny was. She discovered and fell in love with Tourism while attending Northlink College in 2018, where she graduated as the top achiever in Utilities and General Studies, earning trophies and certificates for this category, and obtaining six distinctions out of seven in her final year, with an average of 86%. After finishing the course, “I knew I wanted to study at CPUT the following year”.

In 2019, she enrolled for the Diploma in Tourism Management programme at CPUT and graduated in 2021 with an average of 87% and a Summa cum laude status. It didn't stop there; in 2022, she enrolled in the Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management, passing all of her subjects with distinctions, with the highest mark being 96% and the lowest being 86%, with a Summa cum laude status and being the top achiever in the entire university, with an average of 92,5%.

In her second year at CPUT, through academic excellence, Abenathi was selected for the exchange programme at two universities in Germany, Worms University of Applied Sciences and Osnabrück University.

“Reaching this incredible accomplishment was not without its challenges, which I believe pushed me to [be] where I am today.”

She also acknowledged the support she receives from her lecturers from her first year; “they have all outperformed their roles and gone above and beyond to help me”. “They’re not only the driving forces behind this award, but they have always pushed me to reach my full potential. I have never seen anyone who was marked critically as I was on my papers; I would complain at times about how many papers were marked in comparison to the other students, but I realised that they knew my potential and were unlocking it by doing so.”

Abenathi says one of the best comments her lecturers would make was about her academic writing, how she articulates in speaking and writing, and how she reasons and analyses complex concepts. “They pushed me to achieve all of these qualifications, and some of them have even requested to be my supervisors when I do my master’s next year.

“This one is dedicated to my department, the Tourism and Events Management Department, because it would not have been possible without their assistance… Simply being intelligent is insufficient; without discipline and sacrifice, you may not amount to anything. This speaks to having the discipline to commit and the discipline to recognise that anything worthwhile requires some level of sacrifice. One of my guiding principles is that I know I am destined for greatness, Psalms 46:5 ‘God is within her, she will not fall’.”

Prof Paul Green, Dean: Faculty of Business & Management Sciences, said Facult: "I am extremely proud of Abenathi’s excellent academic performance." Green said Abenathi's academic excellence is a testament of her conscientious and disciplined approach to her studies. She is indeed a role model to other students within the Faculty and we will observe her academic trajectory with great interest."

Head of Department: Tourism and Events Management, Mandisa Silo, says they are excited about Abenathi being awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Medal. “This is testimony to her hard work and intentional pursuit of academic excellence.” Silo also reveals that Abenathi has displayed exceptional leadership potential throughout her studies and that the department has appointed her as [a] tutor, mentor and most recently, Teacher's Assistant.

“Indeed, this is well deserving, and the department congratulates Abenathi on this prestigious award.”

In her acceptance message in the graduation book, Abenathi said: “Thank you for considering me for the VC’s Merit Award. This is the greatest opportunity I have ever had, and I have always believed that it would come to pass one day, as everything is possible with God.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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His journey to graduation has been a roller-coaster ride but the City of Cape Town’s well-known Media Manager, Luthando Tyhalibongo, successfully completed the journey.

Today he is celebrating his success after obtaining his MTech in Public Relations Management cum laude.

“I’m excited, relieved and grateful that I’ve made it to the end of this journey and look forward to the possibilities that await in the future.”

Tyhalibongo had been toying with the idea of enrolling for the master’s programme since 2013 but put it off due to work pressures and starting a new family.

As a spokesperson and Media Manager for the City, he oversees a team who communicates with more than four million residents daily via media outlets, the City’s social media platforms and the media and news webpage.

“We also respond to thousands of media and social enquiries per year, including assisting residents with service requests. Together with my team, we have developed creative communication strategies and effectively addressed a range of crises …”

Tyhalibongo took a leap of faith in 2019 and enrolled for the master’s programme and says he paced himself in doing the modules. In December 2021 his proposal was approved, and he tackled his mini-thesis in 2022.

His study is titled: An analysis of how South African professional journalists perceive their identities on social media.

He had to face a few ups and downs along the way.

