Dr Bongani Ncube, a researcher at the Centre for Water and Sanitation Research, has recently scooped a 2017 Water Research Commission (WRC) Knowledge Tree Award.

Ncube won the award in the ‘Empowerment of Communities’ Category in recognition of her research projects which focus on smallholder farmers in the Western Cape.

"I feel honoured and privileged to receive such an award. This award means a lot to me personally, the Research Unit and CPUT,” she says.

“It gives me great pleasure that my team have made a difference in the lives of the farmers in such a short period of time. The research has built capacity through MSc students and collaboration with the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Agency."

The awards celebrate men and women who make a major impact in pursuing excellence in the water science domain, and were presented during the third biennial WRC symposium held recently in Ekurhuleni under the theme ‘Adaptation to the new normal’.

Ncube recently completed a project that saw farmers and institutions collaborating to find solutions in accessing water and agriculture knowledge. She previously documented indigenous knowledge strategies for drought management in another project in the same province.

She is grateful to the institutions involved in her research work, the farmers and the team of students who work with her.

The research also further strengthened relations between CPUT and the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency, who have since 2013 been collaborating through a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Western Cape.

Written by Kwanele Butana

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Delegates were welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who highlighted, among other developments, the establishment of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies on the Bellville and Cape Town Campuses.Prof Liz van Aswegen of the Research Directorate also stressed that CPUT’s research output has increased over the last three years in terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s publication subsidy allocations. External funding has also increased, with funding exceeding R1 million sourced by six researchers.Guest speaker Dr Edith Madela-Mntla from the Medical Research Council congratulated CPUT for creating an environment conducive to research, but also warned that universities were facing the danger of becoming diploma factories, with fewer students progressing to post-graduate studies. Dr Thandi Mgwebi, from the National Research Foundation (NRF) outlined some of the financial deterrents facing budding academics from advancing in their research, but also indicated how the NRF helps institutions of higher learning with research and funding.Outstanding CPUT researchers were honoured at the event, with a platinum award given to Prof Daniel Makinde for research publication, and Prof Raynitchka Tzoneva for postgraduate supervision. Both professors hail from the Engineering Faculty.Prof Stephanie Burton from the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology Research Group was also honoured with a platinum award, while Prof Robert van Zyl, also from the Engineering Faculty, scooped a diamond award for the generation of external funding in excess of R1 million. Researchers in various other categories (publications, successful postgraduate supervision and sourcing of external funding) were presented with gold, silver and bronze awards. Postgraduate students, supervisors, and researchers also received awards for the best research posters.
Other highlights of the day included a presentation by Prof Kamilla Swart from the Faculty of Business who investigated the Fifa 2010 World CupTM initiatives in the Eden District Municipality, their impacts and whether planning initiatives were integrated or not. The findings of Prof Swart’s research will be valuable for the future planning and hosting of sport mega-events in South Africa. Prof Rainer Haldenwang from the Engineering Faculty delivered a presentation titled ‘Everything Flows’, while Prof Jeanine Marnewick of the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences spoke about the potent health benefits of South Africa’s wonder-plant Rooibos.Dr Nhlapho summed up the sterling advances made by CPUT in the research sphere by saying that CPUT’s scholarship is recognised as one that has touched the academic lives of many young scholars. This through research and study support from the university research fund and innovation fund. “Our strategies and policies are aimed at encouraging research productivity by rewarding quality research output.”By Andiswa Dantile

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The Institute of Material Science and Technology (IMST) at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and African Explosives Limited (AEL) recently signed their third threeyear research contract, which will, with associated academic activities, bring in more than R5million for the University as third-stream income.

Prof Paul Slatter, head of the Flow Process Research Centre said, “the main thrust of this project revolves around the science, engineering and technology of explosive emulsions. Besides the postgraduate students who qualified on the project, the first six years have shown that this emulsion system is scientifically and technologically unique”.

This is said to have enabled the project leader, Prof Irina Masalova, to present a number of papers internationally, as well as being invited to present lectures at top universities in Europe.

Prof Slatter said Prof Masalova’s work has led AEL to institute a number of production and delivery modifications to their emulsion explosives manufacturing processes, which has added considerably to their national and international competitive edge and profitability.

“In time, this will mean a safer and more accurate blasting practice for the South African mining industry – impacting positively on one of our major foreign exchange earning industries. Looking at the bigger picture, this industrial contract will form the nucleus of a major academic programme, which will draw in a multi-disciplinary team within the IMST, as well as establish long-term collaborations in Europe and North America,” said Prof Slatter.

He said the projected life-span of this much bigger and far reaching emulsion development programme is in the region of ten to twenty years, contributing significantly to the collective vision as a new university of technology.

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CPUT is set to provide researchers with support in a bid to convert research into commercial products or services.

With the establishment of an Innovation Board Fund, the institution will identify research areas, which can be commercialised.

Recently, the board held its first working session, which took place over two days and was attended by various members of the Executive Management.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga, who briefly addressed stakeholders at the working session, said innovation had not been an area pursued “rigorously” pre the establishment of CPUT.

“If we do this correctly, it will set us apart from other universities of technology,” she said.

