One of Us - Athenkosi Bucwa

For Athenkosi Bucwa, working at CPUT is not just a job — it is a calling.

From his early days as a Residence Student Assistant to his current role as Residence Coordinator, Bucwa’s journey at the university spans more than 12 years.

Along the way he discovered his passion – working with students.

His dedication and commitment were recognised last year when he was announced as the winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Service Excellence delivered by Administrative and Support Staff.

“I was so shocked. When Prof Hay-Swemmer called my name, I was literally shaking. What I love most about my job is interacting with students. I see myself as a mentor to them.”

Born in Cape Town and raised in the Eastern Cape, Bucwa’s path to success was not without obstacles.

“I arrived in CPUT as a walk-in and the following week we were already writing exams. For my first semester, my marks were not good.

“So there was a delay in my academics for about a year which, when I look back, I realised that that delay was created by God because I do not know what I would have become in terms of my career had I passed in time and went out to industry. Maybe I would have not found my passion, which is to work with students.”

Over the years, Bucwa has served the university in many capacities — from Applications Office intern to departmental administrator, to Residence Coordinator.

He now works as Residence Coordinator at City Edge and, importantly to Bucwa, he sees mentorship to students as a crucial part of what he brings on board.

The father of three runs a programme for male students and says it began as a response to something he observed among male students: silence.

“We are taught that men don’t cry,” he explains. “So they bottle up a lot of things. And when you bottle up a lot of things, you end up misbehaving.”

The programme creates a safe space where male students can speak.

“We'll talk about matters affecting men. Often a boy child often feels neglected, so I use that opportunity to influence the men they become, also to influence society.”

This year he is launching a new initiative titled Charity Begins at Home. After asking students who completed their studies last year to donate clothes and shoes they no longer needed, he was overwhelmed by the response.

The plan is to distribute these to first-year students who may be facing financial hardship — but with dignity at the forefront. Students will wear masks during collection to ensure anonymity and protect their pride.

“I don’t want a student to miss class because they’re ashamed of wearing the same shirt every day,” he says. “You can’t solve everything. But the little you can do — do it.”

Bucwa is not only a mentor; he is also a forward-thinker.

He has introduced systems that make residence operations more efficient, including online occupancy lists and is determined to reduce paperwork and improve efficiency. He has championed digital solutions within residences.

Bucwa admits there have been difficult times in his career — moments that tested his resilience. But they have not diminished his commitment.

“Working for CPUT has been a dream,” he says. “I would love to grow in the institution, to influence more students, to continue this work.”

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za

*One of Us is a new monthly feature that celebrates the people who bring CPUT’s values to life. Each edition will spotlight a staff member whose work and everyday actions exemplify our shared commitment to oneness and smartness.