“I was contacted by my supervisor, Dr Blessing Makwambeni, while recovering in hospital from Covid-pneumonia in January 2021. It has been a roller-coaster of losses of family and friends topped with work challenges. However, my supervisors and fellow classmates kept me going, the check-ins and motivating each other by sharing information was helpful. The WhatsApp messages and calls really made a huge difference, especially when one had writer’s block and everything felt overwhelming.

“The turning point for me was a writing retreat organised by the Faculty where we were with our peers and supervisors for a week. That really made a huge difference in propelling one in the right direction. I would like to thank the Faculty for creating such a space especially for us part-time students with challenging and busy day jobs. It was an awesome experience being taught by Benita Steyn, an esteemed South African corporate communication strategist and I’m proud to have aced her module.”

Outside of work, Tyhalibongo has a range of interests ranging from sport to charity work.

“I used to love running at local marathons as a member of RCS GUGS AC pre-Covid and I’m slowly building the strength to go back to my routine. To relax, I like to read and watch sports. I enjoy watching both domestic and foreign soccer and I have always been a supporter of the Kaizer Chiefs, Manchester United and Real Madrid. Connecting young people to learning and development opportunities is one of my passions and I’ve been part of an NPO that has done work to assist learners in rural and peri-urban areas with opportunities. I’m currently part of the Partners for Possibility Leadership Development programme and working very closely with Riverside Primary School in Athlone. I’m very active within my church environment and have the privilege to serve in some positions.”

He is grateful to everyone who supported him along the way.

“Firstly, I would like to thank the Creator for achieving this accolade, I honestly didn’t see it coming. Thank you to my supervisor and co-supervisor, Dr Blessing Makwambeni and Dr Trust Matsilele for their academic guidance, encouragement, and mentoring. You have stretched my thinking and broadened my knowledge and outlook on life. A big thank you to all the research participants for availing themselves and contributing to this research.

“I thank my wife Busie, our children Akanamda and Silubonile for supporting me throughout my journey and allowing me to miss out on some family fun times and my dad for always believing in me.

He is also thankful for the support from his team at work.

“Our team has won two accolades this year. Earlier this week, SALGA recognised us as a metropolitan municipality with the most updated social media platforms. We've also been recognised by LinkedIn Talent Awards Africa 2022 as the only municipality in Southern Africa as a best employer Brand under the Academia and Government category.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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A husband and wife created sweet memories when they graduated together with a Bachelor of Education from the Faculty of Education during the 2023 Autumn Graduation series.

Graduating together on the same night, at the Major Sports Hall was an unforgettable experience for Neagle van Rooyen (32) and Maclee (Farao) Van Rooyen (26). Their story began when Neagle was at the library together with some female friends, working on an assignment whilst Maclee was sitting in the corner with an assignment of her own. The young lad made a few jokes “being silly as I always am, and she laughed. She apologised for listening in and Neagle said “no apologies needed”. After this occasion Neagle saw and greeted her a few times until one day she walked past a lecture of his and called him out and they exchanged the cellphone numbers. “Now the rest, as they say, is ‘history’”.

That was in the later months of 2019 and Maclee says: “We clicked immediately, and little did I know that I would become Mrs Van Rooyen.” During the pandemic, they decided to move in together and to start a small business, buying and selling cars. The business afforded them to live through the pandemic.

He graduated with a B.Ed Foundation Phase Teaching degree while his wife, Maclee obtained a B. Ed: Intermediate Phase Teaching degree. The couple got married in March 2022 and again using their business’ money “to supplement this great achievement”. “We have had many successes throughout our first year of marriage, including juggling a business, full-time studies as well as part- time work. Without my wife and families’ support, none of these achievements would have been possible,” he enthuses.

The road leading up to this point was definitely not easy. After matric in 2008 Neagle enrolled at the University of the Western Cape. However, due to financial constraints, he could not continue his studies. The dejected Neagle started working for a non-governmental organisation, called Sinethemba Youth Development Centre in Knysna and continued working in other areas of youth development until 2018, when he decided to enrol at CPUT’S Faculty of Education.