She said the conversion of research into sellable products, “whether services or goods” will also address the needs South Africa ’s economy currently faces.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, who chairs the Innovation Board, said it is vital for the institution to support innovation.

During the two-day working session, 13 CPUT researchers, who are heading up various units at the institution, delivered presentations on their research activities to the board.

Director of Contract Research at the institution, Dr Shaheed Hartley, who is responsible for the Innovation Board process and a member of the board, said they called on researchers and innovation centres to submit proposals, highlighting their innovation capacity.

Once proposals had been submitted, researchers where then each asked to deliver a 15 minute presentation. They also had to field questions from the board.

“We received a number of very good proposals,” said Dr Hartley.

The board is in the process of identifying research and innovation that can be commercialised and present their findings to Executive Management.

The areas identified for commercialisation will then receive substantial funding from CPUT. Dr Hartley said the board will then closely monitor and support the centers that will be awarded funding.

Other members of the board include, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath, Ms Julia Long, CEO of HBD Venture Capitalist and Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens.

There are also two representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and Department of Trade and industry on the board.

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photograph: (left to right) CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo; Commercialisation Manager at the Innovation Fund, Duncan Raftesath; CPUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Anthony Staak; Stellenbosch University academic, Dr Johan Gorgens and Director of Contract Research at CPUT Dr Shaheed Hartley.

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The number of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers at CPUT has increased. Three academics, Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway, were awarded NRF ratings in January.

The latest ratings bring the number of NRF rated researchers at CPUT to 13.

The NRF rating system is a benchmarking system through which individuals who produce quality research are identified by South African and international peer reviewers. The ratings are based on the quality and impact of research output over a seven year period. Ratings are valid for five years.

Prof Chetty, who heads up the Research Division at the Education and Social Science Faculty and previously held an L rating, was awarded a C rating.

Prof Chetty has diverse research interests. His key research areas are teacher education, commonwealth literature and social sciences. Over the past decade he has published extensively in all these fields.

However, for the next three years, Prof Chetty, who holds an NRF focus area grant, will focus on quality issues in teacher education in South African Universities. This research project, in collaboration with University of the Witwatersrand and the University of KwaZulu-Natal , will attempt to provide an informed understanding of the complexity of teacher education, determine an environment for quality learning, teaching and research in higher education, and establish strengths and challenges in the current framework.

Prof Sun, who heads up the Centre for Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems at the Bellville Campus, was also awarded a C rating.

This is the second time he has been rated. He previously held an L Rating in 2001.

Prof Sun said, “This rating is a great recognition of my academic work.”

A letter from the NRF, which provided feedback on the review process, stated that Prof Sun “commands the top spot” in South Africa in his research field of Mechanics, Smart Structures and Micro-Systems.

Prof Sun is also an international recognised scholar and has been invited as Chief Editor for various journals.

Prof Sun said he is planning to extend research in this field and also has a number of new projects lined up for the year. Currently he is putting plans in place to conduct research on using biodegradable materials for environmentally friendly packing solutions for the fruit industry.

Prof Sun is also involved with several research projects with the Department of Science and Technology and private organisations.

Meanwhile, Dr Garraway, who is the co-ordinator of the extended programmes at the Fundani Centre, received an L rating.

This rating is awarded to older researchers who recently started research and show promise.

Dr Garraway, whose research focus is on the intersection between academic learning and working life, said he is pleased about the rating.

He plans to continue his research and is in the process of setting up a research project, which will further explore the transition from the university to the workplace.

“The idea is to enroll two master students who will be involved in interviewing and tracking our students in the workplace and at the institution,” he said.

The project is expected to run over two years. DVC: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is proud of the researchers’ ratings.

“I laud your efforts and encourage staff at CPUT to follow your lead as we have set ourselves great targets,” said Dr Nhlapo.

By Candes Keating

Photograph: (left to right) Prof Rajendra Chetty, Prof Bohua Sun and Dr James Garraway

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CPUT is taking proactive steps towards combating the shortage of highly skilled individuals in South Africa.

With the establishment of the Postgraduate Studies Centre, students will have access to a range of academic support services geared to ensuring that they complete their postgraduate programmes.

Heading up this specialised centre is Prof Stephanie Burton, an acclaimed researcher, who has a vast amount of experience working with postgraduate students.

Prof Burton, an NRF rated researcher, is the former Director of Postgraduate Studies for the Chemical Engineering Department in the Faculty of Engineering at the University Of Cape Town (UCT).

Prof Burton, who took up her new post as Director of Postgraduate Studies on 5 January 2009 , said she is looking forward to heading up the centre.

“Postgraduate students are important for the country. We need to produce highly skilled people,” she said.

Prof Burton said pursuing a postgraduate degree is hard work and the skills required are different from those needed to complete an undergraduate degree or diploma.

“Postgraduates need to work independently. The also need mentors, people who will guide them. We are hoping to provide this,” she said.

This “one stop shop” will not only provide services to postgraduate students, but will also support research supervisors and CPUT staff members pursuing postgraduate degrees. Services will include mentoring, various workshops and training.

