Creating platform for meaningful partnerships

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za