Maclee, who worked at a bed and breakfast in her home town, Struisbaa,i for two years, before commencing her studies at CPUT, says she was not satisfied with her life at the time. “I knew what I was worth. I kept on telling myself that I don’t want to get caught up in this job, earning a small salary of only R2 000 a month.” Her mother was unable to work at the time due to severe depression after the passing of Maclee’s stepfather, “so, I was the breadwinner of the household”.

She applied to CPUT’s Faculty of Education “to create a better future for myself”. “At first, I was a bit wary about studying in English because Afrikaans is my home language, but God always knows best. In 2019 when I started my studies in B. Ed Intermediate Phase: Teaching, I did not expect to meet the love of my life.”

She is so lucky to have such a generous, kind and thoughtful husband in her life, says Maclee.

“I am truly blessed with the best. My husband brings the best out in me, and we make an exceptional team.”

Neagle adds: “It is an unreal feeling to stand next to my wife and receive such an honourable qualification. My degree is as much hers as it is mine, as I would never have made it without her support.”

Currently, they are both employed at Knysna Primary School, in Knysna. Neagle teaches “a lovely Grade 2 class” and would love to complete his private pilot course. Furthermore, he is in the process of furthering his studies towards an Honours Degree in Education and would love to be active in educational policy.

“I would like to thank all the staff [members] at the Education Faculty, with a special thanks to an amazing lecturer Dr [Coral] Forbes for all her support, love and mentorship throughout my studies. She is truly an immeasurable asset to the Education Faculty and its students,” Neagle remarks.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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Julius Mundyirwa, who is graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering today, had to buy bags, shoes and blankets in Bellville and China Town to sell after classes to feed his family of two kids and his unemployed wife during his studies.

He migrated from Zimbabwe to South Africa as a refugee. Julius comes from a subsistence farming family and everyone is looking up to him for support.

He approached CPUT and “they put [a] smile on my face when they said that I can pay on monthly basis”. “The problem then was that I didn't have any reliable source of income for me and my family's upkeep. I decided to buy shoes, baby bags and blankets from Bellville for reselling.” He managed to register for the full-time bachelor's course.

“I had to go stock then and I and my wife use Facebook marketplace to look for customers.  I would go buy stock on weekends and after lectures.  This took away much of my study time but fortunately I used to communicate with my lecturers if I happen to miss some deadlines, even though it rarely happened.”

He would wake up early in the morning to study, around 3am to catch up on assignments. “It was hard but worth it.  Sometimes I would opt for spending the whole night by the student centre or library which are services provided by CPUT, which helped me.”

 Soon after enrolling for my course, he bought his car which he intended to use for his business.  “Unfortunately, it was hijacked together with my stock which I had just collected.  This was a big setback considering that I am the only breadwinner and my school fees and that of my kids was coming from there.

“It temporarily affected me but thanks to the university's counselling department that I was introduced to by my brother-in-law and the drive I had towards the betterment of my family's future, I pulled through.  My wife was with me also giving me more psychological support.”

The tenacious student did not give up but borrowed some money from his family and friends and went back to business.  “I am so appreciative of the support given to me by CPUT for without my lecturers and counselling department's support it was going to be tough going through all these, also considering that I am not young anymore but a 41-year-old. I managed to get my degree which is a first in my family.

“This overjoyed everyone around me, especially my wife and kids. I cannot explain how happy I am to have accomplished this at such an age. Some people who doubted me at first ended up being proud of my determination and drive.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce 
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The Faculty of Informatics and Design is celebrating the success of three doctoral graduates this week.

They are Dr Dignity Paradza who was conferred with a DTech in Informatics, Dr David van Staden who was conferred with the degree, Doctor of Applied Arts: Design and Dr Marcel Maré who was conferred with a DTech: Design.

Paradza, who is originally from Chivhu, Zimbabwe.also holds a degree in Retail Business Management and a Master's in Retail Business Management, both from CPUT.

He was supervised by Dr Justine Daramola and his thesis is titled: The influence of business intelligence on the operational capabilities of organisations in South Africa.