Currently postgraduate students have access to support services provided by the faculties and the CPUT Libraries. Prof Burton said these services will continue to be offered and will run in conjunction with that offered at the centre.

Although the centre is based at the Bellville Campus, its services will be replicated at the other campuses. The centre has been set up at the Library Extension and will host its first series of workshops in February.

Meanwhile, Prof Burton, who has a doctorate in Biochemistry from Rhodes University , will also continue her research activities at CPUT. For the past 10 years, Prof Burton has been heading up the Biocatalysis and Technical Biology research group. The group is researching biological ways to make useful chemical compounds and anti-oxidants.

Currently the research group is located at UCT, but will move to CPUT, where it will continue its research activities. The group consists of 10 researchers, of whom five are post doctorates. Plans are in place to expand the group to 15 researchers.

Prof Burton also serves on national boards and is the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the National Science and Technology Forum as well as the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Scientific, Engineering and Allied Profession Group of South Africa (SETAG).

By Candes Keating, Marketing and Communication Department

Photo: Prof Stephanie Burton (image courtesy of the University of Cape Town).

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The CPUT Functional Food Research Unit is set to convert its research into sellable products after being awarded a R3.2 million grant from the institution’s Innovation Board.

The Board, which was set up last year, is tasked with identifying and funding research at CPUT that can be commercialised.

In 2008, the Board called on researchers and innovation centres to submit proposals, highlighting their innovation capacity.

Out of the 13 proposals received, the Functional Food Research Unit, which is based in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, was the only one to secure funding and support from the Innovation Board.

The Unit, which has been operational since 2007, focuses on the research of foods that are beneficial to the health of consumers.

Head of the Cape Town based Unit, Prof Spinney Benade, welcomed the funding and said it will boost their current activities and assist in the rollout of new research projects.

The Unit, which is the only one of its kind in South Africa , places a huge emphasis on innovation.

Prof Benade said in order to commercialise research the unit follows a strategy whereby they identify a problem in a target population, conduct research on it and then develop a product that will alleviate or prevent the problem.

Currently the Unit is developing a range of unique pre-cooked baby cereals and food supplements, which is aimed at preventing micronutrient deficiencies.

Research has found that after weaning, young children do not follow a correct diet and are prone to developing micronutrient deficiencies. Sub-clinical micronutrient deficiencies also lead to impaired growth and cognitive development, birth defects, decreased school and work performance and poor general health.

“In South Africa 5000 children die each year of micronutrient deficiencies,” said Prof Benade.

The Unit conducted large scale research on micronutrient deficiencies and then created products that will provide children with the necessary nutrients. It also conducted clinical trials of the product.

“We have already done acceptability trials in Kwa-Zulu Natal. We had a good response,” he said.

Prof Benade said they are now looking at commercialising the products.

“Our aim is to secure a memorandum of understanding with industry. We would like the royalties from sales of products to come back to CPUT for research,” he said.

The Innovation Board funding will also assist the Unit in rolling out new research projects, which could have a huge impact on the international functional food industry.

One of the research projects that commenced this month focuses on determining the daily intake of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

Dr Maretha Opperman, who works with Prof Benade said: “This type of study has never been done anywhere in the world. It is unique.”

To date researchers have only been able to determine a daily intake for vitamins and minerals.

However, the Unit plans to be the first to publish the recommended daily intake of Omega 3. “We are also working on a project to determine the true omega-3 fatty acid contents of these supplements on the South African market in order to ensure safety and trustworthiness of Omega-3 fatty acid supplements available to the consumer” she said.

Dr Opperman said securing the funding is a huge achievement for the Unit “This is a big grant and confirms the importance of the Unit’s research,” she said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Technology Innovation & Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo said they opted to back the unit because they have “real products” that are ready for the market.

Dr Nhlapo said they will call on researchers to submit proposals to the board later this year.

By Candes Keating

Photo: (clockwise) A professional nurse takes a sample from a participant in the Omega-3 study; Dr Maretha Opperman of the Functional Food Research Unit; Lab Manager Fanie Rautenbach

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CPUT recently hosted a one-day seminar at the Bellville campus IT Centre with the aim of gathering a number of local entrepreneurs to share the challenges they faced when starting up their now-successful businesses.

The workshop, titled Beyond the Starting Blocks, took place on Wednesday, 13 May 2009 and was a collaborative effort between CPUT, Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town (UCT).

This regional workshop, was funded by the Innovation Fund, and is part of the National Innovation Challenge (NIC) Student Business Plan Competition. It was co-ordinated locally by George Mvalo, Manager: Institutional Transformation and Diversity, who was the Project Manager on behalf of CPUT.

The Innovation Fund is an instrument of the national government Department of Science and Technology (DST) established in 1999 for the funding of innovative science, engineeringand technology development programmes and is managed on behalf of the DST by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

To open the seminar, Dr Andrew Bailey, who is joint Project Manager on behalf of the University of Cape Town and Intellectual Property (IP) Manager for Research Contracts and IP Services in the Research and Innovation Department at UCT, started off proceedings with a welcome and introduction. He explained the purpose of the day’s discussions and highlighted the main aim of “giving young entrepreneurs insight into starting and maintaining a successful business”.

