Launch of Research Chair in Oceans Economy
GROUNDBREAKING: The Research Chair in Ocean’s Economy is a first for South Africa and is held by marine biology expert, Prof Kenneth Findlay.
Thursday, 23 June 2016
The university has officially cemented its contribution to Operation Phakisa at the launch of its Research Chair in Ocean’s Economy and the signing of the MoU between CPUT and The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).
Operation Phakisa (meaning “hurry up” in Sesotho), is a South African government initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans by focusing on marine transport and manufacturing, aquaculture, marine protection services and ocean governance, offshore oil and gas exploration, coastal tourism and small harbour development.
By unlocking the economic potential of South Africa’s oceans, the government aims to address the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality in South Africa.
The Research Chair in Ocean’s Economy is a first for South Africa and is held by marine biology expert, Prof Kenneth Findlay.
Findlay says over the next few months he will establish the Research Chair at the Centre of Sustainable Oceans Economy, which will act as a nucleus to consolidate multidisciplinary research and technology-innovation efforts from the Faculties of Applied Sciences, Business and Management Sciences and Engineering.
Findlay says the Centre will focus its attention on ocean governance, a crucial area that will ensure the sustainable growth of the oceans economy.
The launch of the Research Chair was welcomed by the DEA, who will be working closely with Findlay and the multidisciplinary research over the next few years.
“CPUT has aligned its operations with that of the government and we commend you for that,” says Nosipho Ngcaba, the Director General of the DEA.
AGREEMENT: CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu and the Director General of the Department of Environmental Affairs, Nosipho Ngcaba, signing a MoU, that will see the institutions partner in various areas to ensure the development of the oceans economy.
The agreement between CPUT and the DEA will see the two institutions partner in the development of new technologies, research and capacity building, to ensure the development of the oceans economy.
CPUT Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prins Nevhutalu says universities are tasked with playing an active in the development of the country, and the establishment of the Research Chair and the MoU indicates CPUT’s commitment to this task.
Written by Candes Keating
Email: keatingc@cput.ac.za
Provides coverage for the Engineering and Applied Sciences Faculties; the Bellville and Wellington Campuses, and research and innovation news.
News categories
- Advancement 13
- Alumni 77
- Awards 42
- Campus Life 20
- Community Engagement 158
- Disability Unit 12
- Applied Sciences 93
- Business & Management Sciences 90
- Education 96
- Engineering & the Built Environment 131
- Health & Wellness Sciences 88
- Informatics & Design 69
- Fundani CHED 25
- Funding 19
- GBV 16
- Graduation 80
- HIV/Aids Unit 39
- Know Your CPUT 65
- Libraries 18
- News 3714
- RTIP 286
- Residences (Accommodation) 14
- Staff 629
- SIIP 38
- Students 1282
- Student Health 43
- Sport, Arts & Culture 112
- SRC 4
- Student Affairs 11
- University Leadership 17
- Varsity Shield 17
- Vice-Chancellor 24
- Work-Integrated Learning 21
- THENSA 10
Latest NEWS
Longstanding CPUT/ Odisee University partnership brings new opportunities
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Read more
Photo Credit: Iviwe Tom
SERVICES SETA restores dignity and opportunities
Tuesday, 09 June 2026
Read more
Photo Credit: Iviwe Tom
Nursing Science Department celebrates Nurses Day
Monday, 08 June 2026
Read more