“I have a great passion for analytics and its application in various facets of everyday life. It inspired great curiosity in me, which fueled my consideration of the application of analytics in various industries and my seeking to understand the value retained from the implementation. Analytics is consistently showing how its influence guides contemporary decision-making, therefore making it critical for an in-depth understanding of the nuances around it. As a nation, we can significantly benefit from retaining value through analytics and possibly help mitigate some of the modern-day challenges we are currently facing.”

His hope for the future is to further explore this avenue and help guide the implementation of future developments in similar or related technology.

“I am proud to say that the greatest highlight of my academic journey was the publication of our paper, which my supervisor, Prof Daramola, and I published in 2021 under the title, ‘Business Intelligence and Business Value in Organizations: A Systematic Review.’ The moment gave me hope and inspiration to continue with my thesis, knowing that there is a need for my work and knowing that it can help businesses improve their practices around business intelligence (analytics) application and value realisation in the country. We are currently working on another publication of the results attained from the thesis.”

Van Staden is a CPUT academic who teaches Product Design and Industrial Design at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

He holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of Cape Town (Specialising in Discourse of Art) and a Master’s degree (summa cum laude) from CPUT.

His thesis is titled: Towards Smart City implementation as an engagement practice: The case of Cape Town, South Africa.

He was supervised by Prof Johannes Cronjé and Dr Belinda Verster.

“My doctoral journey has been one of self-discovery and growth, both personally and professionally. It has also solidified my love and joy for knowledge discovery and generation. In addition, it has brought about a new appreciation for my family (Tessa and Guy) for their unwavering support and continued encouragement. In addition, I also want to thank my supervisors and all my colleagues for their guidance and enthusiasm in sharing this wonderful experience with me.”

Maré, who grew up in Pretoria, works at Moruti Consulting as a behavioural strategist.

His qualifications include an M.Phil (Energy Studies) and a BSc Honours (Energy Studies) from the University of Johannesburg as well as a BCom(Economics) from the University of Pretoria.

His thesis is titled:  Influence of behaviour centred design approaches on the diffusion of flame-based cookstoves among indigent South African households.

His supervisors are Prof Mugendi M’Rithaa and Dr Alettia Chisin.

“I love my field of study because it allows me to combine my passion for design with my interest in addressing pressing social and environmental issues.

He said some of the highlights of his academic journey included collaborating and learning from a wide variety of people from around the world, presenting at TEDx, publishing in various journals and conferences, obtaining my postgraduate degrees and, “learning how to bake bread with an improved flame-based oven in Dunoon during my doctoral research”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
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Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis dedicated her Honorary Doctorate to all those who believe in the power of sport to propel them from their circumstances.

Ellis received the honour during CPUT’s Autumn Graduation Series which will see 7000 students getting capped this week.

The audience cheered as her accolades were read out including four successive Cosafa Cup titles between 2017 and 2020, and four Confederation of African Football CAF Women's Coach of the Year awards, amongst a host of other awards like coaching the women’s soccer national team to two Fifa World Cup Qualifiers.

Ellis says the accolades may be directed at her but are the culmination of teamwork.

“If the team does well then individuals stand out and I am fortunate that I am sometimes one of those individuals,” she said.

Ellis reflected on the thousands of women graduating at CPUT, many of whom will need to break barriers in male dominated spheres.

“At the end of the day if you are qualified then that space you want is not set aside for a male or female. Don’t be afraid of failing because that strengthens you and you get another opportunity to succeed later. To the females out there, just go for it, because other women who come from your neighbourhood is watching and want to emulate you.”

Ellis was supported by her mother and family along with good friend Ilhaam Groenewald who is herself a powerhouse female leader in sport as the Chief Director of Sport at Stellenbosch University.

CPUT Chair of Council Dr Laurine Platzky has known Ellis for many years and shared the stage with her as she received the honour.

“We are enormously proud of Banyana Banyana and their role on the African continent. Not only is Desiree’s message of hard work and patient persistence so important to all our young girls, but as a role model she lives a principled life untainted by the glamour of the spotlight. May this honorary degree be a recognition of her determined contribution to our country and an inspiration to all sportswomen.”

Nominations for Honorary Doctorate candidates are sourced from within the CPUT community, and the stringent process passes through a number of selection committees before being approved at Council, the highest decision making body at CPUT.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
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