Guest speakers included Dr Greg Starke (DISA Vascular), Dr Justin Devine (Synexa Life Sciences), Ali Brey (Hot Platinum (Pty) Ltd – a spin-off of a UCT/CPUT’s research project) and Retief Krige (Retief Krige Industrial Designers CC), who each gave inspirational and engaging presentations to the group, detailing their challenges from drawing up a sound business plan; finding reliable interested funders; patenting one’s idea/product to developing new concepts and products for the changing market.

One of the greatest outcomes of the day was the information sharing that took place between experts and amateurs in the business arena, with many young entrepreneurs finding mentors amongst the panel members.

Working hand-in-hand with the government, the Innovation Fund aims to improve the lives of South Africans by helping anyone with ideas for technological innovation to enter the business world and contribute to its positive growth.

The Innovation Fund is mandated to promote technological innovation through investing in late - stage research and development, Intellectual Property protection and commercialisation of novel and inventive South African technologies.

Annually, the National Innovation Challenge (NIC) hosts the Student Business Plan Competition which presents tertiary students – particularly those with a keen interest in entrepreneurship – with an opportunity to present their unique and innovative technological business concept to a panel of experts to be judged.

The most outstanding ideas submitted will then have the opportunity to be researched, developed, showcased and ultimately commercialised through the Innovation Fund.

Some of the criteria used to judge the entries include how the student originated the business idea; whether the idea is marketable; where would the entrepreneur obtain financial support and would the business service/product be sustainable in a changing economy?

To find out more information on the National Innovation Challenge, visit the Innovation Fund’s site at http://www.innovationfund.ac.za , the CPUT NIC sign-up site at http://active.cput.ac.za/nic or contact the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Technology on 021 959 6203/6242.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Photo: George Mvalo of CPUT (second from left) with the Joint Project Managers and guest speakers at the NIC workshop.

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CPUT researchers are set to develop a ground effect vehicle, which will be able to fly long distances just a few feet above water.

Ground effect vehicles are intended to replace hovercrafts and ferries, in areas where these conventional types of transport are currently in use.

Ground effect vehicles offer a safer alternative to conventional aircraft. They have the ability to carry huge loads and will also drastically cut down on fuel cost.

Prof Bohua Sun from the Centre for Research in Applied Technology (CERATech) and Walter Kohlhofer, senior lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department, are currently driving this area of research and development at CPUT.

The researchers gave a brief overview of their activities on 7 April 2008, at the launch of the Guardian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which was developed by their colleagues.

Kohlhofer said they have started working on developing a ground effect vehicle and are currently in the process of developing a “new type of wing.” These types of vehicles must have a small wing span in order to ensure that they fly in close proximity to the surface.

Kohlhofer said they are also developing mechanisms to test the strength of wings.

“We are looking at developing an eight to ten seater craft,” he said.

Currently the development of ground effect vehicles is being looked at by researchers in several other countries.

Research groups are located at various institutions in Germany, Russia, the United States, Australia and China.

Already a number of prototype crafts have been developed for military and public use. However, the crafts are not widely in use.

Kohlhofer said in 2008, they visited China in order to see what researchers in this area are currently working on.

They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tongji University in China, which will allow for collaboration between the different research groups.

Researchers at Tongji University recently developed a “Wing-In-Ground"" (WIG) aircraft, which can fly as low as half a meter off the surface, hitting speeds of up to 300 km per hour. It can carry up to 4 tonnes on takeoff.

Kohlhofer said they are not restricting their research to the development of the eight to ten seater ground effect vehicles, but are also working on the “Skimmer Project.” This project will see them develop a craft, similar to a jet-ski. However, unlike a jet-ski that is in water while it moves, this craft will hover above the surface.

“This will be a one manned vehicle,” said Kohlhofer.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Bohua Sun from the Centre for Research in Applied Technology and Walter Kohlhofer from the Mechanical Engineering Department

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Research activities at the Oxidative Stress Research Centre are set to be boosted after Professors Jacques van Rooyen and Johan Esterhuyse recently received a grant from The Southern African-Nordic Centre (SANORD).

SANORD is a partnership of higher education institutions from the Nordic countries and Southern Africa .

It was established in order to promote multilateral research cooperation on matters of importance to the development of both regions.

Annually, the centre awards grants to further activities conducted by research groups at institutions, based in Nordic countries and Southern Africa .

In March 2008, a call was made by SANORD for researchers to submit proposals for funding. Out of more than 22 applications, only 10 were selected for funding. This included the proposal submitted by the CPUT Professors.

This was the first CPUT research group to submit a proposal to SANORD.

Prof van Rooyen, who is involved in the Experimental Biology Thrust within the Oxidative Stress Research Centre said: “Our application was successful because this is a study with a sound scientific foundation that will investigate the issues surrounding heart disease and cancer treatment.”

The project will evaluate whether nutritional intervention could affect the cardiotoxic side effects induced by anthracyclines (drugs used during chemotherapy).

Prof van Rooyen said this study will investigate the protection offered by Red Palm Oil supplementation, an anti-oxidant rich oil, on heart tissue against harmful anthracyclines during chemotherapy.

He stated that a recent pilot study revealed and suggested protection.

The results of the pilot study were recently accepted and will be delivered at an international heart congress in France in May this year.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board has also shown interest in this research project and indicated that they may fund the project.

He said the cost of such experimental research projects are high and that outside funding and collaboration with other researchers and institutions are vital to ensure the success of the project.

Prof Esterhuyse, who is the head of the Biomedical Technology Department, said they are collaborating with several research groups on anti-oxidant projects.

This includes the University of Szeged in Hungary , University of Bergen in Norway and University of Stellenbosch .

They are funded by the National Research Foundation for cooperation with the Hungarian group and also received a grant from the Norwegian government agency for cooperation with Bergen .

They will also collaborate with researchers based at the Medical Research Council in South Africa and researchers in Malaysia .

Currently they are in the process of setting up research collaborations with researchers at the Academy of Sciences in Prague , the Czeck Republic and Bratislava , Slovakia .

Prof Esterhuyse said they have also worked closely with other institutions in Norway on various academic projects and received funding for placement of undergraduatee students for experiential training at Bergen University College in 2008.

He said the SANORD grant is an extension of their activities with Nordic countries.

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Jacques van Rooyen, Dr Jeanine Marnewick and Prof Johan Esterhuyse of the CPUT Oxidative Stress Research Centre.

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CPUT’s Education Faculty is daring to go where few other Universities of Technology go, by being part of a specialised research programme looking at Foundation Phase teaching methods.

The research programme places emphasis on mathematics and languages, as well as its distinctive focus on teaching in African languages, for Foundation Phase (FP) teaching, which focuses on learners between Grades R to three and gives students an opportunity to excel because they are taught in their home language.

The much-needed programme, which was lauched this year, will run for three years and enjoys the support of the European Union, the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Department of Basic Education.

Education lecturer and researcher Nici Rousseau says the two main objectives is to increase the number of graduates who specialise as FP teachers, particularly African language teachers, and to increase the number of public universities that offer similar programmes.

“The project gives us as academics an opportunity to polish up the grey areas of FP teaching, thereby giving learners a fair chance at understanding what they are taught”, says Rousseau.

Rousseau says FP teaching is well on its way to becoming an attractive career choice for matriculants through the bursary programme, which forms part of the EU supported project, targeting around 200 high-achieving African language school leavers.

Dean Prof Maureen Robinson says the FP programme is the jewel in the CPUT Education Faculty’s crown.

“CPUT is positioned at the forefront of Foundation Phase teaching, as it is the only University of Technology with a stand-alone project for this niche,” she says.

“This national project not only promotes the work that we are doing with our students and researchers, but it gives the FP educators a voice and necessary visibility to address the daily challenges in the classroom ”.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News

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CPUT researchers based in the Adaptronic Advanced Manufacturing Technology Laboratory (AMTL) have taken aeronautics research to a new level with the development of intelligent Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

On 7 April 2009 the Guardian (PCM-AM/02A model) and the Guardian (PCM-AM/01A model), which were developed by CPUT researchers, took to the skies during a flight demonstration at the Helderberg Radio Flyer’s Club, near Macasser.

The UAVs demonstrated their various flight abilities, which include surveillance and reconnaissance activities and the use of ground control software to fly waypoints via GPS coordinates.

The flight demonstration, which was requested by the South African Department of Science and Technology, comes two years after CPUT researcher Prof Oscar Philander, established the Adaptronics AMTL UAV Research Group.

Prof Philander, who is also the head of the Centre for Research in Applied Technology (CERATech), said researchers decided to develop a prototype UAV in order to test their Adaptronic Technology.

This technology integrates sensor and actuator functions into materials and components so that they may react to environmental stimuli, thus rendering them intelligent.

In 2007, the researchers based in the Adaptronic AMTL started work on a prototype UAV.

“We came up with five conceptual designs. We chose one and completed a preliminary design followed by a detailed design,” he said. On 18 November 2007 they conducted the first test flight.

Prof Oscar Philander said the entire process, from conceptualisation to the first flight, took eight months.

“This in itself is a major achievement since the norm in South Africa is considerably longer,” he said.

Locally and internationally there are huge applications for UAVs. These include surveillance, marine mammal monitoring, forest fire surveillance, search and rescue, measurement of air quality and agriculture mapping.

The development of the UAV has had a number of positive spin-offs for research and innovation at CPUT.

It has created an aeronautics knowledge base at CPUT and has taken research and innovation at the institution a step further.

Through the development of the UAV, researchers at the institution are now focusing on several areas in Adaptronic Technology.

“The Adaptronic AMTL UAV Research Group is currently involved in a variety of research projects related to the manufacturing of Prototype UAVs, the development of Aero-morphing Wings and the development of intelligent skins,” said Prof Philander.

He said their activities could also lead to a production model that could be commercialised.

DVC for Research, Technology Innovation and Partnership, Dr Chris Nhlapo said the institution is supporting researchers who are involved in research that can be commercialised.

He said by focusing on innovation, the institution is setting itself apart from all other Universities of Technology.

DVC Academic, Prof Anthony Staak said researchers at the Adaptronic AMTL are at the “forefront of innovation at CPUT.”

By Candes Keating

Photo: Prof Oscar Philander of the Adaptronics AMTL UAV Research Group proudly presents the Guardian (PCM-AM/01A) model and the Guardian (PCM-AM/02A model).

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The use of 3D body scanners to improve the sizing of clothing could revolutionise the Clothing and Textile Industry in South Africa.

According to experts, who attended a seminar hosted by the Clothing and Textile Technology Department, new technological developments are becoming vital for the industry.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Seminar, which was held earlier this year at the Bellville campus, focused on the use of 3D Body Scanners. These high-tech scanners are used to determine individuals’ measurements in order to produce customised clothing patterns.

Keynote speaker Prof Winnue Yu, from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who is an expert on 3D Body Scanners said this is the “way to go” for the clothing and textile industry.

Prof Yu said with so many different body shapes, body scanners are a vital tool to ensure clothing manufacturers bridge the gap between what it produces, and the fit and styling customers actually want.

“The software of the 3D scanners enables the manufacturer to create customised patterns based on the body measurements of a client,” she said.

Prof Yu said the use of body scanners will allow manufacturers to develop size charts in order to produce better sized garments.

In turn, retailers will be able to provide clothing with a better fit and retain customers.

Prof Yu said in the United States, body scanners have been set up in several retail shopping malls and are proving to be popular with the general public and successful in collecting data for customized clothing

The scanner is set up in a chamber, similar to a clothing store cubicle, and uses radio waves to scan a fully clothed individual. A wand rotates around the individual in order to gather measurements. The measurements are then printed out along with a list of retailers who can provide the individual with suitably sized clothing.

Several other countries, including France, Britain, China and Japan have conducted large scale sizing research projects, using the body scanners, said Prof Yu.

Currently South African researchers and retailers are also looking at rolling out a large scale sizing research project, using body scanner technology

CSIR Researcher Reena Pandarum who has already conducted research using the body scanner said: “It’s absolutely vital because of different shapes and body profiles.”

The CSIR office in Port Elizabeth has a body scanner and recently conducted a study on 12 year olds in order to determine the sizing of school uniforms.

Meanwhile, Director for Skills for the Economy at DTI, Dr Julius Nyalunga, said the industry must embrace new technology.

“The industry is in dire need of new technology developments in order to improve their competitiveness,” he said.

Currently this industry employs 200 000 and has annual sales of over R20 billion.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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A pump efficiency testing rig, designed and built by researchers based at the Flow Process Research Centre, will be used to test the characteristics of paper pulp waste fluids and sewage sludges in Stockholm later this year.

The centre, which is based in the Civil Engineering and Survey Department at the Cape Town campus, is tasked with researching problems that relate to the flow of industrial fluids.

The researchers have expertise in making precise measurements of the viscous characteristics (called rheology) of complex fluids, and then relating these characteristics to the flow of industrial fluids and pumping systems.

The test rig, which is currently being shipped to Stockholm , will be used by CPUT and Swedish researchers to test the characteristics of these fibrous suspensions.

It is envisaged that by characterising the flow physics, including the process knowledge and using adaptive technology, an optimised pumping system can be obtained, thus resulting in energy efficiency.

Prof Rainer Haldenwang, who is managing the project, said it is a collaboration between CPUT and Innventia, a company in Sweden that specialises in research and development relating to pulp, paper, graphic media, packaging and biorefining.

The project is sponsored by Tillväxtverket, a Swedish Agency for economic and regional growth via the DemoEnvironmental Program, which is a government funding agency in Sweden .

Prof Haldenwang, along with Dr Veruscha Fester and Richard du Toit of the Centre, will travel to Stockholm in September and conduct tests alongside their Swedish counterparts.

Prof Haldenwang said the project came about in 2007, when he traveled to Stockholm to visit Dr Richard Holm, a Swedish researcher who has expertise in fluid mechanics, rheology and pumping of fibre suspensions.

Dr Richard Holm, who works for Innventia, visited CPUT in 2006 to attend a conference hosted by the centre.

“We started discussing collaboration and then applied to a Swedish funding agency for R2 million, which we then received at the beginning of 2008,” he said.

Researchers expect that the project will assist them in determining improved design features of industrial pump systems.

“A very specific sludge test facility in Stockholm will be able to produce different types and concentrations of sludges required for the tests. It is envisaged that by understanding the flow properties of the fluids pumped and monitoring the pump performance it will be possible to run centrifugal pumps more efficiently thus saving energy,” he said.

Dr Oswald Franks, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, said the project is a great accomplishment.

“It’s not every day that we get to export devices like this to Europe , which is a developed continent,” he said.

Dr Franks said the project is in line with the university’s mission, which encourages researchers to collaborate with industry, both locally and internationally.

By Candes Keating

Photo: (top right)The team of researchers at the CPUT Flow Process Research Centre (left and bottom right) Details from the newly developed testing rig, that will be exported to Stockholm.

Written by CPUT News
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CPUT researchers are pushing the boundaries of research and embarking on innovative projects.

Chemical Engineering lecturers, Dr Arthur Mpela, Dr Seun Oyekola, Joy Alexander and Wighens N.ILunga have developed innovative technology that will improve the quality of wastewater that is being pumped out to sea by wastewater treatment plants

Project leader, Mpela says research conducted in South Africa has revealed that wastewater pumped out to sea does not comply with the standards set by the South African environmental laws.

Current methods used by wastewater treatment plants fail to remove enough hazardous material, such as ammonia and persistent organic pollutants.

Mpela says ammonia that is found in wastewater has a detrimental impact on aqua life as it consumes oxygen, needed by fish and plant species.

Together with his research team, Mpela has over a period of two-years developed an advanced and cost effective process for the removal of persistent organic pollutants and ammonia from wastewater.

The project is proving to be a huge success, with test showing that the wastewater subjected to the new process, meets the standards set by South African environmental laws.

Mpela says they are now taking the project one-step further and exploring how this wastewater can be recycled and used in industry as well as for drinking water.

The project has also been chosen as a case study for the Development Research Uptake in Sub-Saharan Africa (DRUSSA) programme.

Drussa is assisting 24 African universities, including CPUT, with the implementation of strategies that will ensure the successful uptake of research.

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.

The profile of CPUT’s French South African Institute of Technology (F’Sati) has been raised enormously following the Institute’s first Industry Seminar and Exhibition for 2011, held in Cape Town recently. Deputy Director, Prof Robert van Zyl, says F’Sati’s ability to bring key stakeholders in South Africa’s burgeoning space industry together is now unparalleled.

The Departments of Science and Technology (DST) and Trade and Industry (DTI), the National Research Foundation, the South African National Space Agency, leading international space scientists, industry, as well as CPUT’s budding satellite engineers were all present at the high-profile gathering, and, says Prof van Zyl, their feedback has been phenomenal.

"It’s been extremely gratifying to hear praise from delegates about the high levels of technical proficiency we possess. It’s also great to see how our seminars, held three times a year, are growing in scope, content and reputation. In the past, our seminars dealt mainly with technical issues. Now we facilitate seminars which appeal to the whole spectrum of role-players in the Aerospace and Space industries, from Cube-sat workshops, to opportunities for entrepreneurs, to dedicated sessions on space policy and law from a South African perspective."

Deputy Director of F'Sati, Prof Robert van Zyl, with F'sati's Administrative Officer, Cindy Engel, and Local Organising Committee member for the upcoming IAC in October, Margaret Kumalo.

F’Sati’s Chief Technical Architect, Francois Visser agrees. “To expose our students, and ourselves, to these 'big guns', such as EADS Astrium’s Thomas Schirmann, has been an invaluable experience. Astrium is a leading European space company and Schirmann is their Chief Engineer in the Satellite division. Listening first-hand to an engineer of this stature, the man who was instrumental in building the Venus Express, was a magnificent opportunity,” says Visser. 

F’Sati’s Operations Manager and tireless organiser of the seminar, Ian van Zyl, adds that for F’Satis’ students, the opportunity to network and interact with SA’s small space community was fantastic.
“Not only are we giving our students the tools to start their own businesses, but we’re also facilitating interaction with industry so they can forge links for the future."

Excited pupils from Luhlaza High School, who were taught the basics of satellite construction at the seminar.

"And we are very proud of our outreach and awareness programme, where a group of pupils from Luhlaza High are taught how to build mock-satellites. We also teach them a little about satellite and orbital dynamics. This is an important part of our mission to publicise our courses and the wonderful opportunities that are available to bright graduates here at F’Sati."

Prof van Zyl is already looking ahead to F’Sati’s premier event to be held on the 30th September. The three-day Cubesat workshop at CPUT will play host to international delegates from Africa, Europe and the United States. But before this milestone is reached, he’s expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to the sponsors of F’Sati’s first industry seminar for 2011. These include the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative, Eads Astrium, the DTI and the DST.

By Jan Weintrob.

Written by CPUT News
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ZACUBE-1 is on the first leg of its journey from South Africa to the Netherlands.

Developed by staff and students at French South African Institute of Technology (F’SATI), ZACUBE-1 is Africa’s first nanosatellite and will be launched into space this November from a launch base in Russia.

The satellite carries a scientific experiment from the South African National Space Agency’s Directorate in Hermanus, which will allow it to collect information that will be used by scientists to gain an understanding of space weather and its impact on communication technology.

Earlier this week, the nanosatellite was packaged by F’SATI staff, under the watchful eye of a customs official and courier agent.

Measuring 10x10x10 and weighing just over one kilogram, ZACUBE-1 was sealed in a specialised container and packaged in a custom-built case. The case was carefully placed into a wooden crate that was sealed with metal bands.

On Thursday the package will be flown to the Netherlands, where it will be delivered to Innovative Solutions In Space (ISIS), a launching agent located in Delft.

Here, ZACUBE-1 will undergo a “satellite checkout” by F’SATI staff members Charles Jooste and Leon Steenkamp.

Jooste says this process, which will take place on 2 September, is one of the final critical processes that ZACUBE-1 will undergo.

“A satellite checkout involves taking the satellite out of the packaging and placing it in a pod (specialised box) with other satellites,” says Jooste.

The cluster of satellites will then make their way to Russia, where they will be attached to the launch vehicle.

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.

Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) efforts at CPUT took another step forward when some of the institution’s research strategic goals, with regard to capacity development, were implemented through the rollout of the first programme for rated and young emerging researchers.

The RTI capacity building programme is coordinated by the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, in conjunction with the Learning and Development Department and the Research Directorate.

Dr Nhlapo says the programme is designed to ensure that all capacity development interventions are woven into a comprehensive and sustainable initiative in order to realise the strategic objectives of CPUT’s RTI blueprint.

The first two workshops in the programme covered funding proposals for the NRF’s Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers and the Sabbatical Grants to Complete Doctoral Degrees.

The former is a discipline-based funding instrument which supports basic research as the foundation of knowledge production in Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences while the latter was introduced to improve academic qualifications of staff.

Nhlapo says he is pleased with the enthusiasm of researchers to capacitate themselves as it provides an impetus for him to realise his vision to strengthen research and innovation and thus achieve VISION 2020.

The workshops were presented by Ferdie Van der Walt, a renowned research facilitator.

Van der Walt says these are structured programmes with specific milestones and will incorporate continuous monitoring to ensure successful capacity development outcomes. He says there are already a number of interventions planned for the remainder of 2013 and the entire 2014 academic year.

Prof Shaun Pather, Head of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the DVC, Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, says to date the approach to capacity building has been uncoordinated and largely reactive.

“We have now incepted a programmatic plan of action which aims to ensure we achieve strategic targets such as the requisite number of staff with PHds, and a bigger cohort of rated researchers,” he says.

“The consolidated RTI capacity development programme is thus in line with our strategic objectives.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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The importance and value of the National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, evaluation and eligibility issues as well as incentives associated with this international benchmark were the key issues discussed during an inaugural meeting with CPUT NRF-rated researchers recently.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Vuyisa Mazwi-Tanga and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships Dr Chris Nhlapo met with 15 NRF-rated researchers to support them in acquiring, improving and maintaining their ratings, which are an indicator of research excellence. Maintaining one's NRF status is a daunting task of not allowing the rating to lapse.

Nhlapo said the aim of the meeting was to show sincere appreciation to NRF-rated researchers for acquiring status and to help those who already rated to stay motivated. “Perhaps we should put a mechanism in place for the already-rated researchers to attain higher status such as an A-rating,” added Nhlapo. Mazwi-Tanga briefly shared with researchers aspects of Vision 2020 - an attempt to transform CPUT into a leading innovation academy. According to Mazwi-Tanga, she’s fully behind Dr Nhlapo and Director: Research Dr Tembeka Mpako-Ntusi in their quest to increase CPUT research outputs.Nhlapo’s presentation centred around where CPUT is within the national system of innovation and should be in terms of research. He explained, “Universities should aspire to have at least 25% of their academic staff members rated by the NRF to be regarded as a research-intensive university and CPUT needs to work even harder in order to achieve this.” His office is currently putting strategies and operational plans in place to ensure that this happens.“We are encouraging young academics to be more involved in research and to pursue their PhD. There is sufficient support in our Research Office for people to continue with their research work.”Prof Christopher Vaughn from the Medical Research Council and University of Cape Town was a guest speaker and delivered a presentation on “How to get to an A-Rating and sustain it”.Among other tips given during Vaughn’s presentation, he encouraged researchers to never settle for local journals if there is a chance of making the pages of international publications. “Present your research at international conferences and ensure that your presentation is really great and that it will be remembered. It is vitally important to be visible in the scientific community,” he added.By:  Andiswa Dantile

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CPUT’s award-winning researcher Prof Phillip Lloyd will yet again make his mark this week when he presents at the Low Carbon Future – IRP2010 Conference in Johannesburg.

Lloyd is one of the presenters who will focus on South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan – dealing with the implications, challenges and coordinated strategies which need to be followed to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future in South Africa.

As his ongoing involvement in energy-related conferences and research continues apace, the South African National Energy Association (SANEA) last year awarded Lloyd their premier Energy Award, for “outstanding sustained contribution to the enhancement of the South African energy environment.” According to SANEA chairperson, Brian Statham, Lloyd’s tireless efforts in the energy field have benefitted thousands of South Africans. Lloyd in turn commended SANEA, saying, “It is good to see SANEA acknowledging people who contribute to a sustained and healthy energy sector,” he says.  “Energy is an extremely important parameter in the economy – without it, there wouldn’t be an economy at all!”

It’s certainly not the first time Lloyd’s scooped such prestigious recognition. In 2007, Lloyd’s contributions to carbon capture and storage were acknowledged by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) as sufficient for him to form part of the nominated Nobel Peace Prize team, together with former United States president Al Gore.

Lloyd joined CPUT’s Energy Technology Institute Unit as a Research Professor in 2009. Part of his work at CPUT is to investigate why paraffin stoves are so dangerous, resulting in horrific burns and thousands of shacks being destroyed by fires every year. Lloyd says: “There is a lot that is happening at CPUT. Involvements such as what we are busy with in our office help to remind people that CPUT is a place to be reckoned with. These things really raise the profile of our institution.”

By: Andiswa Dantile

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